Judicial review bid over Cheshire East Council housing ruling

A controversial planning decision which could open the gates for housing developers in Nantwich, is to be challenged in the courts.

Cheshire East Council has announced it is to fight a decision by a planning inspector which ruled in April the authority does not have a 5-year supply of housing land.

The ruling was made after an appeal by Rowland Homes who want to build 96 homes at Elworth Hall Farm, near Sandbach, and came despite Cheshire East Leader Cllr Michael Jones assuring residents they DID have a 5-year supply.

The council says it has taken legal counsel advice to consider a realistic Judicial Review, and is to go ahead with a review.

Cllr Jones (pictured) said: “This was a very important planning decision, which was produced in a way which left many members of the public concerned.

“We will be asking a judge to review this decision – especially on the issue of our having a five-year supply of housing land.

“I have always promised the people of Cheshire East we will do everything we can to defend our greenbelt and green gap spaces – and this is no exception.

“We are committed to protect our countryside from unplanned, unwanted and unsustainable development.”

There are fears that other housing developers like Gladman Homes and Muller Homes, pursuing appeals over proposed housing developments in Nantwich, Stapeley and Wistaston, will be given the green light by inspectors under the same ruling.

A ruling on Muller’s appeal to build the first phase of a 1,100-home “Nantwich South” development in Stapeley is due to be published in July.