Campaigners in Wistaston have been dealt a blow after the Government allowed a developer’s appeal to build 300 houses on Witters Field.
Cheshire East Council had rejected plans by Gladman Developments for the green land off Church Lane.
It went to a public inquiry and the planning inspector recommended the plans should be approved.
But it was then referred to the Secretary of State, who has now returned a decision agreeing with the inspector and allowing Gladman to build.
It is a bitter blow for the Hands Off Wistaston campaign group which has fought for years to prevent the development and loss of green land.
A spokesperson said: “Obviously, we are all really disappointed by this and this isn’t the result that lots of us worked really hard to try and achieve.
“There is the option for this decision to be challenged in the High Court, which Cheshire East Council would need to apply to do.
“So, we will follow this up with Cheshire East and see what can be done next to try and save the field from development.”
Resident Richard Whittle added: “I’m absolutely gutted and heartbroken by this.
“I have been waiting for this and knew it would happen, green and money always does.
“But what about the voice of the people? Does our voice mean nothing to these faceless people who don’t know Wistaston and what the field means to us?”
And Kelly Barlow added: “This is really bad news for the schools, doctors, roads, wildlife and dog walkers.
“But once they have one field we will end up with all the fields having houses on them in Wistaston.
“They don’t really take much notice of all the appeals its just a process they have to go through.”
In the ruling, a spokesman for the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Sajid Javid MP said: “He has considered whether the adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the Framework policies as a whole.
“Overall, the Secretary of State considers the adverse impacts of the proposal, in terms of the erosion of the Green Gap, harm to the character of the landscape and the loss of BMV land, would not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits which would result from the provision of new housing and affordable housing to boost supply as required.”
You can read the full ruling here.
(Picture courtesy of Jonathan White)
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