Taylor Wimpey submits plans for 650 homes in Crewe

HOUSEBUILDER Taylor Wimpey has submitted an outline planning application to build 650 new homes alongside a pub, shop and other amenities on a greenfield site near Remer Street in Crewe.

The application, which is set to be heard by Cheshire East Council’s strategic planning board this afternoon, is for a 24.2 acre site which is currently largely undeveloped apart from The Cross Keys, a locally-listed pub which it is planning to demolish to make way for a new roundabout.

The firm is planning to add a new pub, shop and “substantial areas of new public space” including a childrens’ play area, sports pitches and habitat areas for existing wildlife.

Council planning officers have recommended that the application is approved, subject to section 106 consents.

However, it has faced strong opposition from local residents, who have gathered a petition of around 1,500 signatures against the development.

Opponents to the scheme cite a range of objections to the application, stating that this is a greenfield site in an area where plenty of brownfield sites exist which are closer to local amenities.

They also argue that the houses are not needed, citing examples of unfinished and unoccupied homes in Crewe town centre. Residents have also objected to the size of the proposed development and have queried what they perceive to be a change in policy, given that a proposed development of the site was thrown out by former deputy prime minister John Prescott seven years ago.

Concerns were also cited about the impact on infrastructure and the traffic generated.

Planning officers are recommending that the scheme is approved since the council does not have a five-year housing land supply, and the government’s draft national planning framework states that councils should “consider favourably suitable planning applications for housing”.

It adds that the location is suitable as it is located on the periphery of the town.