Hundreds of new homes proposed for an open countryside site at Wistaston could be built within five years of planning permission being granted, the applicant has said.

Harworth Group PLC has submitted an outline application for residential development and a neighbourhood centre on a 44-hectare site to the east of Middlewich Road.

Issues such as design and layout will be considered at the later reserved matters stage if the outline permission is granted.

A planning statement submitted by Turley on behalf of the applicant, states: "It is anticipated that the site could accommodate up to 660 dwellings, including 30 per cent affordable housing."

It says the proposed development would also include a neighbourhood centre, mobility home, and a 60-bed care home.

"Significant areas of public open space are also proposed, with large parts of the site kept free from development and new active travel routes provided through the site," says the planning document.

"This includes the maintenance of the existing public right of way.

"The public open space will be provided, maintained and managed in perpetuity at no expense to the public.

"A new three-arm roundabout will be provided on Wistaston Green Road, which will provide access to the site.

"An emergency access on Wistaston Green Road will also be provided."

The application site, which comprises several fields, is located within the strategic green gap and the open countryside.

The planning statement says: "Whilst some elements of policy conflict is acknowledged, it is highly material that Cheshire East Council do not have an up-to-date local plan and have a large shortfall in housing land supply measured against its minimum five-year target.

"Accordingly, the policies most important for determining the scheme are deemed out of date and… the presumption in favour of sustainable development is engaged."

Wistaston 660 Home Scheme Illustrative visual of how the scheme could look (Turley, from planning docs)

The applicant says the site represents an exciting opportunity to create a sustainable community within an attractive landscape framework.

"It will be a mixed-use, vibrant and inclusive neighbourhood, providing a wide range of family and affordable homes in a socially active and beautiful place for all to enjoy and live within," says the planning document.

It adds: "The proposed development will provide 21 hectares of public open space, including children's play space, provision of new and enhancements to existing footways/tracks and cycleways, including an ecological dark corridor to support biodiversity."

At the time of writing, 15 representations have been sent to Cheshire East Council, mostly objecting to the application.

Wistaston Parish Council has objected on several grounds and says: "The spread of urbanisation is destroying the character of Wistaston…

"The site is a haven for wildlife including woodland and a pool which should not be disturbed and left for nature to prosper."

It adds: "New developments should be focused on the brownfield sites within Crewe which have been derelict for many years."

Objections from residents include the impact on the 'already congested' road network, local schools and doctors' surgeries as well as the impact of about four years of construction.

The application, number 25/2639/OUT, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council's website.

The last date for submitting comments is August 20 and the application is due to be determined by the strategic planning board at a date yet to be decided.