Residents continue to fight green belt homes
RESIDENTS battling the council over a proposed housing development on green belt land are preparing for a decision.
Dozens of objections have been made to the plans for 10 homes off Dark Lane, Gawsworth, submitted by Engine of the North – an arm’slength company of Cheshire East Council.
As well as petition of around 70 signatures, Gawsworth Parish Council is also against the proposals – as is MP David Rutley.
Concerns include the loss of green belt and countryside, highway safety on the nearby A536, the forfeiting of agricultural land, and even the impact on Jodrell Bank’s telescopes.
The application will be ruled on by a council planning committee on December 4 – a date put back from the original schedule of Wednesday, November 6.
Among the objectors, which include Save Gawsworth Green Belt group, is Linda Miller, who said: “The applicants have failed to answer adequately the concerns of the community and still insist on pushing this to the planning committee for approval.
“Despite the valid and robust objections lodged by the local community it appears that these objections have been brushed aside.
“A lot of people are uncomfortable that this development is on council-owned land, is by a council-owned company and will be decided by the council.”
The land leased to although it owned.
Eight of the 10 homes would be affordable houshas been a farmer is council ing. Mr Rutley said: “I am aware that Cheshire East Council wishes to address the requirement for affordable housing but given the limited access to public transport and local services I do not believe this is an appropriate site.
“I have strong concerns about the current lack of speed enforcement on the A536 and particularly in the vicinity of the Gawsworth crossroads.”
A report submitted by agents for the development Frost Planning says: “The reason for this planning application is to provide much-needed affordable housing in this area
“The highway mitigation and improvement measures will ensure safe access for future residents and improve existing access
“The physical impact of the development on the local landscape is very limited due to the sympathetic layout, limited massing, extensive new landscaping, and the appropriate overall detailed design.
“The proposal constitutes sustainable development.
“It accords with the development plan.”