PLANNING | Westchurch Homes refused Cheshire East consent
The development of 55 affordable homes in Alsager met unanimous rejection, while Seddon Homes secured consent for the same number of houses plus a care facility in Crewe.
Cheshire East’s southern area planning committee met yesterday. Officers had recommended approval for the Alsager scheme, which was to be delivered with registered provider Onward Homes, backed by Homes England grant support.
The site, off Close Lane, already has extant consent for 16 homes. Ward councillor Steven Edgar objected on the grounds that the site is not in the borough’s local plan.
As the site lies adjacent to White Moss Quarry, which is in the local plan and now under development, Cllr Edgar said the scheme will result in a loss of countryside for the overall area.

The Alsager site has an existing consent. Credit: planning documents
Alsager and Haslington parish councils also objected, citing grounds including flood risk and impact on highways and schools. Further objections came from 68 addresses in the area.
Onward’s plans had been for 12 affordable rent, 12 rent-to-buy, and 31 shared ownership homes. Seven would be two-bedroom and 12 four-bedroom, with the remainder three-bedroom.
Pegasus is the planning consultant on the project, which has the reference number 21/6113C with Cheshire East.
At the Hunters Lodge site off Sydney Road in Crewe, Seddon Homes proposes demolition of the former hotel, to be replaced by 55 homes and a six-bed specialist care home.
Seddon is working with Woodcroft Design and planner WSP.
As part of the development will be on open greenspace, opposition had been registered by Crewe Town Council and 25 objectors. Part of the site is classed as ‘green gap’ although it is mostly classed as brownfield. Sixteen of the homes will be affordable.
The Sydney Road planning reference is 21/4382N.
When councils make lots of noise about providing affordable/social housing this is another disgraceful decision. Straight to appeal!
By Anonymous
Yet another proposed development recommended for approval by Planning Professionals – the Planning Officers – with such recommendation summarily ignored by the planning committee – absolutely unbelievable!! Another unnecessary and costly appeal due any time soon no doubt!!.
By David Sleath