Buerton village homes set for the go-ahead

Cheshire East has given a provisional go-ahead to controversial plans to build new homes in Buerton, but details have still to be ironed out.

Members of Cheshire East planning committee gave their approval for nine homes on the outskirts of the village.

But they have asked planning officers to ensure strict planning conditions are in place before work can begin on the green field site.

Plans by Markden Homes to construct nine affordable homes in open countryside at Red Acres, Buerton, triggered a spate of objections despite backing from Buerton Parish Council.

Parish councillors claimed residents had no objection in principle but planners eventually received 11 formal protests and a 22-name petition against the proposals.

Cheshire East planning officers argued that the need for affordable housing overrode local concerns about building homes in open countryside.

Now planners have been told to draw up strict conditions for the site but ruled that, provided conditions are met, planning approval is given.

The committee was told that the National Planning Policy Framework now expects planners to be responsive to local circumstances and particularly the need for affordable housing.

This includes building on sites that were once deemed rural and where new houses would not previously have been allowed.

A Rural Housing Needs Survey for Buerton carried out in November 2012 identified at least 11 new homes needed in the village.

The planning committee was told: "The proposal would provide nine affordable dwellings which would act to provide an adequate level of affordable housing within the Buerton area."

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