Councillors and campaigners in Wistaston are celebrating after an appeal won by Gladman Developments to build 300 homes was overturned by the Government.
Gladman wanted to build the homes on land known as Witters Field, off Church Lane, Wistaston, but were initially refused by Cheshire East Council.
Planning inspector John Chase gave them permission after he overturned the decision after a public inquiry.
But the Secretary of State for Local Government has overruled the Planning Inspectorate, dismissed the appeal and refused planning permission because of the impact on the ‘Green Gap’.
Campaigners for Hands Off Wistaston had worked with Cllr Margaret Simon and Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson MP, to fight the plans.
They had collected signatures for a petition which was presented to Cheshire East Council (pictured)
Cllr Simon (pictured, right) said: “This is absolutely brilliant news for the people of Wistaston.
“The prospect of having up to 300 new homes built on Witters Field did not bear thinking about.
“Witters Field means so much to residents, they have enjoyed its open aspect for dog walking and recreation for generations.
“I am so pleased that after all our joint campaigning efforts the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, has come down on the side of the people of Wistaston.
“He acknowledges that the Crewe and Nantwich Green Gaps are important and should be retained. Everyone who I have spoken to about this victory is absolutely delighted.”
Hands off Wistaston spokesperson Peter Wainwright praised villagers for their two-year fight to stop the plans.
“I cannot heap enough praise on everyone who has fought so hard to have this application rejected.
“This really is a massive victory against all the odds. The Secretary of State has come up trumps acknowledging the value of our Green Gaps.”
Mr Timpson said: “I am delighted to receive this news, which will come as a huge relief to the hundreds of campaigners who have fought hard for this victory.
“I have supported them at every stage, working with councillors Margaret Simon and Jacqui Weatherill and the Hands Off Wistaston Group.
“I have lobbied the Secretary of State for Local Government to ensure he has heard the concerns of my constituents, and his decision clearly shows he has listened.
“The Planning Inspectorate didn’t make the right call, and not for the first time.
“I would like to pay tribute to the collective effort of Wistaston residents that has seen off this unwanted attempt to spoil our countryside.”
In its verdict in overturning the inspectorate, the Department for Communities and Local Government said: “The Secretary of State considers the lack of 5-year housing land supply and the contribution it would make to increasing supply weights significantly in favour of the appeal.
“However, the Secretary of State considers the adverse impacts of the appeal proposal, especially in terms of the conflict with policy NE4 and the permanent loss of this Green Gap in advance of the conclusion of the CELP, would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against the policies in the Framework taken as a whole.”
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