Campaigners fighting plans for 180 homes in open countryside in Sandbach are hoping Sandbach Town Council will back them with a financial contribution to taking legal action against Cheshire East Council.

A packed protest meeting was held at Sandbach Rugby Club recently and now campaigners are launching a legal challenge.

Campaigners are proposing to fight the plans which were given outline planning application as we revealed here due to a "material change of circumstances".

And they are urging as many people as possible to attend Sandbach Town Council's full council meeting on Wednesday (14 October) to show their support.

Steve Buckley, campaign co-ordinator and a member of Sandbach Neighbourhood Plan group said: "Despite our best efforts, Cheshire East has now issued the decision notice confirming outline approval for 180 houses off Bradwall Road.

"We now have six weeks to appeal, so need to raise about £2,500 to start the legal process. Even if it had to go all the way to the High Court, the cost would be less than the cost of a cup of coffee for the population of Sandbach.

"This 180 is just the next step towards 3,000 more houses likely to hit Sandbach unless we resist."

Steve added: "Sandbach Town Council's full council is meeting at 7pm in the town hall on Wednesday (14 October) to consider contributing up to £2,500 alongside funds raised by residents to take the first step in legal action.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

"The objective is to put pressure on Cheshire East to properly scrutinise planning applications, particularly with regard to flawed traffic assessments.

"In doing so, it is hoped that current speculative applications would be rejected until the Sandbach Neighbourhood Plan is complete and then able to protect the town.

"Many Sandbach Councillors have voiced their support for this legal challenge, but others are opposed. If you support the action and wish to encourage our elected representatives to follow your wishes, please try to attend the meeting.

"It may well assist in deciding who you want to continue to represent you at the next local elections? For any that can't make it, we will try to make a note of which councillors support the funding request and which do not."