TWO parish councils are divided over plans for 26 new homes on green space between Handforth and Styal following strong opposition from residents.

Dozens of households have objected to Cheshire East Council over plans for the Morris Homes development, off Sagars Road, where the Knowle House care home previously stood before it was demolished following an arson attack.

It is a stone’s throw away from The Fairways, Anwyl Homes’ new 224-home development being built on land which was controversially taken out of the green belt in CEC’s local plan three years ago.

Styal Parish Council is urging CEC to reject the scheme – with next-door Handforth already set to grow thanks to new projects including The Fairways and the 1500-home garden village.

In a letter to CEC, the council said: “Styal Parish Council objects to this planning application on the grounds that the proposed development is on greenbelt land.

“It is also noted that these 26 houses are in addition to the proposed development of 220-plus houses in the immediate vicinity.

“Yet another 2,300 houses are proposed for the Handforth area. In total this would appear to be excessive development for the Handforth area.”

The site is in greenbelt land, but it is considered to be brownfield because Knowle House previously stood there.

While it recognises the concerns of residents who have been up in arms against the project, Handforth Parish Council is not objecting to the scheme.

However, it wants assurances from CEC that the developer will deliver the 50 per cent affordable housing it is promising for the site.

In a letter to CEC, Handforth Parish Council said: “The site is brownfield and currently derelict, overgrown and an eyesore.

“The parish council would ask the case officer to ensure that the applicant adhere to the 50 per cent affordable housing under all circumstances and that the applicant makes attempt to ensure that they are truly affordable homes as opposed the current CEC strategic housing guidelines.

“The applicant [should] work with local housing associations to take on the affordable element and offer them for social rent, help to buy or on shared ownership or terms suitable for those trying to get onto the housing ladder.

“The case officer should work with the applicant to ensure that younger people and those with local connections be prioritised for housing at this site.”

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Handforth Parish Council also wants to see any financial contributions from the site go towards local infrastructure.

Residents can comment on the plans until November 2.

Search '20/3562M' on CEC's planning website.