A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to demolish buildings and construct 18 homes at Smallwood, near Sandbach, is being blocked by a flood of objections.

Willan Developments wants to build the homes with garages at Rosemount Farm, Congleton Road.

Buildings there are used for a business which sells and repairs haulage vehicles.

Congleton Borough Council received letters from angry residents and objections from the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE).

Planning experts at the authority recommended the plans are not allowed.

A CPRE spokesman said: 'The site is relatively remote from services and facilities, is not served by public transport and, therefore, cannot be considered sustainable for housing.' Residents objected on the grounds that 'the development is totally out of keeping with the rural nature of Smallwood'.

The authority's planning committee will consider the application at a meeting in Sandbach on Tuesday.