PLANS for 84 homes on agricultural land in Sandbach have been recommended for approval despite objections from nearly 120 residents and the town council.

Muller Property Group wants to build the dwellings on two parcels of land to the east of the A534 and south of Old Mill Road.

The 3.18 hectare site comprises agricultural land and Fields Farm.

Planning permission has already been granted for the demolition of the farm.

Access would be off a new spine road and remodelled five-arm roundabout off Old Mill Road.

These highways changes were approved as part of a previous application.

The proposal is for seven one bedroom dwellings, 26 two-bedroom homes, 38 three-bed, 11 four-bed properties and two five-bedroom houses,

All the properties would be two-storeys in height, including the apartments, apart from two bungalows.

Twenty-six of the homes would be affordable.

Sandbach Town Council has objected to the proposal saying it would result in a loss of biodiversity, it would increase traffic for the roundabout at the junction of A533 and A534 and because there is a lack of schools, doctors, and dental spaces to support the development.

The town council also expressed concern about the lack of flood risk assessment around the area of the roundabout.

Letters of objection have also been sent to Cheshire East Council from 117 local residents.

Among their numerous objections are traffic concerns, fears of increased risk of flooding, air quality and they say it is a poor location for more housing.

In a report due to go to next week’s meeting of Cheshire East’s strategic planning board, the council’s planning officer states: “The highways implications of the development are considered to be acceptable...

“The issues of noise, air quality and contaminated land are considered to be acceptable.”

The report also says the design is acceptable following revised plans.

It does state: “The proposed development would affect the public rights of ways which cross the site.”

But it adds that, given the views of the inspector and the secretary of state within the recent appeal decisions, there would be no conflict with the various policies.

The application has been recommended for approval, subject to a S106 agreement regarding contributions and subject to conditions.

The strategic planning board meeting takes place at Macclesfield Town Hall at 10am on Wednesday, July 24.