Councillors advised to approve 18-home development on open countryside site in Congleton
Planning officers have recommended approval for 18 new homes on agricultural land off Padgbury Lane in Congleton, despite objections from the town council and local residents over
By Chester Standard
Plans to build 18 new homes on agricultural land in Congleton have been recommended for approval by Cheshire East Council’s planning officers, despite objections over the loss of open countryside and concerns about flooding, traffic and local infrastructure.
The proposal, submitted by Seddon Homes, would see a development of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses alongside four apartments on a 0.84-hectare site off Padgbury Lane.
A report prepared ahead of the planning decision recommends councillors approve the scheme, subject to a series of conditions. These include a requirement for 30% of the homes to be affordable and a developer contribution of £56,254 towards local education provision.
Planning officers acknowledge the development would result in the loss of open countryside, describing this as an “inevitable consequence” of bringing the site forward for housing. The report notes that while the land is currently in agricultural use, it is not considered to have exceptional landscape value.
Congleton Town Council has objected to the application, arguing that the proposal would represent an unwarranted extension into the countryside. It has also raised concerns about the scale of the development, existing flooding issues and reports of sewage problems on Padgbury Lane. The town council’s role is advisory, with Cheshire East Council responsible for determining planning applications.
Eleven local residents have also submitted objections, citing concerns including highway safety, increased traffic, the impact on wildlife and the environmental effects of developing the site.
Despite those objections, planning officers conclude that the proposal would deliver benefits through new housing, including affordable homes, while generating economic activity during both the construction phase and once the properties are occupied.
The report also states the site is in a sustainable location, with access to shops, services, public transport and other facilities in Congleton, reducing the need for longer journeys by car.
The recommendation is not the final decision. The application will now be considered by Cheshire East Council’s planning committee, where councillors will decide whether to approve or refuse the development after taking account of the planning officer’s report, public representations and local planning policies.