CWAC approves 115 affordable Moulton homes

Keepmoat subsidiary MCI Developments’ residential plans for Cheshire survived a nearly two-hour debate at yesterday’s planning committee meeting, which followed a deferment from February.

Cheshire West and Chester councillors voted seven to three to approve the 115-home project, which is set on 13 acres of countryside off of Niddries Lane in the village of Moulton, just outside of Northwich. There was one abstention. The decision was in line with officer recommendation.

MCI’s proposals comprise 12 one-bedroom homes, 52 two-bedroom ones, 38 three-bedroom houses, and 13 four-bedroom residences. All will be either semi-detached homes or detached ones – and all will be designated as affordable, with half set aside for social rent.

Councillors opposing the project had referenced issues around highways capacity and drainage. Cllr Gaynor Sinar had reiterated her distaste for the project, with objections to its location outside of the existing settlement boundary. Early in the debate, CWAC head of planning Robert Charnley cautioned councillors that those issues may not be sufficient to win at appeal.

Ultimately, Cllr Sinar’s motion to refuse the application was refused and the application was subsequently approved.

Carter Jonas is the planner for the scheme, with the project team also including Trevor Bridge Associates, Eddisons, E3P, AES Sustainability Consultants, Ironside Farrar.

You can review the application by searching reference 24/03682/FUL on Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning portal.