Appeal inspector to decide Newton by Tattenhall housing plan

Sep 30 2010 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

THE prospect of a controversial housing development in Newton by Tattenhall is in the hands of a planning inspector.

The appeal arose at the vacant Oak Room pub on Tattenhall Road, where Blackham Developments was refused permission for 27 new home in July.

Councillors overturned the advice of their officers and rejected the latest plans due to the inadequate provision for affordable housing.

As the Chronicle went to press, inspector Keith Manning was due to visit the hamlet following a two-day appeal hearing in Chester. In a submission to the hearing, planning board chairman Cllr Ralph Oultram (Con, Weaver) said that on the day before the planning meeting, ‘a very late offer’ had been made which would result in a more substantial contribution to affordable housing totalling £350,000. The developers, Goodwin Planning Services argued that before rejecting the high quality homes, councillors were given ‘clear advice’ that the development met planning policies.

Cllr Mike Jones (Con, Broxton) told the hearing the affordable housing contribution as ‘woefully inadequate’.

The inspector was due to close the hearing before making his visit.

Find out the result later this week at www.chesterchronicle.co.uk.