Battle to resume over plans for 232 homes
BATTLE lines are set to be redrawn over controversial proposals for a huge housing estate in Macclesfield.
A reserved matters application has been submitted for 232 homes on land between Chelford Road and Pexhill Road, near Broken Cross, on behalf of Redrow Homes and Jones Homes.
Outline approval has already been given and this second application is to agree specific details of the scheme.
It is part of proposals to build more than 400 new homes in the area, which have met with huge opposition.
Existing residents - backed by ward, town and parish councillors - say increased traffic, consequent air pollution, loss of green area and effect on wildlife are all reasons to stop the development going ahead. And there is now another chance for people to make representations after the reserved matters application was lodged.
Deadline for these is January 8 with a decision by Cheshire East Council expected in late February or early March 2020.
The application, which the developers say follows six months of talks with the council, shows properties ranging from one to five bedrooms and a mix of flats, terraced, semi and detached homes.
John Cooper, land director at Redrow Homes, says benefits of the scheme include onsite open space with a play area, a pedestrian and cycle link and enhancements to nearby Cock Wood.
Also a traffic regulation order to reduce speed on Pexhill Road.
He said: “Planning a development of this size requires close collaboration not only between ourselves and our partners Jones Homes, but also with the local authority.
“There are shops, schools and other services locally, making this a very sustainable place for new housing.
“Our section 106 commitments to local infrastructure, schools and hospitals, will be important in ensuring the new homes integrate with the community and we will be helping to meet housing need.”
Redrow and Jones hope to begin work on site before the end of next year.
Although the developers say the land is allocated for housing in the local plan, the proposals for 400 homes attracted objections from 270 existing households.
Macclesfield councillor Nick Mannion, executive member for environment and regeneration, said: “It has to go through a full strategic planning board.
“It has got permission in principle, this is about the details, they have to build something appropriate and sustainable.
“It is the chance for residents to have a say and I would encourage them to read what is proposed very carefully and submit comments. There are a lot of concerns, I plan to speak at the meeting on behalf of residents.”