Cheshire East has refused an application for around 100 homes because of the detrimental impact the development would have on Jodrell Bank and nearby Bespak Pharmaceuticals.

Bridgemount Developments applied for outline permission for up to 101 dwellings on land off London Road at Holmes Chapel.

But the site falls within the consultation zone for Jodrell Bank, a designated World Heritage Site, and council planners had recommended it be refused.

Planning officer Daniel Evans told today's (Wednesday) meeting of the southern planning committee that, following Monday's announcement that Jodrell Bank's funding was to be cut, the applicant had asked the council to defer the application 'and we shouldn't rush into making a decision'.

But Mr Evans told councillors: "The starting point is we've got the World Heritage Site, and we have to protect it."

Dr Ken Morris, a member of the Jodrell Bank UNESCO World Heritage Steering Committee, said Jodrell Bank has calculated that radio frequency emissions from these houses would cause significant harm.

He said devices used outside by homeowners, including electric car chargers, solar panels, security cameras and electric lawnmowers would make the situation much worse.

"The telescopes are a World Heritage Site, impairment of their world-leading operations also harms their outstanding universal value status, as defined by UNESCO," he said.

A representative from Bespak told the meeting: "Bespak noise impact assessments demonstrate that campus operations and expansion would adversely affect new residents."

She added: "More than £350 million is planned to be invested in campus expansion over the next five years, including land immediately next to the application site, generating 150 new jobs.

"The investment is now seriously threatened.

"Housing is needed in Cheshire East, but residential development is incompatible here."

The site already has an extant permission for a supermarket which Holmes Chapel Parish councillor Brian Bath said was supported by residents.

He said the parish council also supported the objections from Jodrell Bank and Bespak.

Jon Suckley, agent for the applicant, said Bridgemount had appointed an expert to assess the impact on Jodrell Bank and his assessment had concluded that 'the retail and housing developments would have a similar impact on Jodrell Bank'.

Ward councilor Andrew Kolker (Con) said: "I would be very reluctant to approve something that may have a detrimental effect upon a very, very good quality employer, Bespak, providing excellent jobs in Cheshire East."

Regarding Jodrell Bank, he said, despite the funding threats, 'it is an active centre of excellence for radio astronomy'.

"It is, today, a World Heritage Site, and I'd hate to put those attributes at risk by an inappropriate development."

He moved the application be refused.

That was seconded by Cllr Janet Clowes (Wybunbury, Con) who also asked the impact on Bespak be included as another reason for refusal.

She said: "I think it is important that we take on board just how important this employer is and its future investment plans."

The vote to refuse the housing application was unanimous.

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