Planning committee backs 86 homes on Kelsall farmland despite objections

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 7 Oct, 14:37 · Archive

Cheshire West and Chester planning committee has approved up to 86 properties on agricultural land at Green Lane Farm near Kelsall.

Cheshire West and Chester's planning committee approved the application on Tuesday, 6 October, for up to 86 properties on a site in Kelsall. The scheme involves the demolition of seven existing buildings, five for agricultural use and two residential, to make way for the new residential development. The farmhouse on the site will be retained. The site occupies nearly six acres of agricultural land at Green Lane Farm and the application was submitted by the farm's owners D O & L Blything & Sons.

The proposals included 30 per cent affordable housing. The plans received 49 letters of objection and 19 in support from the public.

Ward councillor Ted Lush called in the application, citing concerns that it lay outside Kelsall's settlement boundary, constituted 'encroachment into the countryside' and would blur settlement boundaries between Kelsall and Willington, causing 'harm to the character' of the area. Kelsall Parish Council also objected, noting that 33.8 hectares of sites around local villages had been submitted capable of accommodating 1,015 units, which it deemed unsustainable for a village with fewer than 1,500 households.

At the committee meeting held at Ellesmere Port library, parish councillor Claire Deruty raised specific concerns about congestion near the local primary school, traffic impacts and 'lack of planning' for sewers and drainage. She said the parish council was preparing its own neighbourhood plan to address housing targets, adding: 'We are well aware that our village can't deliver less housing than required by Government and local authority targets, however this application is poorly considered and is not the way to do it.'

Speaking in support, planning agent Jon Suckley said there was evidence of unmet housing need in the borough. The planning report had recommended approval, noting the scheme had been scaled down from earlier proposals.

How it is being reported

• Up to 450 new homes proposed for area of Chester with 45 per cent affordable housingTaylor Wimpey proposes up to 450 homes near Chester in Mollington, with 45 per cent affordable housing, open space and public consultation until November 1.Chester Standard · 7 Oct, 13:58
• Planners back proposals for dozens of new homes on farmlandCheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee met on Tuesday, October 6, where they rubber-stamped an application for up to 86 properties on a site in Kelsall.Northwich Guardian · 7 Oct, 11:18
• Planning chiefs back proposals for dozens of new homes on farmland near ChesterPLANNING chiefs have given their backing to dozens of new homes on farmland near a Cheshire village.Chester Standard · 7 Oct, 10:30
• Proposal for up to 80 homes on agricultural land is ‘logical extension’ to villageA land promoter seeking permission for up to 80 homes in the open countryside at Shavington says the site is ‘well placed to address the urgent shortfall in the council’s five-year housing land supply’.Northwich Guardian · 7 Oct, 10:26
• Councillors to rule on homes plan for farmland near Cheshire villageThe development would comprise of up to 86 propertiesCheshire Live · 6 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Kelsall · Cheshire West and Chester · Green Lane Farm · D O & L Blything & Sons · Ted Lush · Claire Deruty · Kelsall Parish Council

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem