Inquiry to decide on homes near telescope

A PLANNING inquiry will be held into a plan for housing which is feared could threaten scientific work at Jodrell Bank.

A government inspector will look at proposals by Gladman Developments for 119 homes off Main Road, Goostrey, which is within two miles of the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank observatory.

Cheshire East refused the plans last year on grounds including that it might have a detrimental impact on the telescope.

Scientists fear increased radio interference from the homes – through things like electricity lines and mobile phones – would limit the telescope’s ability to pick up electromagnetic signals from space.

Gladman appealed the refusal and now a planning inspector will hear evidence at an inquiry before writing a report for Secretary of State for Communities, Greg Clark, to make the final decision.

David Johnson, a Goostrey resident fighting the proposal, said: “Our aim is to save the future of our most proud regional scientific and cultural asset, a national icon and internationally critical scientific asset.”

Gladman did not respond to a request for a comment.

The inquiry starting on May 17, 10am at The Stanneylands Hotel, Wilmslow, is estimated to last for six days.