PLANS to build a ‘high quality residential development’ on land north of Parkgate industrial estate have been approved by Cheshire East Council.

The authority’s strategic planning board met last Wednesday, at Macclesfield Town Hall, to discuss plans put forward by Henry Brooks of The Tatton Estate, which would see the development of a 200-home estate sandwiched between the industrial estate and Tatton Park.

The plans received overwhelming support from committee members, with 12 councillors voting in favour of the application and two against.

The development, which was described as a ‘major milestone for Knutsford’ by planning adviser Jon Suckley of How Planning, would help fulfil a third of the housing need stated in Knutsford’s Local Plan.

It would also deliver a significant proportion of new affordable homes to help meet local needs and includes creating a roundabout at the junction of Parkgate Lane and Mobberley Road.

At the meeting, Knutsford town councillor Stewart Gardiner spoke on behalf of ‘the people of Knutsford’ and said a significant majority who expressed an opinion on the application supported it.

He added those who didn’t support it were mostly concerned about additional traffic on Mobberley Road and questioned the railway bridge’s strength.

He also addressed the numerous issues associated with the application, such as noise pollution and environmental problems.

“I do not believe that there would be any site within or on the edge of town, where there would not be similar or equally problematic issues,” he said.

“If it is not approved we will have to find another site for 200 houses on the edge of Knutsford and that will not be an easy task.”

Brian Chaplin, representing the South Knutsford Residents Group, also addressed the committee and said that the proposal was an integral element to meeting Knutford’s needs.

The group offered their support for the application but asked that the community be consulted on the design process in the next stages of the application.

Clr John Hammond supported the application.

He said: “People choose where to live.

“The development will attract people who want to live in Knutsford and hopefully the high quality house will compensate for location.”

Clr Brendan Murphy said it was vital that the houses are of a high standard and affordable.

“The danger of low-cost housing is that it can become a sink estate but it doesn’t have to become like that,” he added.