PLANS for a new housing estate next to Crewe Green roundabout will be considered by councillors for a third time next week.

The application, originally for 151 homes and then for 149 on land off Sydney Road, has already been deferred twice by Cheshire East Council's strategic planning board for the scheme to be revised, despite being recommended for approval by the council's planning officers on both occasions.

Developer David Wilson Homes will be hoping it will be third time lucky for the now 146-home scheme, which is earmarked for the triangular-shaped site between Sydney Road and the A534.

The greenfield site is allocated in the local plan for around 150 homes and the principle of residential development has been established.

In a report due to go to the strategic planning board meeting next Wednesday (October 13), the council's planning officer states: "Amendments to design and layout of the proposal have been secured during the application.

"Following the deferral by strategic planning board the play area has been relocated to a more central position within the development.

"It is considered that the overall benefits of relocating the play area to an easily accessible position with an enlarged area of public open space at the centre of the site would in this case, outweigh issues arising from the siting of further dwellings alongside the main access road, and the slight shortfall in combined amenity green space and children's play space.

"The proposal provides the required amount of affordable housing with an appropriate mix of housing."

He added: "Furthermore the scheme has been reduced to an overall total of 146 units."

The plan is now for five one-bedroom homes, 21 two-bed, 88 three-bedroomed and 32 four-bedroom houses. Of these 44 will be affordable housing.

About 120 letters of objection were sent to the council from residents, interested parties and ward councillors regarding the original application.

Planning officers have recommended councillors approve the latest scheme.

The strategic planning board meeting is taking place at Crewe Municipal Buildings.