Proposal for 650 new homes south of Crewe unveiled

Plans for a new estate village within an enhanced parkland south of Crewe have been revealed.

Bloor Homes, one of the largest privately-owned housebuilders in the UK, has partnered with the Duchy of Lancaster to bring forward plans for new homes at the South Cheshire Growth Village.

The development team has ambitions to deliver a sensitively designed, sustainable village in keeping with local character, that respects the historic buildings and parkland setting around the site.

Alongside approximately 650 new homes, the proposals will establish an active village heart via a market square which encompasses local retail and community uses.

More than 50% of the site will be green open spaces, including a central village green, play areas, circular walks, community allotments, orchards and wildlife areas.

Additionally, an extensive network of safe pedestrian and cycle routes will form a key aspect of the village design, offering links to the wider area and the separate proposals for a new school at Basford East.

The homes will be supported by a package of contributions to local roads, schools, public transport and other key community infrastructure.

Road redesign and traffic management measures will be implemented to reduce through traffic, encourage use of the A500 and avoid rat-running through villages such as Weston.

In addition, the plans will maintain a suitable access for businesses on Crewe Hall Enterprise Park and at Crewe Hall Farm. A series of economic benefits will also stem from the development through the additional spend and construction jobs.

The site is allocated in Cheshire East Council’s adopted Local Plan in response to an identified need for new homes in the area. The Local Plan – site ref LPS 8 – recognises the site as an opportunity to deliver a high-quality residential environment in an attractive setting.

Against this background, Bloor Homes has spent considerable time developing proposals for the site to ensure the plans are of a high quality and deliver new homes for local people, up to 30% of which will be much-needed affordable properties.

Kate McClean, planning director at Bloor Homes, said: “The draft proposals for South Cheshire Growth Village will deliver a sustainable development of high-quality new homes and a village centre with a range of uses for the community, as well as green open space for local people to use and enjoy.

“In addition, the proposals capitalise on the site’s highly sustainable location in close proximity to Crewe and to the M6 motorway, as well as providing new pedestrian and cycle links to improve connectivity and reduce car dependency.

“Public engagement is important to us, and I’d like to encourage anyone with an interest in the site to provide their feedback as part of our public consultation.”

Ahead of the submission of a planning application, Bloor Homes is seeking the views of local people via a public consultation, which is scheduled to run between Monday, December 14, and Monday, January 11, 2021.