COUNCILLORS rejected the advice of their officials and a barrister and refused permission for almost 30 new homes in a small hamlet.

The resubmitted application was put forward at The Oak Room, Tattenhall Road, Newton by Tattenhall by Blackham Developments Ltd.

The plans were identical to a previously refused scheme, councillors were told, but a reduction in the energy efficiency standards of the new homes, which would still be above the minimum, enabled a contribution of £150,000, £125,000 of which would help provide affordable housing in the area.

Objections were raised on the grounds the plans involved insufficient affordable homes.

Local councillor Mike Jones (Con, Broxton) called the application in to a Cheshire West and Chester planning board for the same reason.

Councillors were told in a report that a contribution of £125,000 for off-site affordable housing would represent better value than a single affordable home in the development itself.

A barrister had advised the council that it had no reason to withhold planning permission or oppose the appeal as the developers had shown only a single affordable home could be provided without affecting the development, they heard.

Cllr Jones said that although he supported housing on the site, Cheshire West and Chester had a requirement for 1,314 affordable homes a year.

He suggested if the scheme was allowed to go ahead, other housebuilders would argue about the level of affordable housing in their developments.

Councillors agreed on an 8 – 1 vote to reject the application.