Up to six dormer bungalows could be built on an open countryside site in Sandbach.

Robert Mayor has applied for permission in principle to build the homes on a 0.36-hectare triangular parcel of land to the west of Cookesmere Lane.

A planning statement submitted with the application says the bungalows would be primarily for older residents, with safe and convenient access from Cookesmere Lane.

It states: "The site is well-contained, with clear physical boundaries and a strong relationship to the surrounding built form.

"It does not exhibit characteristics of open countryside and instead forms part of the urban fringe of Sandbach.

Cookesmere Lane, Sandbach Illustrative Layout 1 (Pwl Architecture) Illustrative layout of how the six bungalows could be sited on the land west of Cookesmere Lane at Sandbach (PWL Architecture)

"The site is not publicly accessible, and its development would not result in the loss of public open space or recreational land."

The application is for permission in principle (PIP) – a two-stage mechanism for obtaining planning approval for housing development.

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The first stage, being applied for now, is to establish whether the site is suitable in principle.

If PIP is granted, the site must receive a grant of technical details consent before development can proceed.

The planning statement says: "The proposal seeks permission in principle for the erection of up to six dormer bungalows.

"These would be mainly single-storey dwellings with accommodation in the roof space, designed to meet the needs of smaller households and older residents seeking accessible, manageable homes."

The application includes an illustrative layout drawing demonstrating how the dwellings could be arranged around a shared access road, with appropriate separation distances, private gardens, and parking provision.

The planning statement continues: "The proposal complies with the spatial strategy of the Cheshire East Local Plan, responds to local housing needs, makes efficient use of a small accessible parcel of land, can be safely accessed and serviced, and respects local character."

It acknowledges there is conflict with open countryside policies, but says the weight afforded to this is reduced because Cheshire East does not have a five-year housing land supply.

The application, number 25/4629/PIP, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council's website.

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The last date for submitting comments is 8 January, 2026.

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