Bloor sets sights on Sandbach approval
Cheshire East Council has refused several housing schemes against officer recommendations in recent weeks, meaning the developer’s plans for 325 homes to the east of the town are far from a shoo-in.
Bloor Homes is seeking outline consent to redevelop 47 acres on either side of the A533, The Hill, in Sandbach. The plans will be considered at a meeting next Wednesday.
Cheshire East Council’s planning team has recommended the project for approval, in part due to the authority being unable to prove a five-year housing land supply.
Cheshire East currently has a 3.8-year supply, meaning that refusal of housing plans could leave the council vulnerable at appeal.
However, this has not stopped the committee ignoring officer advice in recent weeks.
In September, Bloor was on the wrong end of a decision in Macclesfield where it wanted to build 200 homes. The developer has since appealed the rejection.
Late last month, Wain Estates had proposals for 160 homes in Sandbach refused against officer advice.
Bloor’s Sandbach scheme has generated more than 1,000 objections from locals and a petition opposing the plans has garnered more than 2,000 signatures.
Of the 325 homes Bloor plans, 98 would be affordable. Around 20 acres of green space would be provided, including a linear park lining the south of the site, according to the plans.
To learn more, search for reference number 25/0211/OUT on Cheshire East Council’s planning portal.
Pegasus is advising Bloor on planning. Those also providing expertise on the project include Tyler Grange Group, Curtins, JPM Acoustics, Briary, Coopers, Wardell Armstrong, Lexington, KKP, ADAS, and Betts.
Why do they need to build more houses on green belt land? There are plenty of houses for sale on all the estates
By Charles Brindley
It’s not green belt.
By Anonymous
@Charles Brindley Good point. With so many houses on the market already—suggesting an oversupply—you really have to wonder why developers are still so keen to push ahead with new estates when the demand just isn’t there.
My guess is they’re rushing to secure outline planning permission while this nature-averse government is still in office, so they can simply sit on the land until the market becomes favourable for them to build.
Not that it matters much—at the rate Labour are going, they’re unlikely to stay in power for long anyway.
By Chris Walker
@Charle Brindley – just for accuracy, this is not Green Belt.
By Deja
I oppose these homes being built as we do not have enough infastructure
By Brian Harrison
@Chris Walker – Curious to know how many homes are currently on the market, in what area/radius, and how does this compare historically? Any data would be gratefully received.
By Deja
More houses. Mad. Only consideration by the council is council tax money. No understanding for locals or the area. Have you seen the traffic. As I said. Madness. Or sure incompetence.
By Mark
No more houses in Sandbach
By Sheila Harrison
The traffic up the hill is already atrocious. Just imagine with these houses, 3 extra cars per home. Absolutely and completely ridiculous. The infrastructure just isn’t there, it’s absolute nonsense. Let alone schools, doctors etc.
By Anonymous
@Deja On the Wirral, new listings are up by around 10% compared with the same period in 2024. Many of these properties have already been on the market for at least six months, and some have seen substantial price reductions. I appreciate that supply and demand varies by region, but the snapshot for the Wirral isn’t exactly buoyant and I’m sure it isn’t alone.
By Chris Walker