THE controversial Crown Estate development for Northwich Road is being recommended for approval after being cut from 260 homes to 190.

Cheshire East Council’s strategic planning board is expected to make a decision on the plans at a meeting in Macclesfield next Wednesday.

The scheme was deferred by the same committee last December so The Crown Estate could consider reducing the number of properties from 260, following strong opposition from residents and Esther McVey, MP for Tatton.

A report issued by CEC planning officers ahead of Wednesday’s meeting tells councillors that the revised scheme is closer to the 175 homes the council has earmarked for development on the site in its local plan.

“The number of units is considered to be acceptable, and the application is recommended for approval based on the amended scheme submitted,” the report said.

“This planning application submission demonstrates that the site can accommodate 190 dwellings and mitigation ensures that the town can accommodate the additional 15 units.

“The applicant is providing contributions required in order to make the development acceptable and is providing the full amount of affordable housing on site which is essential in order to make developments sustainable in the future.”

The report added that although the development has a ‘relatively minor encroachment into the greenbelt’, it is justified to ensure safe and appropriate road access.

Steve Melligan, strategic land manager at The Crown Estate, announced in February that it had ‘listened carefully to feedback from the community’ when revealing its revised plan for 190 homes.

Knutsford Town Council has withdrawn its objection to the scheme following the reduction in number of planned homes, while Tabley Parish Council and the South Knutsford, North Knutsford and Nether Ward community groups have not submitted a further consultation response following their original objections.

Officers recommend that The Crown Estate must provide 57 affordable homes, allotments and open spaces.

The Crown Estate will also be asked to contribute £353,000 towards the Canute Place junction, £191,520 for GP practices, £91,000 towards SEN education, £60,000 for a pedestrian crossing in Northwich Road and £28,500 towards equipment for Knutsford Leisure Centre.