McCarthy & Stone exhibition

Residents in Audlem will have received notification of the public exhibition which McCarthy & Stone are holding at the Methodist Hall next Thursday January 12th between 3pm and 7pm. This is part of a required pre-consultation exercise prior to them putting in a planning application for part of the 'Gladman' site.

In January 2015 planning permission was given to erect up to 120 dwellings on this site. Cheshire East Council recently approved the reserved matters application which gives full specification of the homes to be built, and another application has been lodged for the outstanding issues of tree constraints, play equipment etc. (planning application 16/6077D) which is currently on their website for public comment.

The proposal outlined by McCarthy & Stone is for 24 or 25 retirement apartments which would replace 10 of the originally approved 120 homes. The Appeal Inspector voiced concerns that 120 was too high density for the site. This proposal takes the total number of dwellings to 134 or 135. Whilst the apartments will provide specifically designed homes for the elderly it may further increase the density and, it will reduce the number of (much needed) affordable homes on the main part of the site by 3. McCarthy & Stone say in their literature that the apartments are available for people of 60 years and over but the average age of those purchasing is nearer 78. Inevitably the additional housing will increase the pressure on Audlem's Medical Practice.

Parish Councillors have met with McCarthy & Stone and expressed their concerns about the increase in number of properties on the site and the loss of affordable housing. They have also strongly expressed their view that one parking space should be provided per apartment, not one for every two or three apartments. The proposed site is so far from the village centre that a vehicle would be necessary to reach all services. If people stop driving due to increased age and infirmity it is probable that carers will be needed to help with day to day needs such as dressing and meals. They, and any visitors, would also arrive by car so there would be an ongoing need for one parking space per dwelling. McCarthy & Stone say on their card 'We value your views.' Councillors hope this is fully demonstrated in the revised plans exhibited on 12 January.

Councillors encourage residents to visit the exhibition and would be very interested to receive direct feedback on the plans either by phone to any Councillor (click here to see the list of Parish Councillors) or by email to the Clerk, Kirstin Dixon (audlemparishclerk@gmail.com).

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