Onward promises immediate start at Basford East

Plans by Onward Homes for 449 homes close to Crewe have been approved by Cheshire East Council, with contractor Lane End Group set to start work next week.

Consent was secured yesterday at the meeting of CEC’s strategic planning board for the project, which includes 123 affordable homes and a £6.8m investment in local infrastructure and schools. PRP Architects has supported the project.

The development site is allocated by the Cheshire East Local Plan as a strategic location for housing and this project marks a major step in meeting the local authority’s aspiration for Basford East to house a community of 850 homes with a new local centre, including a primary school, shops and community centre.

Lane End itself secured outlnie permission in 2014, subsequently selling the scheme to Onward. Reserved matters was originally sought this summer, but deferred while issues over highways and access were clarifed.

Sandy Livingstone, executive director of property at Onward Homes, said: “Building high quality homes, including affordable homes, is essential to creating an economic recovery that everyone in the North West can share in. Onward is laying the foundations for a new community where individuals, couples and families can achieve their housing aspirations, from home ownership to affordable rent.”

Richard Harrison, managing director of Lane End Group, said: “This is a significant scheme and message of intent to deliver much-needed housing in Crewe.

“We know this is a priority area for Cheshire East Council for both employment and housing growth within the Authority’s area and we look forward to playing our part in providing development, regeneration and infrastructure needs.”

Delivery of the project is supported by a £2.2m Homes England grant. Local investment as a result of the development will include:

• £4.5m for road improvements
• £1.5m towards a new local primary school
• £670,000 for new bus services, cycle lanes and pedestrian routes.