Gladman will breathe new life into Audlem say experts

A new 120-home estate on the edge of the village could breathe new life into Audlem, experts claim.

A report commissioned by Gladman Developments Ltd spells out the socioeconomic impact of the proposed new housing estate on land at Little Heath.

It claims the £14 million estate will bring an influx of new families into the village, helping create jobs, shoring up local shops and sustaining local services.

The report by Regeneris Consulting Ltd estimates up to 330 new residents on the estate with the potential for a combined annual household expenditure of £2.7m.

While experts admit it is difficult to assess how much of that would be spent in Audlem it says: "It is reasonable to assume that some weekly household spending will benefit village retailers and other service providers, in turn contributing to the need to sustain these facilities and services and make the village more attractive to new businesses."

The report cites Audlem Parish Plan (2010) which is "unequivocal about the challenge" of retaining shops and services with a small population of 2,000 and modest visitor flows.

It says the Plan suggests the population is simply 'not sufficient to support all the shops'. And it quotes Audlem's Village Design statement (2009), which highlights the loss of village services including garages, pubs, banks and building societies.

Regeneris experts claim the new estate will bring in more working age people with families – large family households that have higher levels of household expenditure.

As incomers spend more cash they will both support and create village jobs in health and education services such as GPs, nurseries, schools and colleges.

Of the 330 new residents they estimate that around 220-30 could be of working age. And with a majority being owner occupied homes, it claims 170-180 could be economically active across a full range of occupations.

Based on locations with a similar dwelling profile, they calculate that 55 new villagers would be in higher managerial positions and around 40 in lower skilled occupations.

The report also points out that Cheshire East will receive around £1.1 million in New Homes Bonus payments over the six years following completion of the development, cash which could be used for a range of purpose in the local area.

Audlem residents have until July 24th to comment on Gladman's bid to seek outline planning consent to build 120 homes at Little Heath. You can add your comment by clicking clicking the planning reference number here 13/2224N. This will take you to the page with details of the application where you can click the link 'Comment on this application' (bottom right of page) and the applicant details are filled out for you.

Allow plenty of time after clicking the 'Submit' button

You can submit by post but must take care to include all necessary information. Your submission should include:

Your full name, address and post code.
The planning reference (in this case) 13/2224N
The site address: Land west of Audlem Road, Audlem, Cheshire, CW3 0HE
State if you support, object or wish to make a general observation on the proposal
Say if you are a business, local group, member of the public, councillor, neighbour, relative, adjacent landowner or specify any other relevant role. Then add your comments.

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