Planning inspector says no to housing plans in Sandiway

Ashall Homes had submitted an application for the houses on land bordered by Kennel Lane, Chester Road and Dalefords Lane, but these plans were rejected in February.

Cheshire West and Chester Council refused the proposals on the grounds that they were a departure from the adopted local plan.

Ashall Homes appealed against this decision, the appeal was heard in October and the planning inspector David Cullingford dismissed the appeal this month.

In his decision notice he said: “I consider that there are policies and impediments demonstrating clearly and convincingly that this scheme should be prevented.

“I find that it would result in severe and irrevocable damage to the landscape, the countryside and the character of this clear edge to the settlement.”

He did stress that Cheshire West and Chester does have a shortfall in its five-year housing supply but that the need for more homes, including affordable homes, in the area was outweighed by the negative impact of this scheme.

He said: “In balancing that damage against the benefits identified, I find that the housing land shortfall is district-wide and that the damage due to the proposal would be irrevocable and irreversible.

“In the particular circumstances of this case, I consider such damage significantly and demonstrably outweighs the presumption in favour of sustainable development that would otherwise pertain.

“Hence, and in spite of considering all the other matters raised, I find nothing sufficiently compelling to alter my conclusion that this appeal should be dismissed.”