Land release approved to build 34 new homes
PLANS to build 34 affordable homes have moved a step forward after the council decided to hand over pockets of land for the development.
Social housing landlord Peaks and Plains Housing Trust has been in talks with Cheshire East council about building 34 homes – for affordable rent – on nine locations on the Weston estate in Macclesfield.
The first five homes have been completed on Earlsway.
But the Trust has needed the release of six parcels of council-owned land adjoining areas already owned by Peaks and Plains.
The council has now decided to hand over the land at Tenby Road, Barnard Close, Warwick Road, Tennyson Close, Somerton Road and Ivy House Garages to allow the development to go ahead.
The authority has charged a nominal fee of £1 for the land because it will help the town achieve the number of affordable homes it needs.
The Trust has planning permission for six of the sites, but will still need to get planning approval for three plots of land on Tenby Road, Barnard Closer and Tennyson Close.
Coun Alift Harewood, Cheshire East councillor for Macclesfield West and Ivy who lives on the Wes- ton, said: “There were earlier plans for more homes by Peaks and Plains but this has now been reduced to the 34.
“We cannot take them all on the Weston estate, we are already living cheek to jowel.
“But we do need more affordable homes and releasing these pockets of land have to be included so it’s a good way to build the homes we need.”
Council documents state there are 1,066 people on the waiting list asking for affordable accommodation in Macclesfield and of these 1,018 have asked for housing on the Weston estate.
Nigel Bennett, assistant director of partnerships at Peaks and Plains, said: “Cheshire East’s decision to release the land pro- vides a major boost for our development plans and we hope to start delivering the remaining properties later this year.”
The building has prompted concerns about overcrowding on the estate.
Christina Webb on the Express Facebook page said houses should be built in others parts of Macclesfield.
She said: “Cram more houses on to an estate which is already overcrowded and use up what little green space is available. We want diversity of housing on estates not the same.”
Carole Poyser also posted on Facebook: “Should be looking after the ones they already have and keeping a bit of green space.”