McCarthy and Stone Planning Decision

McCarthy & Stone -SPC decision

Yesterday's Southern Planning Committee was attended by Councillors Geoff Seddon and Frances Mary Christie who spoke opposing the application on behalf of the Parish Council and the Audlem Medical Practice. Local resident Paul Cawood also spoke against the application.

With the Planning Officer recommending approval of the application the debate was expected to be short. However, two members of the Committee – Councillors Stan Davies from Wrenbury and Sarah Pochin from Willaston and Rope – accepted the Parish Council's argument, robustly supported by Mr Cawood, that the proposed development is too far out of the village, is institutional in its design and the loss of affordable housing is against both the Audlem Neighbourhood Plan and Cheshire East's Local Plan. They proposed that the application be refused.

Following a lengthy debate, with much to-ing and fro-ing between Councillors and Council Officers, almost an hour later the proposal was put to a vote. The decision by a majority of seven to three was to refuse the application on the grounds that the scheme could provide a higher contribution towards affordable housing than is being proposed by McCarthy and Stone.

The decision now moves to the Planning Inspector at the Appeal on 21st and 22nd March. The Appeal will be held in the Council Chamber, Municipal Buildings, Earle Street, Crewe. Parish Councillors will be attending. Residents are welcome to attend should they wish.

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