Plan for homes and new flats facing rejection

AN APPLICATION to bulldoze a house in Poynton and build two detached homes and a block of six apartments on the site, has been recommended for refusal.

A previous scheme to build three detached houses together with flats on the same site at 64 Dickens Lane was dismissed at appeal in July last year.

This latest application has been ‘called-in’ by ward councillor Mike Sewart to be determined by the northern planning committee, rather than by an officer under delegated authority.

In his call-in letter, Cllr Sewart said: “The application presents only a minor reduction compared with (the application) which was refused on appeal.

“The key objection of residents is the inclusion of apartments.”

Abode Property Development is the company behind the plans, to which Poynton Town Council has objected, listing 19 reasons.

These include that the proposal is an inappropriate form of development on this site, it is ‘unneighbourly’, would be unduly dominant, cause an unacceptable loss of light and is backland development without proper road frontage.

Residents have sent 76 letters of objection to Cheshire East Council.

These cite objections including the site is on a blind bend on a busy road for schools and the apartments would severely encroach on privacy.

Also that the development would increase the flood risk and is too big for the site.

In a report to a meeting of the northern planning committee, the council’s planning officer states: “Following the recent appeal decision for a similar proposal, the inspector’s comments have been reflected in a revised design, layout and number of dwellings that seeks to address previous reasons for refusal.

“However, the proposals would have a harmful effect on the amenity of future and existing occupiers as a result of overlooking and a loss of privacy.”

The application is recommended for refusal.

The northern planning committee meeting takes place at Macclesfield Town

Hall on Wednesday, August 10.