A MAJOR housebuilder could get the all-clear next week to build 190 homes off Northwich Road – despite concerns it goes against Knutsford’s neighbourhood plan.

Redrow has already been granted outline planning permission by Cheshire East Council for the development – which is one of three major schemes earmarked in the council’s local plan for the north of the town.

At a meeting next Wednesday, the strategic planning board will be asked to make a decision for the ‘reserved matters’ stage – meaning specific design details for the scheme will be considered.

And in a report issued ahead of that meeting, CEC officers have called on the committee to give the plans the thumbs up.

The report said: “The design aspects of the proposals include layout, scale, form and appearance.

“These elements have been improved during the application process to an extent where the design of the development is now deemed to be acceptable.

“No issues are raised with regards to highways, amenity, ecology, flooding and drainage, affordable housing, open space or public rights of way.”

If approved, Redrow will be able to build 133 open market properties on the site – including 52 three-bedroom homes, 70 four-bedroom homes and 11 five-bedroom homes.

The firm would also build 57 affordable houses – including 30 two-bedroom properties and 27 three-bedroom houses – while also providing allotments, a community orchard, a playing pitch and open space.

However, more than 30 residents have sent objections to CEC against the scheme, while Knutsford Town Council insists the design goes against the neighbourhood plan – which was voted for by residents in March.

READ > Knutsford Academy parents fund school defibrillators

Town councillors are also concerned that there are no changing facilities for the sports pitch, while there is ‘inadequate’ public transport provision in the plans.

To view the proposals search 19/1392M on CEC’s planning website.