Campaigners fighting to stop 160 homes and a care home being built off Crewe Road and Park Lane are urging Cheshire East to "robustly" defend any appeal which may be brought by the developers.

The council's planning officers had recommended approval for the application which included a 70-bed care home together with a countryside park and community building on land in the green gap off Crewe Road.

But Cheshire East's planning committee refused the planning application by Wain Estates at the end of last month (October) as we reported here on the grounds it would result in the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, the site entrance is close to a primary school, the impact on the ancient woodland and the urbanising impact of the countryside park.

Crewe Road resident, Peter Osborne, at one of the entrances. (Photo: Nub News)

Now campaigners are calling for "full transparency" and "accountability" from Cheshire East Council.

One of the campaigners, Peter Osborne from Crewe Road said: "This refusal reflects the democratic will of elected councillors, who rightly recognised the unacceptable harm this speculative development would cause to Sandbach's landscape, infrastructure, and community.

"The committee acted within its powers and in accordance with sound planning principles — protecting the town from further overdevelopment and unsustainable strain on local services. It is now the duty of the council's planning officers to prepare and publish clear, defensible reasons for refusal, grounded in the Local Plan and national policy.

"We also want the council to commit to robustly defending this refusal in any appeal or inquiry brought by Wain Estates. Residents are entitled to reassurance that officers will not dilute or undermine the Committee's decision, but will defend it with professionalism and integrity.

Even though the application was thrown out, campaigners say they will

"Anything less would betray the principles of local democracy and public trust in the planning system.

"If Wain Estates chooses to appeal, we urge the council to ensure full public participation in any appeal or inquiry, publication of all correspondence and evidence prepared on behalf of the council and continued transparency over costs and representation.

"Local campaigners will continue to monitor developments closely and, if necessary, register as a Rule 6 Party to take an active part in the appeal. Sandbach has already endured years of overdevelopment and infrastructure pressure — this refusal represents a vital stand for balanced, plan-led growth.

"Residents expect Cheshire East to defend this decision — not the developer's profits. Democracy must count for something in the planning process."

Cheshire East Council has been approached for a comment.

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