Public Hall steps up with cash plea

Audlem Public Hall wants a share of any cash handouts that could emerge if Gladman Developments gets the go-ahead to build a new housing estate in Audlem.

Public Hall Building Committee chairman, Roland Hall, has written to Cheshire East Council asking to be considered in any 106 Planning Gain agreement that may be negotiated if plans for up to 120 homes at Little Heath win approval.

Mr Hall emphasises that the claim in no way endorses the Gladman proposals but he wants to ensure that Audlem is included in any possible '106' wish list for community projects if the scheme ever gets the green light.

The letter says: "Clearly the village wants and expects this application for unplanned development to be rejected by Cheshire East. However, in the event of an appeal I would like the Inspector to be aware of our major village community project currently being planned."

These plans include a major extension to Audlem's Public Hall that could cost in excess of £500,000. An architect has already been appointed to prepare a preliminary design and talks are going on with Cheshire East over the possible transfer of land.

Since the letter was sent, the Gladman plan has gone straight to appeal citing Cheshire East's failure to deal with the application within the statutory 13 weeks.

Section 106 payouts can be made a condition of planning consent whenever a development is likely to have a significant impact on the resources of local communities.

They can force developers to make substantial cash contributions towards a range of infrastructure and services such as roads, community halls or schools.

Organisations in Audlem will be concerned that if any 106 sums are negotiated they will be used to benefit Audlem projects directly and not get swallowed up by Cheshire East Council for authority-wide schemes.

Mr Hall adds that his request has the full backing of Audlem Parish Council. His letter adds "Audlem Parish Council are fully aware and supportive of the project and happy to include this if a 'wish list' is prepared for this or any subsequent planning applications."

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