Plans for up to 120 homes in the green gap at Shavington have been recommended for approval, because Cheshire East doesn't have a five-year housing land supply.

The application site, in the open countryside west of Crewe Road and south of Gresty Lane, comprises 5.8 hectares of agricultural land.

Richborough Ltd is seeking outline permission for the homes, including 30 per cent affordable, with public open space, associated landscaping and a new access off Crewe Road.

A report from council planners to next week's meeting of Cheshire East's strategic planning board states: "The proposal would cause the loss of open countryside and a slight reduction in the Willaston/Rope/Shavington/Crewe strategic green gap.

"There would be adverse landscape impacts on the character and appearance of the area, however these impacts could be appropriately mitigated and limited by securing appropriate details of open space and landscaping at the reserved matters stage."

It also acknowledges: "The development of the site would also result in the loss of 'best and most versatile' agricultural land."

But it points out the council does not have a five-year supply of housing land 'which is a significant material consideration which weighs in favour of permitting the development'.

Cheshire East Council did have a five-year land supply until the government made changes to the national planning policy framework at the end of 2024.

Since the goalposts were moved, it now only has a 3.8-year supply.

The planning officer's report says there are a range of benefits that weigh in favour of the Shavington proposal.

It says: "The construction of up to 120 homes, including 36 affordable units is provided substantial weight."

It adds because the site is adjacent to the settlement boundary of Crewe it will be accessible to all the associated services in the area.

But, Shavington Parish Council arguesgreen gaps exist to prevent the merging of villages and to prevent urban sprawl and 'once green gap is lost, it cannot be replaced – it's gone forever'.

The parish council has called on Cheshire East to refuse the application stating: "The adverse impacts of the proposed development are numerous, demonstrable, and irreversible.

"It would undermine the distinct rural identity of the parish, strain already overburdened local services, compromise road safety, and breach multiple established planning policies."

More than 50 residents have also objected.

Among their many concerns are the increase in traffic, the lack of sufficient services such as GP surgeries, schools, police, and sewerage to cope with additional population, and the loss of strategic gap that separates Shavington and Crewe.

The application will be considered at Wednesday's (January 28) meeting of the strategic planning board which takes place at Crewe Municipal Buildings at 10.30am.

READ MORE: Local motorists fume over 'third world' road conditions as council responds.

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