Another massive planning application?

What may turn out to be as controversial a housing development as any seen so far in Audlem looks to be coming the village's way.

Residents to the west of the canal have suspected an application will be made to build ever since 'Keep Out' signs appeared on the large fields to the north of the existing housing running from the canal in the east to the old railway embankment in the west – see red shaded area on the map to the right which you can click on to enlarge.

At Monday's Audlem Parish Council meeting, there was a report of a meeting with Bloc which, on its website, describes itself as "working with land, property and infrastructure owners to maximise the value and outputs from real estate".

The company had given two representatives of the parish council a brochure showing their past projects and with a map showing the massive area in Audlem they would like to develop on behalf of the landowner, as published here.

You can see the canal at the top of the map and the narrow shaded strip running north – south to the left is the old railway line.

It was reported at the meeting with Bloc that they were well aware that the land was outside the settlement boundary but clearly they did not see that as a problem.

Part of their plan is to have 'custom built' properties on the land as part of a number of options they include their brochure: Residential, Retirement, Custom Build and 'Public access to the water'.

Given the size of the site, that could include the Shropshire Union Canal and possibly even access to the River Weaver.

Bloc say they would like to work with the Parish Council on uses and even suggested inclusion in the Neighbourhood Plan. It was reported separately at the Parish Council meeting that the Neighbourhood Plan is just about ready for submission for official examination and that step is scheduled for 1st August.

Bloc say they will be going for further consultation and will be preparing a Planning Application.

AudlemOnline adds as comment: Given that Audlem already has approved planning applications for more than twice the number of homes envisaged in the versions of the Cheshire East Local Plan published so far, it will be remarkable if another large development is approved outside the Settlement Boundary.

Given that another large development must surely be contrary to the now emerging Local Plan and Audlem's extremely professionally produced Neighbourhood Plan, a successful application by Bloc and the landowner would drive a coach and horses through any pretence at local democracy.

As soon as we have more information on this proposal, we will bring them to you.

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