Cheshire East to exercise increased control over homes plans

 

A new policy which will allow Cheshire East Council to exercise more control over potential new housing developments is set to be adopted.

This will help to manage the release of housing land to ensure there is a steady supply over the next five years – but with stringent new guidelines for incoming applications.

All new schemes will require that new housing should be energy efficient, contain 35 per cent of affordable homes and make contributions to highways development, alongside additional community benefits.

The interim policy will be kept in place until further sites are allocated for new homes in the development plan for Cheshire East – the Local Development Framework.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “The Council is faced with a statutory requirement to ensure there is a minimum of five year’s supply of land for housing development.

“Without the interim policy, the authority would run the risk of developers seeking permission on greenfield sites around towns and villages.

“This is all part of our key objective to grow and develop a sustainable Cheshire East.”

Once the policy is formally adopted, the Council will seek to deliver a minimum of 1,150 new homes annually.

The interim policy will focus land release for new developments in places such as Crewe, outside the Green Gap – supporting Cheshire East’s commitment to the future of the town and the Crewe Vision.

The redevelopment of previously developed land within settlements for mixed uses, including housing, will also be encouraged.

The policy relates directly to an interim affordable housing statement which is also set to be adopted.

Towns and parishes were consulted on the policy between November and December last year and councillors will discuss it at a Cabinet meeting on Monday. A final decision on the adoption of the policy will be made at a full Council meeting on February 24.