'People power' beats affordable home plans for Wincham green belt (From Northwich Guardian)

'People power' beats affordable home plans for Wincham green belt

12:40pm Tuesday 26th February 2013 in News By Emma Rigby

THE rejection of affordable housing on green belt land in Wincham has been hailed ‘people power at its best’ by ward councillor Malcolm Byram.

Mosaic Town Planning, on behalf of MCI Developments, submitted an application to Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) last April to create 17 homes on land off Linnards Lane.

Despite being recommended for approval, CWAC’s strategic planning committee refused the application last July.

Applicants MCI Developments lodged an appeal against the council’s decision on the grounds that there is a need for affordable housing in the locality.

But at a hearing at Wyvern House last month, concerned residents, parish councillors and ward members convinced the planning inspectorate that the development was not right for the site, with inspector Keith Manning deciding to dismiss the appeal on February 5.

CWAC Clr Malcolm Byram, ward member for Marbury, said: “The result was due to local people ably assisted by the parish council who both spoke at the planning hearing.

“When the appeal hearing was held the number of local people attending was impressive.

“The applicant asked for costs which to me indicated an air of confidence in the outcome which, as you now know, the inspector ruled against.

“The result of this planning application was people power at its best.”
Clr Peter O’Halloran, chairman of Wincham Council, said the future of the field can now be discussed.

He said: “I’m really proud of the work and effort the local residents have put in helping us, the parish council and our ward representatives, protect this area of green belt land.

“Those same residents will now be working with us to try and secure the field for the use of the village.

“Hopefully together we can create a great space for the benefit of the community.”