KEY figures have expressed conflicting reactions to Cheshire East Council’s decision to knock back the Ilford Way development in Mobberley.

Last week, the borough council’s strategic planning board rejected LPC Living’s proposal to build a new HQ for firm HARMAN along with 360 new homes on Ilford Way in the village.

It was a victory for Residents Against Mobberley Sprawl (RAMS), who have been campaigning endlessly for the scheme to be ceased.

Gareth Wilson, who spoke on behalf of RAMS at the meeting, told the Guardian the group were absolutely delighted with the decision.

He added: “In particular we're pleased that so many people from the village attended the meeting in Crewe, even though it was in the middle of the week and the date and location was only confirmed by the council seven days before the meeting.

“Building under the flightpath for Manchester Airport condemning over 1,000 people to years of incessant aircraft noise is morally reprehensible and we agree 100 per cent with the council’s reasons for rejecting this development.”

Clr Jamie Macrae, ward member for Mobberley, also spoke to oppose the application at the meeting.

He said: "The prospect of over 360 new houses, an additional 1000 residents in the village of Mobberley is clearly unacceptable. In addition to exposing them to high levels of aircraft noise, sheltering under acoustic canopies.

"The site is unsustainable, with over 2500 predicted car journeys per day, no education provision , inadequate local transport, is this a way forward for Cheshire East Council to build communities?"

Simon Ashdown, director at LPC Living, said he was disappointed with the outcome but said the company is looking to the future.

He said: “This scheme would have acted as a catalyst for Cheshire East to deliver a significant number of much-needed homes on a Brownfield site and retain a prestigious manufacturing business within the borough.

“While we’re disappointed by this decision we will take on board the planning committee’s feedback and look at how the masterplan can be amended to better meet the needs of Mobberley whilst still addressing the requirement of our tenant to save on costs, modernise and become more sustainable for the future.”