KNUTSFORD Football Club and Knutsford Sports Club would benefit from the investment that the proposed Bluebell Village would bring.

So said Tatton Estate this week as it submitted plans for a ‘village community’ off Manchester Road in Knutsford.

The new neighbourhood would be known as Bluebell Village after the original farmstead, and would deliver up to 300 new homes and a village centre with local shops and facilities, including space for GPs and dentists.

Funding for improving sporting and leisure facilities to cater for Knutsford’s growing population would also be provided from the development.

The plans are being promoted by Tatton Estate, a spokesman from which said: “Bluebell Village is already a sustainable location, being within walking distance of extensive existing facilities, while having direct access to the A50, A556 and M6 on routes which avoid the need to drive through the town centre.

“The inclusion of local facilities on site will further help reduce the need to travel, not just for new residents but also for future workers on The Crown Estate’s allocated A50 office park and existing neighbours.

“The application boundary intentionally includes all the Estate’s nearby ownership, including Knutsford Football and Sports Clubs in order to protect and enhance them.

“Importantly the application contains no proposals for their redevelopment. They are retained as Protected Open Space but will benefit from the opportunities and investment that Bluebell Village will bring.

“This will include, for example, several hundred thousand pounds of Section 106 improvements for Public Open Space.

“Alongside the new homes, services and business space, improved pedestrian and cycle routes will link the area better to central Knutsford facilities, including the local rail station and bus services, while new facilities such as a medical centre can also be delivered on site.

“In addition it is anticipated the development will fund new school places and other section 106 contributions.

“We are very proud to be submitting this pioneering application for a high-quality mixed-use development in this location.

“This liveable, genuine neighbourhood will meet the needs of future generations in a way that is truly ‘Knutsford’.

“The proposed development will generate significant benefits for the local economy, including the potential to generate up to £2 million New Homes Bonus revenue for Cheshire East Council, 421 jobs are expected during the construction phase and a further 200 created by the new village centre.

"The development would complement the ongoing investment to facilitate growth in Cheshire, already one of the UK’s most vibrant economies, including over £440 million which is going into upgrading the M6, A556 and M6 to deliver much-needed road capacity.

"In addition, Knutsford itself will see five major road improvements worth over £2.7 million - funded by Local Plan development sites and including junction improvements around Adams Hill, Canute Place, Mobberley Road/Parkgate Lane and Brook Street/Hollow Lane."

Tatton Estate is keen to hear people’s views and any suggestions on how the proposals can be improved up to the application’s determination, expected to be in October – and beyond.

For more about Bluebell Village visit facebook.com/Bluebell-Village-Knutsford