THE Crown Estate has responded to community opposition to its housing plans for Knutsford by reducing the number of homes earmarked for Northwich Road to 190.

Residents and councillors had voiced concern over The Crown Estate’s proposals for 260 houses on the site, plans which were deferred last month by Cheshire East Council’s Strategic Planning Board.

The Crown Estate has now announced that it has put together revised proposals for the land after listening to the views of residents.

Steve Melligan, strategic land manager at The Crown Estate, said: “We have listened carefully to feedback from the community about our plans for new homes at North West Knutsford.

“We have therefore drawn up revised proposals for 190 homes at Northwich Road and 60 at Manchester Road – a total of 250 homes, which is in line with the Local Plan.

Cllr Jonathan Farber, Knutsford Town Council planning committee chairman, said: “I am hugely grateful to The Crown Estate for responding so positively to consultations at the town council, for fully absorbing the comments and research from RAGED, to the time and effort MP Esther McVey committed locally and in Parliament, and to have paid close attention to Cheshire East Council's comments in committee.

“By reducing the proposed housing numbers on the Northwich Road site they have done right thing for and by the people of Knutsford in the long term.

“This is a clear demonstration that working with the town, rather than against it, can achieve the best results for everyone.”

Terry Griffiths of Nether Ward Community Group, who spoke against the proposal for the 260 homes, said: “So far, so good. Supported by Esther McVey as local MP and many Knutsford people, including our Cheshire East councillors, we’re optimistic we can limit development in Knutsford to no more than is specified in the Local Plan.

“That Plan, evolved over many years with the community groups fully engaged in the process, may well become reality in North West Knutsford, although details have yet to be agreed with the landowners.

“However we cannot stop there. We are aware there are several other development proposals being worked up for Knutsford, so we need to continue to be vigilant to work towards reasonably-balanced growth of the town.”

Mr Melligan added: ““Although the number of homes has been reduced from the initial application we have kept our commitment to provide £353,000 to fully fund highway improvements at Canute Place roundabout.

“Similarly, plans for a new roundabout at the Northwich Road/Sudlow Lane junction – which will provide a new gateway into the town and associated safety benefits – are also being kept as part of the plans.

“The proportion of on-site affordable homes is also unchanged at 30 per cent.

“With the reduction in housing numbers at Northwich Road, we have also taken the opportunity to use the freed-up land for additional public open space, creating a lower density scheme and a highly attractive layout that complements Knutsford’s existing character.

“We will be meeting local councillors and community groups in the next few weeks to set out our revised plans in detail, and will then look to submit revised plans to Cheshire East Council next month.”