Countryside housing developments approved despite planning policy concerns

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 16:02 · Archive

Two countryside housing schemes near Chester have been approved following changes in national planning policy, despite local opposition.

Two countryside housing schemes near Chester have received planning approval despite local opposition and concerns from parish councils and residents.

Cheshire West and Chester approved an outline application for up to 27 properties on a 3.5-acre field south of Tarporley Road in Duddon. The scheme would include 19 houses at market rates and eight for social, affordable or intermediate rent, meeting the 30 per cent affordable housing requirement. The council's urban design officer initially objected to the plans before they were revised.

Meanwhile, Cheshire East recommended approval for 18 homes at Bunbury. Edgefold Homes proposes to demolish existing buildings west of Bunbury Lane and replace them with market homes and 30 per cent affordable housing. The site already has permission for 20 'first homes' granted on appeal in 2024. Bunbury Parish Council and Spurstow Parish Council objected on grounds including overdevelopment, highway safety and flooding risks. Spurstow Parish Council stated that Long Lane 'has historically flooded reducing it to single lane' and expressed concern the development would worsen this.

Ninety-five letters of objection were submitted regarding the initial Bunbury proposal for 20 homes, with concerns raised about road narrowing and lack of housing needs assessment.

How it is being reported

• Village homes proposal recommended for approval despite strong oppositionPlans to build 18 homes in the open countryside at Bunbury have been recommended for approval despite strong opposition from residents and two parish councils.Northwich Guardian · 16 Oct, 15:23
• Plans for dozens of new homes in countryside near Chester approvedPLANS for dozens of new homes in countryside near Chester which would ‘not normally’ have been approved have been given the go-ahead following changes in national planning policy.Chester Standard · 15 Oct, 11:23

In this story: Chester · Cheshire West and Chester · Bunbury · Duddon · Cheshire East · Edgefold Homes · Becky Posnett

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