Fiona Bruce MP
Plans for 280 homes on Abbeyfields at Sandbach dismissed by Secretary of State
CONTROVERSIAL plans to build 280 houses on Sandbach's green fields have been thrown out by the Government.
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles has dismissed developers Fox Land and Property's appeal against Cheshire East's decision to deny planning permission for the Abbeyfields site last year.
More than 700 residents, The Friends of Abbeyfields action group, Congleton MP Fiona Bruce and Sandbach Town Council opposed the plans.
Mr Pickles followed the recommendation of planning inspector Ruth MacKenzie to reject the scheme.
In a letter to Fox Land and Property boss Martyn Twigg, dated yesterday (Thursday, September 29), a spokesman for Mr Pickles stated that approving the scheme "would send the wrong message to other developers" and would increase the risk of previously designated brown field housing sites not being delivered.
Fox Land and Property had argued the development will help the council meet the local housing need.
However, Mr Pickles found that, while there is a major shortfall of affordable homes, and a lack of a five-year plan, in Cheshire East, three sites in Sandbach have already been given planning permission which could support a total of 723 dwellings, "a substantial number, bearing in mind that the housing requirement for the whole of Cheshire East is 1,150 dwellings a year".
Mr Pickles found that if permission for 280 homes was granted "the development of designated sites could be delayed, denying Sandbach the associated regenerative and sustainability benefits that flow from the re-use of urban land."
In addition he agreed with local objectors who argued that the scheme would destroy valuable farmland.
In a letter of objection, Congleton MP Fiona Bruce stated that the proposed development had "generated one of the greatest volume of objections which I have received regarding any matter since my election as the local Member of Parliament".
She added: "Finally, and this is in my view the most important point – residents do not want this development."
Fox Land and Property now has six weeks to decide if it will appeal the Secretary of State's decision to he High Court.
For the full story and reaction to the decision, pick up next week's Chronicle on sale Wednesday, October 5.
Sandbach Town Council