Plans for up to 48 homes in the green belt at Church Lawton have been recommended for approval despite objections from the parish council and more than 60 residents.

Ocean Group Developments wants to build the properties, which would include 45 per cent affordable homes, on a 1.65-hectare parcel of agricultural land east of Congleton Road North.

Cheshire East planners have recommended the southern planning committee approves the application next week, pointing out: "The council is no longer able to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply."

The application is in outline form, so only access is to be determined by councillors next week and this would be taken from Congleton Road North to the west of the site.

All other matters, such as design and layout, will be decided at the later reserved matters application stage if outline permission is granted.

Church Lawton Parish Council argues the proposed access point onto the A34 is not safe and there are several roads joining within the vicinity of the site.

The parish council also cites several other reasons why the scheme should be refused including it would result in an over-development of the site due to its density and it is not in keeping with the area.

It also raises concerns about the impact on wildlife and the nearby canal conservation area.

Sixty-four residents have also objected.

They have listed numerous reasons, including the site being the last green belt buffer between Church Lawton and Kidsgrove and the harm to the rural character of the canal.

Cheshire East planners acknowledge there are disadvantages to the scheme.

The council officer's report states: "The proposal would result in the loss of open countryside, but this will be an inevitable consequence given the council's housing land supply position."

It also says the development would result in a small loss of best and most versatile agricultural land.

But the report says the site meets the criteria for 'grey belt', which is disputed by objectors.

And it argues there are a range of benefits that weigh in favour of the proposal.

These include economic benefits during construction and when the new dwellings are occupied and social benefits including affordable homes.

The report concludes: "The benefits of this development would not be substantially outweighed by the adverse effects and as such the proposal is recommended for approval."

The application will be considered at next week's meeting of the southern planning committee which takes place on Wednesday, September 9, at 10am at Delamere House in Crewe.

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