Chelford care home plans recommended for refusal

Plans for a major mixed-use development in Chelford look set to be knocked back next week after concerns were raised about the scheme being “inappropriate” within the Green Belt.

The application is lined up for a site on Pepper Street, which is partly occupied by Holly Tree House which the applicants are proposing to demolish and replace with a retirement care community.

The main aspect of this would be a 60-bed care home built across two storeys and operated by a registered care provider along with 72 assisted living apartments in the form of 13 blocks of two-storey developments. Elsewhere, 14 close care suites are proposed, along with a village hub, ancillary structures such as pumping stations, landscaping and new roads.

The plans indicate the scheme will generate 25 full-time and 35 part-time roles, while a number of temporary construction jobs are also lined up. However, the application looks set to be refused by Cheshire East Council’s planning committee on 13 October.

A report drawn up ahead of the meeting noted that while weight should be afforded to the economic benefits and “significant contribution” towards specialist older persons housing, more substantial weight should be given to the harm the proposals could cause to the Green Belt.

Concerns have also been raised around the lack of affordable housing provision.

The report said: “Overall, it is considered that the harm caused to the Green Belt by reason of inappropriateness, and the other harm identified, would not clearly be outweighed by the other considerations.

“As such, the very special circumstances necessary to justify the development do not exist.”

Refusal has been recommended.

Application can be viewed at: http://planning.cheshireeast.gov.uk/applicationdetails.aspx?pr=20/4976M&query=9b3839df9aaa46059cb54d9ee6fd503c&start=&from=m