COUNCIL SEEKS JUDICIAL REVIEW OVER GREEN BELT DEVELOPMENT

Cheshire East Council is to challenge a planning decision in the courts.

Last month a planning inspector overturned an earlier refusal and gave the go-ahead for a 96-home scheme in Sandbach, ruling that Cheshire East does not have a five-year housing supply.

The proposed development by Rowland Homes at Elworth Hall Farm, off Dean Close, has attracted widespread opposition.

Council leader Michael Jones said: “This was a very important planning decision, which was produced in a way which left many members of the public concerned. I am pleased to see that 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 Sandbach, and of Cheshire East as a whole, that 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.”