Second refusal for Galliford Try

Contrary to officers’ recommendations, Galliford Try’s application for 40 affordable homes off Sydney Road in Crewe was refused again at Cheshire East’s Southern planning committee.

The councillors stated the reason for the scheme’s refusal was “it is considered that the harm to the open countryside is not outweighed by the benefits of the proposed development given its poor layout and design resulting in the lack of satisfactory opportunities for children’s play.”

If Galliford Try attempts to push the application through again, approval would be subject to a Section 106 agreement including 100% affordable housing; a £31,400, contribution to health services in the area; private management of public open space; a £86,800 contribution to education services in the area; and a £26,400 contribution to habitat creation and ecology in the area.

The application was revised since its first refusal back in 2017, where councillors commented on its layout and its offering. The layout was changed to include an area of designated public open space of 10,700 sq ft and expand its offering to include one-bedroom ground floor flats to meet the needs of elderly and disabled people.

The scheme was designed by JDA Architects, with Barton Willmore advising on planning and affordable housing matters.