Doddington Housing Development Update

Permission to build 102 houses on land belonging to the Doddington Estate has been refused by Cheshire East.

The decision considers that "the positive planning benefits for the conservation of the heritage assets does not outweigh the harm that would be caused by the proposed residential development in the open countryside and by the lack of social/community benefits to be provided by the development."

"This will result in an unsustainable form of development that is contrary to policies PG6 Open Countryside, SC5 Affordable Housing, and IN2 Development Contributions of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy, RES.5 of the Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan, and the National Planning Policy Framework."

Plans to convert Doddington Hall into a Hotel & Spa, approved in 2015, which would include the renovation of the dilapidated hall were to be funded by the owners through this now rejected housing development over 12 separate sites around the estate.

Multiple concerns were raised about the proposed development's lack of provision for affordable housing.

Cllr Janet Clowes commented: "We all understand the historic value of the Doddington Estate, and we understand the desire to see it happen. The community benefits are so small as to be minimal, and will not mitigate against the damage caused."

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