Plans to build new homes at a "land-locked" site in Crewe have been recommended for approval, despite two previous applications being refused.

Anwyl Partnerships wants to build the homes on land off Sydney Road in the open countryside, where there is a presumption against new residential development.

Cheshire East's planning officers have recommended members of the southern planning committee approve the scheme on Wednesday 30 August.

The proposal is for three bungalows, 16 one-bed apartments, 14 two-bed dwellings, and 12 three-bedroom houses, on a 'land-locked' site, off Sydney Road (Ryan Parker).

They say although the application is a departure from the development plan, 'other material considerations are acceptable and outweigh the identified policy conflict'.

The proposal is for three bungalows, 16 one-bed apartments, 14 two-bed dwellings, and 12 three-bedroom houses.

Access into the site will be gained from Sydney Road, between two existing houses.

A report from the council's planning officer due to go to the upcoming meeting, states: "The site is an essentially land-locked site and no longer forms part of the functional open countryside.

"It is contained by existing residential development, the railway line and Sydney Road Bridge, and also future development which has been approved beyond the railway line to the east.

"The development would provide significant social benefits in terms of affordable housing through the provision of a 100% affordable housing scheme.

"It would also provide economic benefits through the provision of employment during the construction phase, new homes and benefits for local businesses."

Access into the site will be gained from Sydney Road, between two existing houses (Ryan Parker).

Two previous applications from different developers for the same site had been recommended for approval by planning officers in 2017 and 2019 but were refused by councillors at committee.

The most recent of these, for 40 affordable homes, was refused because members considered the harm to the open countryside was not outweighed by the benefits of the development.

It was a believed its 'poor layout and design resulting in the lack of satisfactory opportunities for children's play'.

The planning officer's report states: "This [latest] application seeks to address the reasons for the refusal of a previous application.

"In particular, the proposals include an increase in the number of smaller units and bungalows across the site suitable for older people and young families.

"The revised design approach also provides an area of public open space including a play area running centrally through the site and which is visible from the site entrance."

Crewe Town Council has objected to the proposal for a number of reasons.

Cheshire East's planning officers have recommended members of the southern planning committee approve the Crewe housing scheme on Wednesday 30 August (Ryan Parker).

The Cheshire East officer's report says: "Revised plans and additional information have been received during the application process in response to issues raised by the council.

"This has been predominantly in relation to ecology, drainage, public open space/playscape and for compliance with national space and accessibility standards."

Fourteen nearby residents have objected, listing 53 reasons they think the scheme should be refused.

These include claims the amended plans have not addressed previous concerns, with no reduction in the number of properties or improvements to the access.

They also believe the proposal represents overdevelopment of the site and it is intrusive into the open countryside.

The planning officer has recommended the scheme be approved, stating: "The development is of an acceptable layout and design which accords with the principles of the Cheshire East Design Guide.

Fourteen nearby residents have objected, listing 53 reasons they think the Crewe housing scheme should be refused (Ryan Parker).

"It would not have a harmful impact on the local highway network or highway safety and would not adversely affect the amenities of nearby properties or highway safety."

The southern planning committee meeting takes place at 10am on Wednesday, August 30, at Crewe Municipal Buildings.

READ MORE: New shop plans to open until 2am close to Crewe Railway Station.

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