170-homes plan in Willaston to be “refused” by planners

Planners are recommending a bid to build 170 homes on land in Willaston, Nantwich, is rejected.

But Cheshire East Council has been criticised for a delay in making the decision on the plans which are set to go to appeal.

The proposal by Richborough Estates is to build 170 houses on land bounded by Moorfields and Wistaston Road, Willaston.

It is due to be discussed at a Cheshire East Strategic Planning Board on April 2.

Councillors on the Board are “recommended to be minded to refuse” the application because it is in open countryside and in the Green Gap.

But because the application was not decided in the statutory 56-day period, developers have already appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.

Willaston and Rope Cllr Brian Silvester said: “I am very disappointed Cheshire East Council has not decided this application in the required time and as a result it is to be decided by the Appeal Inspector.

“This has happened several times recently and is not acceptable.

“It would have been far better if the decision had been made by Cheshire councillors who know the area rather than a distant and remote Inspector who doesn’t.”

Scores of residents have lodged objections to the plans, which many fear will impact on open countryside, and lead to further congestion on traffic chaos on roads in Willaston village.

“These are already congested and dangerous now at peak times,” added Cllr Silvester.

“Parking is already a nightmare for many Willaston residents, particularly in the Wistaston Road area.

“Recently some buses had to divert from the centre of the village because the congestion is so bad they cannot get through with the bus.

“To have over 340 more cars a day added to the traffic movements can only lead to further highway congestion, more parking problems,add to the accident numbers and the pollution concerns.”

Other objections include extra pressures on school, NHS and other local services.

A public inquiry into the proposal could be held later in the year of the Planning Inspectorate upholds the developer’s appeal.