Plans detailing the layout and design of a 170-home scheme for land south of Old Mill Road in Sandbach have been recommended for refusal.

The principle of development for up to 200 dwellings on the site has already been accepted as part of a previous application.

Members of Cheshire East's strategic planning board will be considering the reserved matters application detailing access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale at Wednesday's (October 13) meeting.

In a report due to go before the meeting, the planning officer states: "The highways implications of the development are considered to be acceptable and a contribution for off-site highway works is secured as part of the outline consent.

"The issues of noise, air quality and contaminated land are considered to be acceptable.

"However insufficient levels of information has been provided to demonstrate that the proposed development will not cause harm to the residential amenity of the adjoining dwellings."

The officer also states the proposed development 'fails to create a high quality, beautiful and sustainable place' and there is insufficient information in relation to the impact upon trees on the site.

Issues regarding the 'challenging topography' are among other concerns listed.

The site comprises agricultural land and the farm complex known as Fields Farm.

It is to the east of the A534 and to the west of residential properties that front onto Palmer Road, Condliffe Close and Laurel Close.

The site has been the subject of numerous planning applications over the years.

Cheshire East's planning officers are recommending this reserved matters application submitted by the Muller Property Group is refused on a number of grounds including the proposed development does not result in the creation of a high quality, beautiful and sustainable place and the application does not provide the required NEAP (neighbourhood equipped area of play..

They also state there is a potential loss of amenity to four existing properties nearby due to the short separation distances to the site boundary

A decision will be made by councillors at next week's meeting of the strategic planning board which takes place at 10am on Wednesday (October 13) at Crewe Municipal Buildings.