Angry residents have hit out at a planning inquiry appeal decision allowing Wain Estates to build 160 new homes and a The plans also include a 70-bed care home on a 44-acre site in Sandbach.

Cheshire East Council's planning committee refused a planning application by Wain Estates at the end of October last year but the company appealed and a public inquiry was held last month (March).

But the appeal has been allowed here and outline planning permission has been granted for up to 160 dwellings a new care home of up to 70 bedspaces, a new community building with associated car parking, and a new countryside park (at land off Crewe Road, Sandbach.

Residents who have fought long and hard against the plan claim the decision "sparks serious safety and environmental concerns and say the decision is both 'alarming and difficult to justify".

They claim there is a known risk of land subsidence - acknowledged by the developer and expert evidence has "effectively been brushed aside".

"This is not a minor technicality but a fundamental safety issue with potential consequences for lives, homes, and long-term structural stability," said a spokesperson.

Sandbach, Crewe Rd 160 Home Site (Planning Docs) The application site for 160 homes and a 70-bed care home off Crewe Road in Sandbach (From Planning Docs)

"On comparable projects such as HS2, similar risks triggered extensive independent scrutiny. Here, they have been sidelined.

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"The failure to properly protect ancient woodland is equally indefensible. These habitats are irreplaceable. Once damaged, they are lost forever.

"That this risk was central to the original refusal, yet diminished on appeal, raises serious concerns about the weight given to environmental protections.

"The absence of a full Environmental Impact Assessment now stands out as a critical failure. For a site with clear environmental constraints, this falls well short of what should be expected from a robust and responsible planning process."

The spokesperson added: "Residents have consistently raised informed and legitimate concerns, yet they have been disregarded.

"This outcome not only undermines public trust but leaves future homeowners exposed to risks that have not been adequately addressed. Perhaps most concerning is the lack of meaningful support from Cheshire East Council in defending these issues on behalf of its community.

"This decision sets a dangerous precedent — where clear risks to public safety and the environment are overridden. The consequences of this will be felt long after the headlines fade."

Wain Estates say they understand residents' concerns and added: "The site has been subject to detailed technical assessment, including consideration of ground conditions, as part of the planning and appeal process.

 "The planning decision reflects a full and independent review of the evidence. Further intrusive ground investigations and any necessary mitigation measures have been secured through planning conditions to ensure the development can proceed safely and in accordance with all relevant standards."

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But Wain Estates say they have worked closely with the landowner to create a scheme design befitting of its location. 

Angela Heaney, managing director of Wain Estates, said: "We worked closely with the landowner to create a scheme design befitting of its location. 

"The plans provide much needed new housing in an attractive setting and will deliver wider community benefits through the provision of a care facility and extensive public open space."

Wain Estates says they will now openly market the site to housing developers who will bring forward a detailed planning application.

Sandbach Nub News has approached Cheshire East Council for a comment.

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