Cheshire East has given the go-ahead for up to 180 homes in the open countryside at Sandbach despite concerns about highway safety.

Gladman wants to build the homes, which would include 30 per cent affordable, on land west of Bradwall Road.

The outline application, which was approved by the strategic planning board (SPB) yesterday (Wednesday), will have a vehicular access from Bradwall Road to the east of the site, with a pedestrian access point to the north-east corner.

Sandbach town councillor Kelvin England stressed the impact of the development on 'road safety, education, healthcare, social services and primary utilities'.

"I would also like to reiterate the fact that the town council as a whole has objected to this," he said.

Ward councillor Mike Muldoon (Con) urged the SPB to refuse it saying: "Planning policies are there to assist the process.

"This does not mean giving developers free range and wishes with no regard to the local area to make up planning numbers."

Rob Green, from Bradwall Road Action Group, said: "The location is not sustainable, particularly when there are more brownfield sites and more sustainable locations available with better public transport."

He added: "Local infrastructure is already under strain.

"GP, services are stretched, NHS dental provision is actually reduced and schools cannot accommodate predicted demand."

He said there were road safety concerns for children getting to school.

The applicant's agent, Richard Naylor, said the scheme would deliver 180 homes, including 54 affordable.

"The site is located in a sustainable location within walking distance of Sandbach town centre, local shops and Offley Primary Academy," he said.

"The scheme will provide a pedestrian link into Swallow Drive, helping the site assimilate into the surrounding built form and existing pedestrian routes."

He said a financial contribution would be made towards upgrading a footpath.

Since the government made changes to the national planning policy framework at the end of 2024, Cheshire East is no longer able to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

It now only has a 3.8-year supply.

Cllr Steve Edgar (Haslington, Con) said the council was between a rock and a hard place.

"Have we got sufficient grounds for refusal that would stand up? Personally, I don't think we have," he said.

Cllr Heather Seddon (Congleton, Lab) agreed.

"We are in a difficult position. I'll propose that we accept this application," she said.

This was seconded by Cllr David Edwardes (Tytherington, Ind).

Cllr Martin Edwards (Crewe, Lab) said: "We've heard that this is going to cause traffic increases, road safety, that this road is a rat-run up to Holmes Chapel but, again, none of that is the developer's responsibility, as we've heard.

"So yes, I also support this application."

SPB chair Cllr Brian Puddicombe (Macclesfield, Lab) said: "I do appreciate the concerns raised by public speakers on highways and, having been there, it is a narrow road.

"But with the improvements that are scheduled, we have to take assurances that that will make the access to this particular site safe.

"So again, with some reluctance, I would support it."

The vote was seven in favour of approval, two against and one councillor abstained.