Dwellings plan given go-ahead

Dec 19 2008 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

COUNCILLORS have overturned the advice of their officials and approved plans for nine open market dwellings in a Green Belt village.

The development, involving the conversion of former farm buildings at Home Farm on Chapel House Lane in Puddington, has been drawn up by NSW Engineering (2000) Ltd.

The site, on the edge of Puddington, consists of a group of farm buildings adjacent to the Puddington Conservation Area, according to a report.

Parish councillors support the scheme and argue the buildings are in an “advanced state of disrepair” while other structures are dilapidated.

One nearby occupier has objected.

The scheme would lead to the creation of new open market dwellings in Puddington which is not listed as being suitable for infill development, suggested planning officers.

They argued the developers had not provided sufficient justification as to why affordable homes could not be included.

The application was recommended for refusal at a meeting of Chester's planning board due to the lack of affordable housing.

Labour planning spokesman Cllr Sandra Rudd (College) pointed out: “The problem is the refusal by the applicant to provide affordable housing.”

Cllr David Hull (Lib Dem, Hoole Groves) suggested that affordable housing could be secured in the ward through the payment of a financial contribution by the developer.

Vicars Cross Cllr Paul Cheetham (Lib Dem) suggested the application should have permission on that basis and this was agreed on a 13-0 vote.