Cheshire East has given the go-ahead for four detached homes in the open countryside in Sandbach despite claims from one councillor it would be over-development of the site.

Portico Development Ltd applied for outline permission to build the properties on a parcel of land to the east of Riddell Way, a residential development off Congleton Road.

Planning officer Dan Evans told Wednesday's meeting of the southern planning committee: "The issues are it's contrary to policy in terms of open countryside, but we haven't got a five year [housing land] supply."

He said matters relating to the character, appearance and amenity would be assessed at a later date when the layout of the scheme was known.

Nantwich councillor Anna Burton (Lab) said: "I wouldn't really be in support of this on what's potentially a greenfield site, as there isn't any affordable housing there, and I don't know whether there's the need for these sort of houses in this local area."

Cllr Andrew Kolker (Dane Valley, Con) said: "I believe that putting four houses on this relatively small site would be over-development of the site and to get four houses on would mean that those houses are out of character and very dissimilar to the surrounding area.

"I'm happy to propose refusal on those grounds, if those grounds would be acceptable to the planning officer."

Mr Evans replied: "I'm struggling to see how we argue over-development, but it's a matter of judgement, I suppose."

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He later added: "If they don't provide an acceptable layout at reserved matters stage, then we can refuse it on those grounds.

"All we're granting permission for today is the principle of four houses on the site."

The proposal to refuse was not pursued.

Sandbach councillor Mike Muldoon (Con), told the meeting he lives close to the site and 'I've got absolutely no problem with this'.

He continued: "It is in keeping with the local, that's because they're all like that."

He proposed approval and this was seconded by Cllr John Wray (Brereton, Con)

Nine councillors voted in favour of approving the application and one abstained.