Jodrell Bank only sticking point in Redrow plan
A Congleton housing scheme proposed by Redrow Homes North West has been recommended for approval by Cheshire East Council, with opposition from Jodrell Bank the only potential obstacle.
The scheme, covering 201 homes on an 18.3-acre site, sits off Macclesfield Road and includes 141 market-rate houses and 60 classed as affordable.
The site straddles the former Congleton and Macclesfield borough council boundaries and is mostly classified as open countryside. Although in the majority of such cases the presumption is against development, Redrow’s submission states that as the council cannot presently demonstrate a five-year housing supply, that factor is over-ridden.
Redrow will be asked to make contributions of £469,000 for highway improvements under a Section 106 agreement.
The only opposition to the project comes from Jodrell Bank which, mindful of the impact on its ability to receive radio emissions from space, opposes development in the area as a general principle.
However, the summary of the application points out that the level of impact on the telescope can be moderated by the introduction of electromagnetic screening measures within the development and describes the impact as “moderate,” going on to say “it is considered that the benefits of the scheme would outweigh the adverse impacts upon Jodrell Bank and the loss of open countryside”.
Should members approve the application, the council would issue a 21-day notification period to the University of Manchester, which operates Jodrell Bank as part of its astrophysics department, of the intent to grant planning permission. The university would have the right to bring about a public inquiry if it wishes.
So the applicant recognises that there will be some adverse impacts on Jodrell Bank then? Scheme is no way worth it then.
By Waterhouse
so, search for life in the Universe and an understanding beneficial to the whole of mankind versus some noddy boxes in a field.
no contest!
By A Lien