Plans to build 52 homes in Middlewich have been given the go-ahead despite some councillors arguing their concerns about methane levels had not been fully addressed.

Cheshire East's southern planning committee last month deferred the application to build on land to the east and west of Croxton Lane for further information on a methane trench and methane readings, because the site is close to a former landfill.

Some councillors felt this had not been fully investigated when the application from Brenig Construction Ltd and Anwyl Land was brought back to yesterday's (April 5) meeting.

But the council's environmental protection officer, Rebekah Norbury, told the committee: "We acknowledge that the applicant is going to do some more monitoring, what we're concerned about is can this site be developed safely?

"And, on the information that we have just now in front of us, we are satisfied that the site can be developed safely."

Middlewich councillor Mike Hunter (Lab), who had moved the application be deferred at the previous meeting, moved it be deferred again so further checks could be made.

Cllr Mike Hunter (Photo: Cheshire East)

"The phase one report [from 2018 into any potential contamination] is flawed because things have changed," he said, telling the committee the methane trench built for another development nearby had been breached last year.

He said it wouldn't take long to get experts to check the methane readings and look at the breach.

"What we want is to make sure if this gets through we, as a committee, have made an informed decision that that methane is not travelling through the breaches into that site," said Cllr Hunter.

Before anyone could second the move to defer, Cllr David Marren (Shavington, Ind) proposed the application be approved – with the addition of a zebra crossing, as agreed by the applicant.

Cllr Marren said what had happened with the Coppenhall Place scheme in Crewe – where residents are currently living in homes with no planning permission because a different developer, Countryside Partnerships, failed to deal with a condition relating to contaminated land – has 'increased the lack of trust'.

Cllr David Marren (Photo: Cheshire East)

He added that was no fault of this applicant.

Cllr Marren told the committee: "All this discussion is a result of the council's failure with regard to the Bombardier (Coppenhall Place) site.

"Putting that to one side… we're getting very firm advice that this site is safe, however there ought to be some conditions attached.

"The developer is telling us there's going to be further investigations. The continuing worry will be if there is going to be future council failure to make sure these conditions are carried out, but I'll make the presumption that that won't happen a second time."

Willaston councillor Allen Gage (Con) said: "If this [methane trench] breach has happened and it's been reported and hasn't even been looked into, not just within 12 months but within 12 months knowing this application is on the horizon, I find that to be an absolute shambles from the council."

Cllr Allen Gage (Photo: Cheshire East)

Earlier in the meeting, the committee heard from Middlewich resident Fraser Whytock that he was still concerned the application was being considered without relevant information being presented about ground stability and the impact on the structure of the canal as well as methane production.

He wanted the application refused until all investigations had been completed.

Middlewich councillor Jonathan Parry (Lab) had urged the committee to seek more information about methane levels and 'make an informed decision on this, that's right for the residents of Middlewich'.

The proposal to approve the application was seconded by committee chair Andrew Kolker (Dane Valley, Con).

Six councillors voted for approval, four against and one abstained.