Planning Minister Nick Boles has vowed to meet Nantwich and Crewe campaign groups fighting the loss of “Green Gap” areas.
Mr Boles’ pledge comes after concerns of hundreds of residents were raised by local MP Edward Timpson.
Mr Timpson has urged planning inspectors to study Cheshire East Council’s new Local Plan in a bid to get the areas five-year housing supply signed off.
Campaigners fear Crewe and Nantwich are being “constantly held hostage by opportunistic developers wanting to build large estates” because the Local Plan has not been in place.
Campaigners like Hands Off Wistaston and ProtectStapeley have petitioned to fight plans for large developments in their villages.
Mr Boles agreed to visit the constituency to discuss planning issues with invited representative members of action groups.
He said: “I am pleased Edward has come to me to raise his constituents’ concerns.
“He has made some strong representations on behalf of Cheshire East Council, who are responsible for planning matters in Crewe and Nantwich.
“The Government’s planning reforms are primarily concerned with encouraging sustainable development while protecting precious landscapes and the Green Belt.
“By completing a Local Plan, Cheshire East can bring power over the planning process back to local people in Cheshire.
“It is important the council now redoubles its efforts to finalise a local plan that can be adopted speedily.”
Mr Timpson added: “I am grateful to the Minister for taking time to meet with me to discuss the very real concerns local residents have raised with my office, and also for his offer to visit Crewe and Nantwich.
“I have paved the way as best I can for Cheshire East councillors to submit their plan for our area.
“It is now up to them to submit a well-thought through Local Plan with realistic housing estimates so inspectors can sign it off as fast as possible with minimum fuss.
“Otherwise, our area will continue to be at risk from opportunistic developers.”
(Pic: Nick Boles, Planning Minister. Pic by Policy Exchange, Flickr creative commons licence)
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