ALMOST 200 homes are to be built in Northwich Road, Knutsford, after plans by The Crown Estate were approved by Cheshire East Council.

The council’s Strategic Planning Board gave the go-ahead this morning to the development, a scheme which will also bring major highway and community benefits.

The committee voted unanimously to approve plans for 190 homes, a reduction on the 260 originally proposed.

The application was deferred last December so The Crown Estate could consider reducing the number of homes from 260, following feedback from Cheshire East Council, community groups in Knutsford and Knutsford Town Council.

In response, The Crown Estate reduced the number of homes on the scheme to 190, while still delivering 30 per cent affordable housing and keeping contributions to highway improvements unchanged.

The approved plans will contribute £724,020 towards local infrastructure, including fully-funded highway improvements at the Canute Place roundabout.

The total consists of the following.

An educational contribution of £91,000 towards SEN places.

£353,000 to a final scheme designed by Cheshire East Council for the Canute Place junction.

£60,000 to a signal-controlled pedestrian crossing on Northwich Road.

£28,500 towards fitness equipment at Knutsford Leisure Centre.

A £191,520 contribution towards bringing three Knutsford GP practices together, redevelopment or relocation of Annandale Medical Centre.

The proposals will also deliver land for allotments, a community orchard, sports pitch and new open space for the community to enjoy.

Steve Melligan, strategic land portfolio manager at The Crown Estate said: “We’re delighted that the Strategic Planning Board has approved our application, which will deliver much-needed homes to the area.

“The scheme will also bring many additional benefits, including new spaces for allotments, a community orchard, sports pitch and areas for the local community to enjoy.

“Following feedback from the council and the local community, we have used the freed-up land in the revised application for additional public open space, allowing us to bring forward a scheme that really complements Knutsford’s existing character.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the council and local community who have helped shape the vision for the site.”

The Crown Estate will bring forward a second planning later this year for a maximum of 60 new homes at Manchester Road, Knutsford, committing to ensure that no more than 250 homes will be delivered across the two sites, in line with Knutsford planning policy.

The Crown Estate is a specialist real estate business, with a £13 billion portfolio focused on commercial property in central London, prime regional retail and offshore wind.

A report issued by planning officers said the revised scheme was closer to the 175 homes the council had 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 the site can accommodate 190 dwellings and mitigation ensures the town can accommodate the additional 15 units.

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