Planning and Playfield at the Parish Council

Planning
Not many of our readers may have realised that a company McCarthy and Stone have been in discussions with the Little Heath developers Anwyl to provide retirement apartments which would increase the number of residential properties to 135 from 120 and lose some affordable housing as a consequence.

Apparently, pre planning application discussions have been taking place with Cheshire East for some 15 months and Councillors expressed major concern over the lack of transparency. It was agreed to send a letter to Cheshire East Planning Committee and the the CE Cabinet pointing out an apparent circumvention of the planning rules

Councillors expressed concern over the likely impact on the Medical Practice and whether adequate car parking provision was being made.

On a separate planning application the proposed Moorsfield development planning application decision is due next Wednesday 14th December and this decision is being monitored with considerable concern / interest.

Playing Field

Another area of major interest to the residents is the acquisition of the Playing Field and Children's area on a 99 year lease from Cheshire East.

A review of what lessons can be learned as to why the decision to acquire these assets for the village was such an extended period – arguably up to five years as expressed in councillors Hill's paper, frustrated so many residents is ongoing in the Council and the hoped for outcome ( expected this month ) is now likely to be next month.

Meanwhile the good news is that some positive progress is now being made. A meeting with the company that runs these assets for Cheshire East, ANSA, resulted in agreement that a draft lease will be drawn up and provided to the Cheshire East portfolio holder in mid January with the target of completing the leasing by the end of the financial year in March.

Meanwhile the meeting with ANSA covered :

• agreement to repair the ground around around the goalmouths.
• a review of boundary lines and fences, including where is the boundary between the Shroppie Fly and Playing Field ?
• who owns the area behind the tennis Club?
• research into the maintenance costs of the playing field

It was agreed to move forward with a revised working group to include Councillor Thompson to advise on insurance issues and to appoint a Legal representative

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