A developer's third attempt to add up to 25 dwellings to a 190-home estate in Holmes Chapel has been recommended for approval.

Cheshire East's strategic planning board (SPB) refused applications from Bloor Homes in August 2021 and again in November 2022 to build the extra homes on the Bluebell Green site off London Road.

Both refusals were against council planning officers' recommendations.

Bloor appealed the second refusal, but the inspector upheld the council's decision.

This latest application, due to be considered by the SPB on Wednesday, has again been recommended for approval by the council's planners.

The officer's report to next week's meeting states: "The site lies within the open countryside, where national and local policy seeks to restrict development to protect the intrinsic value of the countryside for its own sake.

"The proposal does not fall within any of the exceptions prescribed by policy.

"However, in line with recent revisions to the NPPF (national planning policy framework), the council acknowledges that it does not have a five-year supply of housing land which is a significant material consideration which weighs in favour of permitting the development."

It adds the scheme would serve as a logical extension to the adjoining development and the applicant is proposing 40 per cent of affordable housing, which is more than the required amount.

Brereton Parish Council has objected saying the proposal is outside the settlement and in the open countryside.

It adds: "The original application for 190 houses has already been fulfilled with the completed development of phase two.

"Phase three should be to complete the promised nature reserve using all the remaining land and release the S106 monies to improve connectivity, traffic and speed management to the existing site."

Holmes Chapel Parish Council has objected on numerous grounds saying: "Holmes Chapel has taken the burden of housing for local service centres.

"The reasons for refusing the previous application and appeal still apply."

Fifteen local residents have also objected citing numerous reasons including local infrastructure cannot cope with the additional demand, impact on wildlife, highways concerns and the conflict with the open countryside policies.

The application, which is recommended for approval with conditions and contributions towards education and health, is due to be considered at the SPB meeting on Wednesday, October 29 which starts at 10.30am at Crewe Municipal Buildings.

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