Affordable housing scheme in Knutsford given green light

Plans to build 28 affordable homes on the site of the former Winstanley House on Northwich Road in Knutsford have been approved.

Cheshire East Council’s northern planning committee approved a bid by Peaks and Plains Housing Trust on August 10.

The trust now intends to build a three-storey block of one and two-bedroom apartments and 37 garages.

Twenty two of the properties will be rented and six will be shared ownership.

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The committee praised the scheme’s ‘excellent design’ and the trust’s commitment to provide good quality affordable homes in such a desirable area.

Dan Brocklehurst, development manager for Peaks and Plains Housing Trust, said: “We were so pleased that the planning committee voted unanimously to approve this development.

“The committee complimented us on the way that we sought feedback on our plans locally and incorporated changes where we could.”

Six letters of objection had been submitted detailing a number of fears about an increase in traffic, noise and air pollution.

Some residents said they were concerned about the impact the development might have on Heathfield Square Conservation Area.

However, the council’s heritage officer said the replacement building is of a higher quality than the original structure.

The entrance will face the street, with improved building lines and clear references to the adjacent buildings in terms of materials and design.

Artist impression of what the apartments will look like from Northwich Road

The officer concluded that the proposals ‘will not cause harm to the adjacent Conservation Areas’.

Mark Howden, chief executive of the trust, said: “We are committed to addressing housing need in the areas in which we operate.

“These new apartments, close to the centre of Knutsford, will provide much-needed affordable homes in a fantastic community.”

Paul Jeffrey, director of Bowker Sadler Architecture, said: “Ensuring the right solution on this strategically important site overlooking The Heath was paramount.

“The input and views of local residents and community groups was essential in achieving this.”

Plans were given the go-ahead subject to a S106 agreement for a commuted sum of £18,864 towards healthcare to mitigate the impact of future occupiers of the development upon local health facilities.