A DECISION on whether to give the go-ahead to plans for 100 new homes in Tarporley is expected within seven weeks.
Planning inspector Keith Manning will carry out site visits following the conclusion of the four-day public inquiry before ruling on the proposed development on land off Nantwich Road.
Last week’s crucial hearing – held at Winsford Town Council HQ – included representations from developer Fox Strategic Land and Property (FLP), who are behind the scheme, Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC), Tarporley Parish Council, ward councillor Eveleigh Moore-Dutton and villagers.
FLP called for a public inquiry after CWaC failed to decide on its application – which had more than 1,000 objections – within the statutory eight-week period.
Mr Manning, who is acting on behalf of the Secretary of State, will consider a number of factors – including relevant planning policies, whether the development is necessary at this time and material considerations regarding the site.
Now the public inquiry is over, he will pay a visit to the 11-acre site where the development is proposed.
Mr Manning will also look at the old Brook Farm School site and land opposite, which is the favoured location among the vast majority of villagers and the parish council, as well as the ‘Daffodil Field’ just off High Street and land in Utkinton.
FLP, represented by barrister Ian Ponter, says the development is much-needed due to CWaC’s ‘chronic’ housing shortfall.
Resident Michael George, who led the opposition case with parish councillor James Blackford, argues the Government’s new National Planning Policy Framework is designed to ‘empower’ communities.
He believes going against the wishes of the residents and allowing the development to go-ahead would send out the wrong message.
