A DEVELOPMENT consisting of 100 per cent affordable housing in Shavington has been unanimously refused planning permission by Cheshire East councillors.

The plans would have seen 40 homes built on land off Newcastle Road.

They were recommended for refusal by the council's planners and councillors at today's southern planning committee refused two applications for the build by Key Worker Homes

They cited the loss of open countryside as well as there being no '"up-to-date" housing need assessment carried out demonstrating a requirement for affordable homes in the area.

Shavington ward Cllr David Marren said: "I think the officers have been very clear as to why this should be refused.

"It is located within the open countryside. The proposed development results in a loss of countryside, and there is no up-to-date housing need survey.

"Even if there had been, the development exceeds the number of units allowed of 10 [to circumvent open countryside rules].

"The only change to this application is that this one is four dwellings fewer. It would be inconsistent to allow this one and block [another]."

Cllr Marren referenced the fact that this application is a re-submission of another failed bid to construct 44 affordable houses on the site back in August 2019.

Along with a loss of open countryside, reasons for refusal include the scheme's impact on nearby bat populations, poor design and layout and a lack of open space provision.