Nightingale Land Proposes 85 New Homes in Congleton's Countryside
An outline planning application has been formally submitted for the construction of up to 85 residential homes on open countryside land located south of Sandbach Road in Congleton. This proposal comes from Nightingale Land, which seeks to demolish existing farm outbuildings on the site to make way for the new development.
Affordable Housing and Reduced Scale
The planned development includes a commitment to provide 30 per cent affordable housing, aligning with local housing needs. Interestingly, the initial proposal was for 100 homes, but following pre-application consultation exercises, it was scaled back to 85 homes to address community feedback and potential concerns.
A planning statement prepared by Lane Town Planning on behalf of Nightingale Land indicates that the scheme is designed to accommodate a diverse range of house sizes and types. This approach is in accordance with the council's strategic housing market assessment, ensuring the development meets documented local demand.
Adjacent Development and Site Access
The site directly neighbours land that is the subject of a separate, undetermined planning application from Richborough Estates for up to 120 homes. If both applications were approved, the cumulative total would be approximately 205 new dwellings in the vicinity.
Access to the Nightingale Land site is proposed via a new priority junction from Sandbach Road. The development plan emphasizes integration with the existing transport network while managing potential traffic impacts.
Green Infrastructure and Community Amenities
The proposal includes significant investments in green infrastructure and public amenities. Plans feature substantial areas of public open space, with a focus on retaining and enhancing natural habitats around existing hedgerows. Additional environmental measures include new orchard tree planting.
Community facilities are a key component, with an equipped children's play area, trim trails, and various play features integrated along walking routes within designated green corridors. The development also promises to retain all existing public rights of way crossing the site and create new walking paths around the perimeter.
Delivery Timeline and Local Objections
Following a potential grant of planning consent, the site would be marketed immediately to private house builders. The development is anticipated to take approximately 3.3 years to complete from start to finish.
However, the proposal has not been without opposition. At the time of writing, one formal objection has been lodged on the Cheshire East Council planning portal. The objector raises concerns about the cumulative impact of approximately 200 new homes from both developments, warning of severe adverse effects on local traffic congestion, biodiversity, green infrastructure, and the overall character of the area.
The application, referenced under number 26/0303/OUT, is available for public viewing on the Cheshire East Council planning portal. The deadline for submitting formal comments is set for March 12.
