An application for a 52-home scheme was deferred for more information about methane levels after a councillor wanted to be 'absolutely sure' he was not 'endangering people' by backing it.

Cheshire East planners had recommended the scheme for land to the east and west of Croxton Lane at Middlewich be approved.

But objectors raised numerous concerns – especially around contaminated land and brine subsidence.

Middlewich town councillor Graham Orme, who for decades worked in environmental health safety and mineral extraction, told Cheshire East's southern planning committee: "The site is within an area which has previously been affected by brine subsidence and future movements cannot be discounted."

He said this was documented in various papers, including from the Brine Board.

One of his many other concerns related to the proximity of the site to a former landfill and he asked what processes would be in place to establish land contamination, with regard to methane.

Middlewich resident Fraser Whytock, who has a background in construction, told the committee the brine subsidence was 'of significant concern' to him. He too expressed worries about land contamination.

The applicant's agent, Beverley Moss, told the committee: "We're aware of brine concerns from the board and they can be dealt with through a condition through further investigative work and at building regulations stage."

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She said the development would result in a good mixture of different bedroomed houses, 16 of which would be affordable.

"The proposals have been amended to take account of your design and public right of way officer's comments and careful thought has gone into designing an accessible and usable open space and play area," she told the committee.

Planning officer Daniel Evans told councillors several times the site had been allocated by the council for housing 'so there will be residential development on the site'.

He said the brine board had not objected to the application but had 'raised some general precautions' and these would be dealt with at the building control stage.

Wrenbury councillor Stan Davies (Con) said: "Just because it's a site that's been allocated for houses doesn't mean we have to build on it."

Cllr Stan Davies (Photo: Cheshire East Council)

He said the proposal was to build 'on land that is very dodgy'.

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Middlewich councillor Mike Hunter (Lab) said there were a great number of concerns regarding the proposal.

Cllr Mike Hunter (Photo: Cheshire East Council)

"Obviously one is that of methane," he said. "And it is okay to say, yes, houses will be built, but it is for this committee to decide whether we believe that the risk is acceptable or not…

"We know that landfills generate methane for 100 years after their last use – that was still being used in the late 50s early 60s."

Cllr Hunter said methane was still being registered on the meters and he asked for a deferral for more information about the amount of methane being produced.

"I want to be absolutely sure, before I put my hand up to say yes to this particular development, that I am not endangering people who will be in and around those properties," said Cllr Hunter.

He also raised concerns about the lack of a crossing between the east and west sites and was adamant the biodiversity money should be earmarked for Croxton Park, next to the site.

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Cllr Hunter withdrew subsidence as a reason for deferral after the planning officer said that could not be upheld because the Brine Board had not objected.

Five councillors voted for the application to be deferred and four voted against.