Objectors slam ‘disgraceful decision’ as Cheshire homes approved

Parish council and civic society had opposed 24-home scheme

Shouts of ‘disgraceful decision’ were heard from objectors after plans for new homes in Northwich were rubber-stamped.

At a meeting to discuss a proposal for 24 homes on land near School Lane in Hartford, the chairman of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s planning committee had to remind a member of the public they were not allowed to speak unless called to do so.

The outline planning application, submitted by Hollins Strategic Land, was originally for an over-55s development but that was later amended after national planning changes meant the borough now faces a shortage of general housing stock.

The site is on a grass paddock to the east of School Lane and near Grade II-listed Hartford Hall.

Hartford Parish Council had objected, raising issues such as potential noise and impact on local highways, while Hartford Civic Society also lodged an objection due to what it said would be a loss of green space and lack of services.

In response to concerns raised over impact on roads, Stephen Harris of planning agent Emery Planning, said: “This is a modest development of 24 homes, which would generate a limited amount of traffic, as the planning officer says.

“It includes a right turn lane, and it’s been agreed with your highways officer that the limited number of cars would use the junction without having any impact on the existing highway network.”

Ward councillor Patricia Parkes had called in the application and at the meeting read out an objection from the parish council. She added: “We are not saying no to development. We’re saying this is not the right place.

“I urge members to recognise the clear policy conflicts and to refuse this application.”

Some members raised concerns about the amount of development which had already been rubber-stamped in Hartford.

But planning officers told the committee the scheme should not be viewed in terms of housing supply and development which had already been approved in Hartford, but the wider needs of the borough, saying there was currently a ‘very limited’ housing land supply across Cheshire West and Chester.

However they did concede the 24 homes would ‘not touch the sides’ of that requirement.

Before calling a final vote, committee chairman Cllr Gina Lewis had to interject due to activity from the public gallery as someone attempted to speak.

She stated: “You are at a meeting in public, not a public meeting, only the committee is allowed to speak once the main speakers have actually spoken.”

The committee voted to approve, with seven members in favour and four against.

On the way out, an objector shouted: “Disgraceful decision that, absolutely disgraceful!”

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