Stalemate broken on Shavington affordable scheme

MCI Developments, part of housebuilder Keepmoat Homes, can start building out a 45-strong affordable homes project after a two-year delay, following Cheshire East Council’s approval of a revised highways plan.

The scheme will be built on land off Main Road behind The Elephant pub and includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes.

MCI, in conjunction with housing association Magenta Living, won approval for the development in 2018.

However, under a condition attached to the approval, the developer could not start construction until a Traffic Regulation Order was approved. 

The order would have seen Main Road converted into a one-way street, however, the proposal met significant objection from local residents and was not approved, delaying a start on site.

Subsequently, MCI lodged an updated highways plan, involving the widening of pavements along Main Road and the scrapping of the one-way proposal, in order to progress the delayed scheme. 

The council’s highways officer said the changes were “satisfactory” and would address the increased pedestrian movement that would result from the development. 

The officer added that the addition of curb build-outs would act not only to give pedestrians more space but also as a traffic calming measure. 

Members of the planning committee voted to approve the updated highways proposals by seven votes to five.