A developer is planning to submit two applications for up to 400 new homes in the open countryside at Crewe.

Seddon Homes (SHL) wants to build the estates, one comprising up to 300 homes and the other up to 100, on land off Sydney Road.

The sites are designated as open countryside and strategic green gap in Cheshire East's local plan.

The two proposed sites, 'A' and 'B,' in total cover about 27 hectares (CEC Planning).

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening report prepared by WSP on behalf of the applicant, says "SHL aim is to work with Cheshire East Council to deliver a sustainable well-designed residential development east of Crewe town centre that incorporates up to 400 new homes, high quality public space and landscaping."

Seddon has requested the council provides a formal screening opinion to confirm whether there is a requirement for an EIA in respect of the proposed schemes.

EIAs consider the environmental effects of major development proposals and help councils decide whether to grant planning permission.

The developer says an outline application will be submitted for up to 300 homes on land off Sydney Road.

It will be accompanied by a full application for up to 100 dwellings on neighbouring land off Sydney Road.

The two sites in total cover about 27 hectares.

The report reads: "The sites are adjacent existing residential development and form a logical extension to the built-up area of Crewe contained by existing development to the south and west and the bypass (A534) along eastern boundary."

The northern access point for 'Site A' (100 homes), will be via the Seddon Homes 'Pavillions' development (Ryan Parker).

It says two access points are proposed from Sydney Road.

"The northern access point will be via the existing Seddon Homes 'The Pavilions' development into site A [100 home development]," says the report.

"A second access point will be created slightly northwards of Fields Farm farm track into site B."

The possibility of a third access point onto the bypass is also being explored along the eastern boundary.

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