Alderley Edge ‘grey belt’ earmarked for 136 homes
Story Homes is planning to redevelop around 23 acres on the western fringe of the village into a “well-considered extension” to the affluent Cheshire settlement.
The developer is preparing to submit a planning application to Cheshire East Council for the construction of 136 homes on land between the A34 bypass and Ryleys Lane in Alderley Edge.
Part of the site is identified as safeguarded land and this will be preserved as public open space. The rest of the site is allocated as Green Belt in the local plan but, according to the developer, fits the definition of grey belt.
The grey belt designation is a Labour invention that can be given to some protected sites that do not perform the stated functions of the Green Belt and is designed to free up more land for housing development.
Story wants to build a mix of two and five-bedroom houses on the land. Around 55 of the homes would be delivered on affordable tenures, including homes for social rent and shared ownership, according to the developer.
Josh Dobson-Brear, land manager for Story Homes North West, said: “Our plans for Ryleys Lane represent a sustainable and well-considered extension to Alderley Edge, bringing much-needed housing to a site that has been partially safeguarded for this purpose.
“At Story Homes, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality homes, set within community-focused developments. We look forward to hearing from residents and local businesses to ensure the final proposals reflect local priorities and deliver real, long-term benefits.”
Cheshire East Council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply. It current supply stands at around 3.8 years.
