PLANNING proposals which would have seen 26 new houses built in Handforth, including 13 affordable homes, have been rejected by Cheshire East councillors over fears of the impact on the green belt.

However, questions were also raised during the discussion as to why the ‘much-maligned’ Handforth Parish Council had not objected to the bid.

The plans, on the site of the former Knowle House care home on Sagars road, were brought forward by Morris Homes.

Arguing in favour of refusal, Handforth ward councillor Barry Burkhill said: “This site was considered last for development in 2014 and it was refused on that occasion — on the very reason proposed today.

“Since then we have had the local plan of 2017 which has confirmed its green belt status and emphasised its importance in preventing green belt harm of unrestricted sprawl.

“Any remainders of the previous structures on the site have disappeared. The area is blending and merging into the landscape and has been doing so for over 20 years.”

Following Cllr Burkhill’s representation at the meeting on Wednesday morning (April 7), both Cllr Tony Dean and Cllr Alift Harewood asked why the now-infamous parish council — which Cllr Burkhill also sits on — had not objected to the plans.

“I do not know how to answer that as I was not there at the time,” Cllr Burkhill replied.

“This all comes down to the reasons for the rift in the parish council. Some members were not around at the time to put the case forward for the green belt and I do not think they understood the importance of the green belt in that area.”

The meeting also heard applicant Paul Williams’ belief that the affordable housing provision justified the intrusion into the green belt.

He said: “The key test is that the proposal should not cause substantial harm to openness. While the site itself will become less open, the policy refers to the green belt overall.

“The [officer] assessment finds only a limited relationship between the site and the green belt itself.

“The proposal will provide more homes for shared ownership and rent, and the officer agrees that this is a significant social benefit.

“It is [reasonable] to have housing only 700 metres from the centre of the Handforth village.”

Ultimately, councillors disagreed with Mr Williams’ view, with ten voting in favour of refusal, and one abstained.