Plans for three large storage buildings in the open countryside near the M6 at Holmes Chapel are recommended for approval despite a similar scheme being refused two years ago.

The applicants want to construct the buildings, which would be subdivided into six units, on land adjacent to Cotton Farm, off Middlewich Road, close to junction 18.

A similar proposal for three large buildings, which would have been subdivided to form seven units, was refused by Cheshire East's southern planning committee in June 2023 on the recommendation of the council's planning officers.

This latest application, which the planners describe as a 'resubmission' of the previous one, is recommended for approval.

The previous application was refused on the grounds of:

• speculative form of development that is not essential within the open countryside;
• harm to the character and appearance of the open countryside and landscape harm;
• cramped and utilitarian design;
• and insufficient drainage information.

The planning officer's report regarding the latest proposal states: "As part of this application, in an attempt to justify the principle of development is acceptable, the applicant has provided an updated planning statement which provides additional information including case law.

"There have also been amendments to the design and landscaping within the proposed development and additional drainage information has been provided."

Holmes Chapel Parish Council has objected to the application saying the revised plans do not address the previous concerns in terms of highways and pedestrian safety.

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It says if the committee approves the application, a number of conditions are essential including a reduction in the Middlewich Road speed limit to 40mph, improvements to the footpaths on Middlewich Road and the provision of a pelican crossing.

Four nearby residents have objected to the application.

Their reasons include the site access is a narrow minor road junction on a road with a national speed limit, as well as concerns about unsociable operating hours, noise pollution and the impact on wildlife.

In recommending approval, the planning officer's report states: "The amended plans have reduced the amount of development on this site and reduced its projection to the north.

"The revised landscaping scheme would now mitigate the impact of this development in an acceptable manner.

"In design terms, the proposal is now found to comply with the relevant policies of the development plan."

It adds: "The proposed development would not cause harm to highways, heritage assets, residential amenity, trees, ecology or Jodrell Bank."

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

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