A PROPERTY firm has won a planning appeal to build 30 new homes on a greenfield site next to an existing housing estate in Lower Peover.

Proposals for the 30-home scheme on 1.6ha of land next to Holly Tree Drive in the village have been given the go-ahead after a successful appeal to the Planning Inspector by national commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton.

The application was first submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council on January 23, 2014, with the four-day planning inquiry starting on February 24.

Residents living nearby rejected the plans saying the proposed development would effect the character and appearance of the area, they had concerns over highway safety and congestion, the effect on existing services, utilities and the adequacy of infrastructure, including water supply and public transport.

They also raised concerns over the living conditions of neighbouring properties as well as the amount of employment opportunities in the area, the loss of agricultural land and affordable housing provision.

A spokesperson for the property giant said: "Lambert Smith Hampton worked with landowners to manage the complex process as well as coordinating a team of consultants to submit the initial planning application and the following planning appeal.

"The proposals were rigorously tested through a public inquiry which concluded that the benefits of new housing provision in the area were valid."

The planning inspector, G D Jones, who heard the appeal, said in his appeal notice: "In summary, notwithstanding the policy conflict, given the absence of a five-year

housing land supply and the status of relevant policies of the development plan for the supply of housing, I find that the appeal proposals would be sustainable development."

Richard Moffat, director of planning and development for LSH in Manchester, said: “This is a very positive step forward for the delivery of new homes and will help meet the required need for housing in this part of Cheshire.

“However, the fact that this case had to go to appeal at all supports the findings of our recent residential development sentiment survey; that planning is perceived as the biggest barrier to the delivery of housing.

"The planning system was seen to be challenging, time consuming and costly.

"Opposition from local communities was also cited as a major concern.

"We are seeing a rise in the market and more housing being delivered. Access to finance has improved dramatically.

"However, not enough is being done to ensure that national planning guidance is being adhered to locally to support the delivery of new and affordable homes to meet housing needs.”