Cuddington homes refused by council (From Northwich Guardian)

Cuddington homes refused by council

8:30am Tuesday 26th February 2013 in News By Emma Rigby

PLANS to build up to 100 new homes in Cuddington have been knocked back by Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC).

The plans, put forward by Ashall Homes, would have seen up to 100 dwellings built on land bounded by Kennel Lane, Dalefords Lane and Chester Road.

But CWAC refused outline planning permission for the development last Monday after it was deemed to be a departure from the adopted local plan.

In a decision notice posted on CWAC’s planning website, Chris Hindle, head of planning and transport, said: “The proposal significantly encroaches into the open countryside to the south of the defined settlement which results in the creation of an urban area of size and scale considered to be unacceptable.

“The benefits of delivering housing are not considered to outweigh the negative impact upon the open character of the application site and village.”

Mr Hindle added: “The proposed development is considered to be contrary to policies GS5 and BE1 of the Adopted Vale Royal Borough Local Plan and the guidance contained in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).”

The development would have also caused ‘unacceptable harm’ to highway safety and would have impacted on the provision of public open space and local primary school places.

CWAC’s refusal came too late for Cuddington Parish Council to discuss the victory at their February meeting but council clerk Julie Chrimes said they are ‘obviously delighted’.

Ashall Homes now has the option of submitting an amended application or appealing the council’s decision.

Scott Ashall, director of Ashall Homes, said: “We are naturally disappointed with the decision, particularly given the dire shortage of housing in the Cheshire West and Chester borough. Our proposals would not only provide up to 100 much-needed new family houses, affordable homes and bungalows in a sustainable location, but would see a substantial number of jobs created in the local area.

“At this stage, we will carefully consider the council’s reasons for refusal, but we remain committed to engaging with the people of Sandiway and Cuddington and will work with council and local community to develop our plans further.”