Redrow’s 1,500-unit Port plan approved

Controversial plans for 1,570 new homes by Redrow on farmland in Little Sutton, Ellesmere Port have been approved by Cheshire West & Chester Council.

The proposal was passed at CWAC's planning committee on Thursday evening by five votes to two with two abstentions. The approval overturned a rejection in June of Redrow's initial plan which was for 2,000 units. As well as trimming the number of units, the revised application contained more evidence to support to the loss of arable land. A petition against the plans organised by Ledsham & Manor Action Group received more than 3,000 signatures.

The 250-acre development site at Sutton New Hall Farm stretches for 1km along Ledsham Road and will take an estimated 18 years to build out in more than a dozen phases.

There will be 103 acres of open space including playing fields, allotments and a community orchard. Redrow is also committed to building 4,000 sq ft of retail, a new primary school, community building and a park. The affordable housing quota is set at 25%, with a mix of social rented and shared-ownership properties.

Redrow will pay the council £3m over five years to support more frequent bus services and maintain new junctions into the development, as well as £3.5m towards the new school.