Knutsford Town Council will not be objecting to plans for the construction of up to 163 homes at Booths Park despite opposition from locals.
Bruntwood has submitted three planning applications to Cheshire East Council for the area, where it has an office complex. The first application seeks outline permission for the 163 houses and flats, with 30% being affordable, on safeguarded land north of Booths Hall.
The second application is for a new access road, an extension of the existing Booths Park spine road, on green belt land, to serve the housing site. This also includes a car park with 400 spaces for the existing offices on the site.
The third application is for an electricity substation.
At a meeting of the town council's planning committee, resident Debbie Jamison said: "These applications represent encroachment into the green belt and unsustainable development."
She questioned the necessity of the substation and, if required, "why on earth is it next to ancient woodland and near the public right of way?"
Ms Jamison argued that there was no justification for 400 parking spaces.
Resident Vicky Potts added: "The proposed apartment blocks behind Delmar Road are also a particular concern.
"Positioned on elevated ground they will directly overlook private gardens and homes presenting unacceptable intrusion on residents' privacy."
Another resident queried: "Where is the need for yet another development in Knutsford?
"There's two estates that have been granted in the last five years, half of which are unsold."
Concerns were also raised about the ecological and environmental effects, alongside drainage issues connected to the proposed development.
Planning agent Gary Halman, on behalf of Bruntwood, pointed out that Cheshire East Council lacks a five-year supply of housing land, which means more homes will need to be built across various towns in the borough.
Chris Roberts of Bruntwood said: "The residential is very much a supportive part of helping us to maintain long-term employment on this site."
Cllr Christopher Gray acknowledged residents' concerns but said he didn't see how he personally could object to the scheme as it stands, "because it's within the overall framework".
However, Cllr Scott Lowe told the meeting "Just for the benefit of any doubt, I would vote to object to this on the basis that I don't think there's a need for housing in the town."
In contrast, Cllr Peter Coan suggested that the town council should inform Cheshire East that it has no objections to the housing application, noting, "This area that's being developed is basically a pasture that's disused... but this site also offers a proper biodiversity net gain.
He added to his argument by highlighting the public access to land, saying, "If we can create more open space for the public to enjoy, this is to be valued.
"I just think that this is appropriate for Knutsford, to be fair."
Ultimately, by a majority decision, the committee chose not to object to any of the three applications.
