Crewe: 20-home scheme unanimously approved following delay

The site off David Whitby Way is adjacent to Crotia Mill Farm, and is part of a wider outline planning permission for a mixed use residential and commercial development, including up to 325 homes, which was approved in December 2016.

Three years ago, Cheshire East approved a reserved matters application for 305 of the 325 homes proposed by Taylor Wimpey – excluding this site so further discussions regarding the detail of the layout and design could take place because of its proximity to Crotia Mill.

The mill site is currently subject to a planning application being brought forward by another developer and it had been hoped there could be a jointly designed scheme.

But the strategic planning board was told yesterday (Wednesday) this was not practical and because of the timescale this scheme for 20 two, three and four-bedroom homes should now be considered on its own.

Cllr Steve Edgar (Image: Cheshire East Council) Cllr Steve Edgar (Haslington, Con) raised concerns about pepper-potting because 15 of the 20 homes are affordable and he felt they should be spread more throughout the entire site.

Cllr Stewart Gardiner (Con) agreed but said because Homes England was involved in the scheme, the development was providing more affordable homes than it otherwise would have done.

The Knutsford councillor, who later moved the application be approved, also welcomed the design of the scheme.

Cllr Stewart Gardiner (Image: Cheshire East Council) He added: “I’m disappointed that we don't have both sites here for us to consider.

“I am assured by the officer that there is no prejudice to the Crotia Mill site by the proposal put forward.”

Cllr Gardiner was also unhappy the scheme proposed gas boilers as the means of heating the properties.

The move to approve was seconded by committee chair Brian Puddicombe (Lab) and the application was unanimously approved, with conditions.