PLANS to build two new estates in Cheshire consisting of nearly 500 homes have been submitted after councillors voted to remove the land from the protected Green Belt.
Developer Redrow was eyeing proposals to build 441 properties on 52 acres of farmland north of Derby Road, Widnes, as well as a further 52 properties nearby on a five acre plot to the south of South Lane.
The company also launched a consultation with local residents to gather their views.
The land was then protected by the Green Belt, which acts as a buffer by preventing certain types of development in order to counter urban sprawl. Some local residents hit out at the plans at the time, raising fears over increased pressure on local infrastructure.
But last month Full Council voted to approve a new Delivery and Allocations Local Plan (DALP), a document which sets out the borough’s future planning strategy up to 2037. It removed the land from the Green Belt and earmarked it for residential development.
Redrow has now officially submitted plans for the estates to the council’s planning department, with residents having until May 5 to have their say.
The first estate would consist of 441 properties ranging in size from one to five bedrooms. A total of 20 per cent of the housing will be classed as ‘affordable’ one and two bed properties.
A design and access statement submitted in support, said: “The scheme utilises the development area in the most efficient way and still provides excellent quality spacious living and striking street scenes. Redrow consider that the result is a high quality, well considered scheme that responds positively to its setting.
“By enhancing the area, creating additional character and an aspirational place to live that will benefit the local area by responding to the local housing needs and demand.”
The second site will be on a five acre open field and consists of 52 homes, with 10 being classed as affordable. All will range in size from one to five bedrooms.
A separate design and access statement, added: “There is something for everyone and therefore creating a more socially and sustainable and inclusive development.”
Comments can be left on the council’s planning portal here and entering the following case numbers.
22/00178/FUL
22/00179/FUL
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