Tatton begins search for Knutsford development partner

The Tatton Estate is looking for a buyer or development partner for its largest project, the 40-acre Parkgate Village site to the east of Tatton Park and Knutsford.

The plot sits to the north of the Parkgate Industrial Estate, and is allocated for housing under Cheshire East’s Local Plan. Tatton secured outline planning consent for 235 houses, split between 154 for private sale and 71 affordable homes, in 2015; this was followed by a reserved matters application last year.

However, these proposals were criticised by Cheshire East planning officers, who claimed the applications amounted to “inappropriate development in the green belt”, and the council’s planning committee deferred a decision on the proposals in November.

Since then, Tatton has consulted further with Cheshire East council on the plans and is hoping to bring the proposals back to committee in the coming months. Pegasus is acting as planner.

The estate is looking to invite expressions of interest from development partners to bring forward a master-planned, sustainable community on the 40-acre site, with offers invited on a both a freehold and long leasehold basis. There are options for further homes beyond the 235 which have outline consent.

It is understood part of the approach is to provide housing for a wide range of demographics, particularly 20-30-year olds. Options that could potentially be put forward are build-to-rent housing schemes.

CBRE Manchester’s land and development team along with estate agent Mather Jamie and consultant Arcadis have been brought on board to help market the scheme to developers.

Steven Verity, northern head of development & residential at CBRE Manchester, said: “The selected party will gain the opportunity to trade with a long-term stakeholder with a rich and varied Cheshire history. The scheme offers a number of development opportunities with scope to add value through placemaking, an improved, denser scheme and additional uses subject to planning.

“There remains a strong local appetite in Cheshire for commercial and housing of all types including the build-to-rent sector, which is supported by major employment growth within the area.

“Investors will therefore gain the opportunity to develop a quality and value site like few others in the North of England.  Family owned with deep roots in the local community, the Estate family is determined to secure the area’s long-term legacy.”