Latest Nantwich housing pitch tipped for approval

David Wilson Homes heads to Cheshire East’s strategic planning board meeting with approval recommended for 85 homes off London Road, south-east of the town.

The 15.8-acre application site is located within the parish of Stapeley & Batherton, and is predominantly greenfield agricultural land. Close to 10 acres would remain as open space under the proposals.

A screening opinion was requested early in 2025 for up to 90 homes by the housebuilder.

Now David Wilson, part of the Barratt Redrow group, is seeking outline permission for up to 85 homes and associated landscaping, children’s play area, sustainable urban drainage, and other infrastructure.

Thirty per cent of homes will be affordable. The proposed level of Section 106 contributions are headed by £300,000 for public transport improvements, and £170,000 for education.

As Place has documented in relation to a number of applications this year – with Nantwich’s fringes being particularly busy – Cheshire East does not have a five-year supply of housing land, a significant material consideration weighing in favour of consent, unless there are strong reasons to refuse. According to the latest figures, updated this month, the supply is currently 3.3 years.

As outlined in the officer report, the proposal would cause the loss of open countryside and a slight reduction in the Willaston/Wistaston/Nantwich/Crewe strategic green gap. Development would also result in the loss of ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land.

In addition, there would be impacts on the landscape, character and appearance of the area – however, these impacts could be appropriately mitigated and limited by securing appropriate details of open space and landscaping at the reserved matters stage, the report said.

Factors in favour? The NPPF attaches great importance to housing delivery that meets the needs which the proposal would help address, said officers. Delivery of up to 85 homes, including 26 affordable dwellings, is provided substantial weight. The application site is also adjacent to the settlement boundary of Nantwich, a key service centre, and will be accessible to all the associated services in the area.

The location of the settlement boundary is not static, of course – having previously been defied in the area by the A530 (Peter Destapleigh Way), recent developments have pushed that outwards.

Notable here is a previous BDW project, billed as Stapeley Water Gardens, which sits west of London Road, while the new proposal is to London Road’s east, south of the A51 Elwood Way. Part of its southern boundary is defined by Wynbunbury Lane.

Cllr John Priest has raised concerns over traffic impact, while Stapeley & District Parish Council is an objector.

Want to read more? The planning documents can be viewed on Cheshire East’s planning portal, using the reference 25/2193/OUT.