A developer’s bid to build 104 houses in Nantwich, which was supported by Brine Leas School, has been refused by Cheshire East Council.
Wainhomes North West wanted permission to build 104 homes off Audlem Road, and free up extra land for Brine Leas for future expansion.
The plan was supported by Brine Leas headteacher Andrew Cliffe who has plans to develop the school and provide extra facilities.
However campaigners and residents had objected to the proposals over fears of loss of green space, impact on traffic and local services.
Members of the Strategic Planning Board today (November 18) voted unanimously to reject the plan for access and highways reasons.
Brine Leas headteacher Mr Cliffe said: “The decision is very disappointing.”
Pat Cullen, of Protect Stapeley, said: “It seems common sense prevailed at the planning meeting and the application for 60 more houses (in addition to the 40 houses already with permission), was unanimously refused.
“Wainhomes has every right to appeal against the decision but I would ask Wainhomes to listen to local people and listen to the councillors on the planning board and build the houses for which they have permission.
“After all, Nantwich doesn’t need more 4 and 5 bedroom executive houses, it needs smaller houses for first time buyers and for older people to downsize at an affordable price.”
Cllr Peter Groves, for Nantwich South and Stapeley, said: “Wainhomes already has permission to build up to 40 homes on land behind 144 Audlem Road.
“No doubt after this decision they will consider their position on whether to take it further.
“I know Pat Cullen at Protect Stapeley and other residents have done a great deal to highlight this issue.”
Wainhomes North West has permission to build 40 homes on land (pictured) to the south of Brine Leas School playing fields.
But the company and Brine Leas devised a new plan which aimed to offer that land to Brine Leas for expansion if it could get permission for more homes on land further south.
Brine Leas headteacher Andrew Cliffe had objected to Wainhomes’ original application to build 40 homes, which the company won permission for on appeal in August 2014.
But he wrote to Cheshire East Council setting out the need for future expansion, and backing the new plan.
Previously, Mr Cliffe has said: “I see this alternative as a last opportunity for a logical expansion site for the school before the permitted houses are built.”
He said school expansion could include a new all weather sport facility, and new two-storey buildings which could accommodate growing pupil numbers.
Nantwich town councillors and Stapeley Parish councillors wrote to Cheshire East airing their concern over traffic impact if plans for 104 homes were passed.
Excellent news that Cheshire East has refused this application. May it be upheld.