Plans for 54 affordable homes in the open countryside at Winterley have been recommended for approval.

More than 150 people, together with Haslington Parish Council, have objected to the proposal from Breck Homes to build the dwellings on land to the rear of 481 Crewe Road.

That property would be demolished to provide site access.

Cheshire East's planning officers say the proposal 'conflicts with the development plan as a whole'.

But the council doesn't have a five-year supply of housing, which weighs in favour of the development.

The planning officer's report to next week's meeting of the southern planning committee, states: "The applicant is proposing that all 54 properties be social or affordable dwellings which meets the local need in this instance."

Crewe Road, Winterley (Google) The application site is off Crewe Road at Winterley (Google)

The homes would be managed by the registered provider, Weaver Vale Housing Trust.

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The proposal is for six one-bed properties, 23 two-bed, 21 three-bed, and four four-bedroom houses.

Haslington Parish Council says Winterley has already received its quota of new housing.

It also says there is no evidence of local housing need, the location is unsustainable and there is a lack of facilities.

Concerns raised by the 154 people who objected include highways safety, loss of agricultural land and change from rural character.

The planning officer's report states: "The proposed development would result in residential development located beyond the Winterley infill village boundary line and would conflict with policy …

"This would also result in a change to the rural character of the site and a loss of agricultural land contrary to policy."

It continues: "The proposal is considered to be sustainably located, but despite this the proposal conflicts with the development plan as a whole.

"However, the council is unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing."

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The officer's report says the development of 54 affordable homes would make a contribution towards meeting the council's housing need.

It adds: "Small and medium sized sites can make an important contribution and be built out very quickly.

"There would also be economic benefits through the construction and occupation of the proposed development.

"Social benefits would also be provided in terms of the proposed affordable housing provision."

The application is recommended for approval subject to the completion of a S106 agreement which includes financial contributions towards the NHS, education and sport.

The southern planning committee meeting takes place at 10am on Wednesday, December 3, at Delamere House in Crewe.