More than 110 objections to Alderley Edge homes scheme

Permission for six homes on land off Heyes Lane was refused in November 2020 and dismissed at appeal in June of last year.

Cheshire East refused the scheme on the grounds insufficient pedestrian access would exist undermining pedestrian safety and it would result in an over-development of the site which would undermine the visual amenity of the area.

The planning inspector did not agree with the council’s reasons for refusal but considered that ‘although the built development would not be harmful, the loss of the grass verge would cause unacceptable harm to the character and appearance of the area’.

A council planning officer’s report due to go before Wednesday’s meeting of Cheshire East’s northern planning committee says this latest application, from Deanbank Investments Limited, seeks to address the previous concerns of the inspector.

The report states: “Following a recent appeal decision for a similar proposal, the inspector’s comments have been reflected in a revised access strategy which would now retain the grass verge opposite to the access.

“The development is considered to be acceptable in terms of its impact upon the highway network and parking provision.”

It continues: “The development is considered to be acceptable in terms of its impact upon the residential amenities of the dwellings surrounding the site.”

The applicant wants permission to build two detached bungalows – a two and a three bedroomed - and four detached three bedroomed two and a half storey dwellings.

Access would be off Buck Horn Street.

The application has been called in by ward councillor Craig Browne so it will be decided by a committee.

Cllr Craig Browne

Alderley Edge Parish Council has objected to the scheme on a number of grounds including inadequate parking and, they say, it is considered back land development and will therefore not be supported as ‘it will cause an unacceptable impact on the character of the local area and importantly, in terms of a loss of openness and a substantial increase in the density of built form’.

Objections have been received from another 112 residents - including a petition and the Edge Association Residents Group.

Altogether they have listed more than 50 reasons for objection, including claims changing the size of dwellings from four to three bedroom will not overcome other issues; the properties are large and close to each other and are not needed on such a small plot and the access is dangerous and will cause further hazard, further traffic generation and congestion by future residents and construction traffic.

The application will be considered by the council’s northern planning committee at its meeting on Wednesday, July 13, at 10am at Macclesfield Town Hall.