Sandbach homes plan put on show despite high court battle
CONTROVERSIAL housing plans have gone on display to the public – despite an on-going court battle.
Bovis Homes held a consultation event at Sandbach Cricket Club on Saturday to outline initial plans for a 50-house development off Hind Heath Road, in Wheelock.
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PLANS: Bovis' major projects director Chris O'Connor with plans for the new development, which went on show at Sandbach Cricket Club. Picture: Mark Scott
The designs are part of a larger development to build more than 250 homes on the greenfield site, near Sandbach.
Resident Matthias Bunte, aged 48, from Deans Lane, in Elworth, near Sandbach, said: "It has been about two years since I first heard of the plans but it has been very complicated.
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"It has been going to and fro from the planners to the council."
Despite Cheshire East Council rejecting the application, developer Richborough Estates took the decision to appeal and won their case.
Now, the council is taking legal action to try to overturn planning permission for the development.
Computer analyst Mr Bunte, who lives around 15 minutes from the site, said he was concerned about the use of a greenfield site.
He added: "I don't particularly object to the houses being built but I do have concerns that they are using a greenfield site."
A keen cyclist, Mr Bunte also said a planned cycle path for the development was poorly thought out.
He said: "I object to the cycle track that comes with the development because the details are poor.
"The width of the track is too narrow and the cyclist has to give way eight times. I won't be using it."
The initial plans were presented by executives from Bovis Homes, which hopes to buy the land from Richborough Estates.
Matthew Charnock, regional development director for Bovis, said: "There will be a broad mix of housing, including affordable housing for local people.
"There is currently outline planning permission for 269 homes.
"The exhibition is presenting the details and elevations, layout and landscaping of the first phase, or around 50 homes."
However, some residents remain unhappy about the proposals, including Steve Turner, aged 33, who lives on Anvil Close, in Wheelock.
The chartered accountant said: "I don't think the infrastructure is strong enough to support this development.
"There will be more traffic and putting in traffic lights will just hold everybody up."
Peter Rawlinson, aged 46, of Forge Fields, Wheelock, added: "It seems very premature to be showing us these plans. I would think the majority of residents are against it.
"What strikes me is that there are no additional shops or amenities for these people."
The council's appeal is due to be heard by the high court in Manchester in April.
To view the plans go to www.bo vishomes.co.uk/hindheathroad.
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