WORK is due to start in the new year on a major roads and housing scheme in the north west of Crewe.

More than 1,200 homes will be built after a new road network has bene laid to improve connectivity between the Leighton area and the rest of the town in what is dubbed the 'North West Crewe Package'.

Cheshire East Council says the schemes support the delivery of a sustainable community which will include new local services, allotments, walking and cycle links as well as outdoor sports and recreation facilities and a new school.

It is part of an extensive strategic site development for Leighton, as part of the council's approved Local Plan Strategy.

The authority's strategic planning board gave outline planning approval for the two separate housing schemes on November 18.

Engine of the North Ltd plans on building 400 homes and infrastructure on land and open space off Minshull New Road. While up to 850 homes, a new primary school and local centre is planned by Bloor Homes and Galifford Try Partnership on land off Minshull New Road/Flowers Lane.

The road scheme, which will see 1.8 miles of new road built, together with roundabouts and access routes, is aimed at easing congestion in the area and improving access to Leighton Hospital and Bentley Motors' growing campus.

Planning consent for the proposed highways network was granted in 2019.

The range of new housing will include two, three and four-bedroom homes and apartments - some of which will be affordable housing - as well as new highway and pedestrian links to the existing community.

Cllr Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council deputy leader with responsibility for strategic infrastructure, said: "The whole project is evidence of our commitment to deliver economic growth in and around Crewe, and is a further addition to the many infrastructure schemes we have delivered in recent years.

"The new road network will help to ease traffic congestion in the Leighton area and create quicker routes to the hospital."

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: "This represents another milestone in the economic regeneration of Crewe and its surrounding area and is further proof of the council's complete commitment to the town and its residents.

"We expect to see a variety of new homes, including affordable homes, and the development of a new mixed community with the right level of local infrastructure, including a new school and retail outlets.

"We are working closely with the hospitals trust as the borough's Local Plan Strategy has set aside additional land for any further expansion of Leighton Hospital. A new spine road linking Minshull New Road and Smithy Lane, will improve access to the hospital, particularly for emergency vehicles."

Initial ground works could begin in the spring with ecology and environmental preparations.

The roads will take two years to be built with the housing development following on.

If you would like to read some more detail about the plans then go here.