DESPITE two refusals and a spirited campaign, Saltersford Corner’s much objected to application has been passed on appeal.

Russell Homes’ proposal to build a 100-home development on the site of Saltersford Corner, Macclesfield Road, has been granted permission by planning inspector, Colin Ball, following a public inquiry.

The application was rejected on two occasions for reasons including unsustainable location in open countryside, loss of agricultural land, and an existing housing land supply in excess of five years.

The proposals also led to the formation of the ‘Save Saltersford Corner’ campaign, which was spearheaded by a group of teenagers from the Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School.

In his report, the inspector stated that the council had withdrawn the aforementioned objections and acknowledged it could not demonstrate a five-year housing supply. The council’s case rested on the extent of the harm cause to the intrinsic character and appearance of the countryside.

After making his considerations, the inspector concluded that the adverse impacts of the development ‘are nowhere near sufficient’ to outweigh the substantial benefits of the scheme and overturned the council’s refusal on February 10.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Jonathan Vose, of Knutsford-based Walsingham Planning, said: “We are delighted that the inspector has found in favour of our clients on all grounds. Whilst hugely gratifying, it is frustrating that it has required two planning applications and a public inquiry to reach this position, given the obvious merits and logic of the site.

“Nevertheless, we look forward to working alongside Cheshire East in promoting further locations within which its evident housing shortfall can be appropriately addressed.”

The planning inspector also noted Save Saltersford Corner campaign group’s assertions that the schools and health centre are already at capacity and more houses would aggravate the situation.

He said that the council’s education department forecasts that by 2019, the primary schools and comprehensive would have more than enough surplus places to accommodate for the pupils generated by the development.

He highlighted that the applicant has committed to contributing £96,907 towards the provision of additional health facilities at Holmes Chapel Medical Centre and thus, the impact would be ‘fully addressed’.

Bill Armstrong, of Save Saltersford Corner, said that although the group are disappointed by the decision, they hope to be able to work alongside the developers going forward.

The 17-year-old added: “We have had our victories and our setbacks and whilst we were expecting it, it was kind of a blow to the campaign. We can’t thank people enough for their support.”

Following the granting of outline planning permission, reserved matters applications will follow, with the expectation that works on the site could commence later this year.