Harworth proceeds with 660-home Crewe West plan

Proposals to transform 109 acres in Wistaston with a residential extension have progressed following the developer’s submission of an outline application to Cheshire East Council.

Harworth plans to extend the south-western edge of Crewe with its 660-home scheme.

The scheme could be completed within five years, should work start in 2026 as expected.

Working alongside planner Turley, Harworth expects the Crewe West neighbourhood to generate a £55m GDV during construction.

Although a detailed housing mix has not been considered in the outline application, the residential aspect would cover 57 acres, while 52 acres would be green open space.

Harworth has indicated it would deliver 30% of the scheme as affordable housing, split between 65% affordable rent and 35% intermediate rent homes.

Properties at Crewe West would be served by a local centre comprising 8,070 sq ft of commercial space sited at the north of the plot.

Within the neighbourhood centre, Harworth has planned a 60-bed care home for later living spanning an external footprint of 34,400 sq ft.

Joanne Neville, national director of planning for Harworth said: “The proposals will deliver up to 660 much-needed homes, including 30% affordable provision, alongside later living accommodation, a neighbourhood centre, a mobility hub, and new green spaces.

“Located in a strategic area with excellent transport links, the scheme will help meet housing need and support sustainable growth in Crewe.

“We thank everyone who engaged with us and provided their feedback during the pre-application period and look forward to the application being considered by the strategic planning board.”

• BOOK NOW: Place Party North West 2025

The site would be accessed by turning south off Wistaston Green Road using a purpose-built three-arm roundabout, as described in an earlier EIA application submitted to the local authority, and known as the Alvaston Roundabout Plan.

Green spaces, including a central linear park, allotments, pocket parks, play areas, and playing fields, are proposed throughout the site.

The scheme is effectively a 660-home extension to Crewe. Credit: via planning documents

Active travel routes in the form of safe pedestrian and cycleways, as well as biodiverse green corridors, would aim to encourage healthy lifestyles.

On-street parking would be allowed, and a mobility hub would also provide a car hire service within the neighbourhood centre.

Harworth has suggested its developer contribution to Cheshire East Council could be made in the form of funding for outdoor sports facilities.

Upon full occupation, the developer predicts Cheshire East Council would see an annual £1.5m bonus in council tax contributions.

According to planning documents, Crewe West could host up to 1,500 residents.

Tyler Grange, ROC Consulting, and RSK have supported the application.

Various housebuilders have eyed the land to the west of Crewe. Directly south of this application site, Redrow Homes is seeking planning permission to build 220 homes off Crewe Road.

Those interested in the application can use the planning reference number 25/2639/OUT on Cheshire East Council’s planning portal.