Controversial proposals for a 225-home development in Knutsford have been given the green light on appeal. Cheshire East Council had rejected Dewscope's application to construct the housing estate east of Longridge, Knutsford, last December.
However, after Dewscope challenged the decision, planning inspector Ian Dyer conducted a public inquiry last month and subsequently upheld the appeal. In his recently published verdict, Mr. Dyer acknowledged: "I am aware of widespread opposition to the proposal in the local area and that the outcome of this inquiry is not the one that many people would wish for.
"However, I am obliged to determine this appeal in accordance with current planning policy and practice at both local and national level."
Debbie Jamison from the Knutsford Residents In Over Ward (KROW) group, who participated in the inquiry as a rule six objector, allowing her to present arguments and cross-examine, expressed that the conditions imposed on the future developer will enhance the project beyond its original design.
Mrs Jamison, speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, said: "This was the decision that we were expecting but please understand that it is not all bad and an improvement on what originally could have seen the total loss of local green space with more houses on it. KROW attended the inquiry to make sure that the application stuck to a minimum loss of playing field and that the planning 106 obligations and conditions deliver something back to the local area.", reports .
"Over the coming years the markers are in place for a new community building, 10 hectares of managed public open space and investment for cycle connections into the town."
Mrs Jamison emphasised the importance of adherence to the conditions, adding: "If the future reserved matters applications do not deliver the legal obligations and satisfy conditions, then it is game over."
Knutsford Town Council acknowledged the efforts of those who represented the community's interests during the appeal. Town mayor, Cllr Colin Banks, said: "This is obviously not the outcome the community had hoped for. However, with permission granted, our focus now will be on securing the best possible scheme and ensuring the maximum community benefit and integration with the existing Longridge estate is delivered."
The town council confirmed that no development will commence immediately, explaining that it is standard procedure for a landowner to sell the site to be sold to a development company. This company would then submit a reserved matters planning application, outlining the precise details of the development, including the layout and design of the houses.
John Finnan – of Save Longridge Greenbelt, who also was a rule six participant – said: "We are bitterly disappointed with the outcome of the appeal."
He also extended his gratitude to the numerous individuals who supported their campaign over the past seven years.
Don't miss the latest news and analysis with our regular North West newsletters – sign up here for free
