Plans minister pledges to visit Nantwich

Protesters against plans to build homes on green field sites in Audlem will be interested to know that Planning Minister Nick Boles has pledged to meet Nantwich campaign groups fighting similar housing developments.

Nantwich MP Edward Timpson contacted the Planning Minister last month over local concern at 'speculative developers' lodging housing applications before Cheshire East Council could get its Local Plan signed off.

Mr Boles has now agreed to visit the constituency to discuss planning issues with invited representatives of several action groups.

Campaign groups such as 'Hands Off Wistaston' and 'Protect Stapeley' are fighting fierce campaigns to stop large housing developments in their villages and are pleased that their local MP has managed to attract the attention of Mr Boles.

Mr Boles said: "I am pleased Edward has come to me to raise his constituents' concerns. He has made some strong representations on behalf of Cheshire East Council, who are responsible for planning matters in Crewe and Nantwich."

"The Government's planning reforms are primarily concerned with encouraging sustainable development while protecting precious landscapes and the Green Belt."

Several planning appeals are currently in the pipeline as Cheshire East Council makes final representations on its Local Plan before getting it ratified by the Secretary of State.

Appeals include that lodged recently by Gladman Developments over Cheshire East's failure to determine its application to build 120 homes in Audlem within the legal time limit.

The Nantwich MP has now urged planning inspectors involved in appeals to study Cheshire East Council's new Local Plan to get the region's five-year housing supply signed off.

Mr Timpson said: "It is up to Cheshire East to submit a well-thought through Local Plan with realistic housing estimates so inspectors can sign it off as fast as possible with minimum fuss. Otherwise, our area will continue to be at risk from opportunistic developers."

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