The Southern Planning Committee of Cheshire East Council scheduled a meeting to discuss several planning applications and an update to a Section 106 agreement¹. The meeting was set to address proposals ranging from residential developments to commercial extensions, considering factors such as local plan policies, environmental impact, and community feedback.

Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to review three planning applications:

Land off Bridge Street, Wybunbury

The committee was to look at an application for permission in principle for building up to six new homes on land off Bridge Street in Wybunbury. This application had been deferred from a previous meeting to allow for a site visit.

The key considerations included:

• Whether the location of the proposed development, outside the Wybunbury Infill Village Boundary Line, conflicted with the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy (CELPS) policy PG6 and Wybunbury Combined Neighbourhood Plan (WCPNP) policy H1.
• The sustainability of the site's location, considering access to local services and transport links.
• The efficient use of land, with regards to the density of the proposed housing.
• The impact on the character and appearance of the area, including the potential loss of rural character and the effect on important views.
• The impact on trees and hedgerows, including those protected by a Tree Preservation Order.
• Ecological considerations, including the proximity to Wybunbury Moss, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Ramsar site².
• The impact on nearby heritage assets, including the Wybunbury Conservation Area and scheduled ancient monuments.

Councillor Janet Clowes had requested that the application be brought before the committee, raising concerns about the site's location in the open countryside, its impact on the rural character of the village, and the lack of identified local need for the proposed housing. Wybunbury Parish Council also objected to the application, citing similar concerns, as well as potential highway and flooding issues.

Morrisons Petrol Filling Station, Nantwich

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the demolition of an existing car wash and an extension to the Morrisons petrol filling station on Station Road in Nantwich. The proposal included two food-to-go counters, an EV charging zone, and associated works.

The key issues for consideration were:

• The principle of the development, considering its location within the Nantwich Town Centre Boundary and its classification as a main town centre use.
• The potential impact on health, considering the proximity to schools and the potential for the proposal to encourage unhealthy eating.
• The design and impact on built heritage, considering the site's location adjacent to the Nantwich Conservation Area and Grade II listed buildings.
• The impact on amenity, including noise, odour, and air quality.
• Highway safety and access, considering potential traffic congestion and pedestrian safety.

Councillor Priest had requested that the application be brought before the committee, raising concerns about increased traffic, pollution, and the promotion of unhealthy eating. Objections were also received from local residents and Sustainable Nantwich, citing similar concerns, as well as the potential impact on local businesses and the character of the town.

136 Richmond Road, Crewe

The committee was to discuss an application concerning 136 Richmond Road, Crewe, where the applicant sought permission to rebuild and renovate the existing rear storage space to create a one-bedroom flat with an ensuite bathroom.

The key issues were:

• Whether the proposal would have an adverse impact on on-street car parking levels.
• Whether the proposal would ensure an adequate standard of residential amenity for future occupiers.
• Whether the proposal would be in keeping with the character and appearance of the property and the local area.

Councillor Hazel Faddes had requested that the application be brought before the committee, raising concerns about the impact on street parking, the amenity of occupants, and the design of the proposed development. Crewe Town Council also objected to the application, citing concerns about overdevelopment, loss of amenity, and the impact on local infrastructure.

Section 106 Agreement Update

The committee was scheduled to review an update to the Section 106 agreement for planning application 24/2497C, concerning land at John Morley Importers Limited on Morley Drive in Congleton. The application involves the demolition of existing buildings and the regeneration of the site to provide a care home, 53 retirement living apartments, and 14 houses.

The update addressed a correction to the formula used to calculate the public open space (POS) contribution, which was incorrectly based on a rate of £2,250 per bed space in apartments instead of the correct rate of £1,125 per bed space for supported living. The amendment also accounted for the provision of open space on site.

The revised calculations resulted in a reduction of £62,191.84 in the total contributions, but ensured compliance with the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Regulations³.