Developers behind plans to build up to 90 new homes on the former Fisons site at Holmes Chapel say they have evidence to show the plan would provide less interference than a previous plan for a supermarket.

Bridgemount Developments has submitted an outline application to build the homes with green infrastructure including play areas, informal amenity use and new ecological habitats on land off London Road.

But those plans could be scuppered by world-class Jodrell Bank, which has submitted a formal objection to Cheshire East saying the development would "impair the efficiency of the telescopes".

Bridgemount Developments say they have evidence that the proposed residential development would not give rise to any greater Jodrell Bank interference than from the already approved retail development

Howard Hagan, Managing Director, Bridgemount Developments said: "We would welcome clarity from Jodrell Bank regarding the specific impacts they believe our proposed Holmes Chapel development would cause.

"The site has a history of existing structures, the most recent being demolished in 2017*, and has previously received planning approval for a supermarket.

"Prior to submitting the planning application, our team and the local planning authority attempted to engage with Jodrell Bank but received no response.

"We therefore appointed leading independent consultants, Plum Consulting, who have a global client base including national regulators and multinational corporation including Ofcom and the Building Research Establishment.

"Following extensive analysis, they have concluded that the proposed residential development would not give rise to any greater Jodrell Bank interference than from the already approved retail development. Indeed, there is evidence to suggest the consented supermarket could generate higher emissions.

"Our proposed development is situated on a 3.41-hectare brownfield site surrounded by existing residential housing, a manufacturing facility and local amenities.

"We do not believe that an additional 90 homes within this urban location will have any material impact on the operation of the telescope.

"At a time when the need to deliver sustainable housing solutions is more urgent than ever, we believe Cheshire East Council should prioritise the redevelopment of brownfield sites such as this.

"Doing so offers a practical and environmentally responsible way to meet local housing targets without placing further pressure on valuable open countryside or greenbelt land.

"While the site has existing retail planning approval, we believe its brownfield status makes it far more suitable for residential development, addressing the borough's more critical housing needs and delivering 30% affordable homes.

"As part of this project, we are fully committed to making the necessary financial contributions to support village services, in line with the Council's requirements.

"We are proud to be bringing forward a proposal that aligns with both local and national planning policy and hope that this is recognised by the Council's Planning Committee."

Bridgemount Developments say The Bengers Pharmaceutical Art Deco headquarters, which later became the Fisons building, was constructed in 1937 - well before the creation of Jodrell Bank and remained on the site until its demolition in 2017.

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