125 homes approved on Wilmslow peatland despite environmental concerns
Cheshire East councillors have approved plans for 125 homes off Cumber Lane in Wilmslow after a contentious meeting dominated by concerns over peatland, flooding and the site's his
By Knutsford Guardian
Plans to build 125 homes on peatland in Wilmslow have been approved despite strong opposition from residents and concerns over the environmental impact of developing the site.
Cheshire East Council's strategic planning board voted by seven votes to four in favour of the development on 5.43 hectares of land off Cumber Lane.
Several councillors expressed reluctance about approving the scheme, with the decision described during the meeting as being made "with a heavy heart".
The meeting at Macclesfield Town Hall attracted a large number of objectors, with some members of the public having to watch proceedings by livestream from another room.
Much of the opposition centred on the site's peatland and the potential consequences of development for the wider Lindow Moss landscape.
The land is also close to the location where the preserved remains known as Lindow Man were discovered in 1984, adding archaeological and historical significance to the surrounding area.
David Wilson, representing Protect Lindow Moss, argued that the land should not have been safeguarded for development given what is now understood about climate change and the environmental importance of peat.
He warned councillors that damage caused by developing peatland could be irreversible.
Wilmslow town councillor Tim Higgins also opposed the application, raising concerns about peat, water management and the heritage significance of the area.
Tatton MP Esther McVey submitted a statement to the meeting expressing concerns about the development and the precedent that approving construction on peatland could create.
Flooding and drainage were among the other issues raised.
Ward councillor Mark Goldsmith told the meeting that a nearby primary school had recently benefited from around £50,000 of flood defence work and questioned whether development could undermine efforts to manage flooding locally.
He also raised concerns about sewage discharges into the River Bollin, citing records from United Utilities.
Bellway Homes defended the development, arguing that it would contribute towards meeting local housing demand.
Richard Barton, speaking on behalf of the developer, highlighted Cheshire East's lack of a five-year supply of housing land as an important consideration when determining the application.
That position was also central to councillors' discussion of the planning balance.
Members acknowledged concerns surrounding the site but said changes to national planning policy and the council's housing land supply position made refusing the application increasingly difficult to defend.
Cllr Tony Dean said planning rules had changed significantly and warned that refusing the scheme could expose the council to a costly appeal.
Cllr Marilyn Houston also expressed reluctance but pointed to the need to provide homes for families.
Cllr Garnet Marshall, who moved that the application should be approved, said councillors faced a difficult decision and questioned the council's prospects of successfully defending a refusal at appeal.
The application was ultimately approved by seven votes to four.
The decision allows the 125-home development to progress through the planning process, subject to the conditions and requirements attached to the permission.
However, the strength of opposition demonstrates the continuing tension between the need to provide additional housing and efforts to protect environmentally sensitive land around Wilmslow.
For campaigners seeking to protect Lindow Moss, the decision is particularly significant because of concerns about the long-term effect of development on peatland, drainage, wildlife and the historic landscape.