A HOUSING developer has put in plans to build 14 properties on the site of a former garden centre in Wilmslow.
Elan Homes wants to convert the land - which is in the green belt - into a new housing estate that would include affordable homes.
The site currently acts as the operational base for the Jacques Landscape contracting business, with the site previously acting as the former Ned Yates garden centre, which ceased trading in 2014.
Due to expansion plans of Jacques Landscaping Ltd, the site no longer provides a viable trading place for business and the company plans to re-locate to another site within the borough of Cheshire East.
The housing firm, based in Ellesmere Port, had originally planned to build 17 homes but after a pre-planning meeting with Cheshire East Council officers, decided to reduce that number to 14.
The planning statement adds: "The sites current use is a landscaping business and has previously been used as a garden centre until 2014. The site contains a number of buildings, hardstanding areas and numerous other structures including an open sided timber pergola, fenced compounds and skips which impact on the openness of the Green Belt.
"Therefore, the principle of development, should be considered as an appropriate form of development in the Green Belt which is partly redundant and partly still in use and one that would not have a greater impact of the openness than if it were to remain in its current form.
"The scheme comprises a mix of 14 new family homes consisting of 10 detached houses and four bungalows.
"The mix has been driven by market demand for high quality family housing in the area.
"Affordable housing is provided in the provision of four bungalows.
"The aim of the design team at Elan Homes is to create a new residential development which provides modern housing that will improve the character of the area and add value to the local community.
"The scheme fully complies with national and local guidance and considers the advice depicted within the policies and other recommended publications.
"In summary, this carefully designed, sustainable and deliverable scheme should merit the support of Cheshire East Council and therefore be approved without delay."
On the authority's planning portal, Louise Byers, of Moor Lane, said: "As resident of one of the properties closely situated to the proposed site, I am glad to see that the number of proposed houses on the site has been reduced, and plans are in place to make sure that there will sufficient screening of trees from Moor Lane.
"I accept that as a brownfield site this area will most likely to be developed at some point and I believe that this application represents a good option for development."
