PLANS have been submitted to bulldoze equestrian buildings at an Ollerton farm to make way for houses.

SF (NW) Ltd wants to build the homes, which would include some affordable, at New Barn Farm, off the Chelford Road.

The application is in outline, but indicative details are provided for a site layout comprising 13 dwellings.

The proposal would include alterations to the existing access from Chelford Road and the construction of nine four-bedroom detached houses and four two-bed semi-detached dwellings.

The semi-detached properties would be affordable homes.

A planning statement submitted by Emery Planning on behalf of the applicant, states: “The site is located within the green belt and has been historically used for equestrian purposes and is therefore previously developed land.

“The redevelopment of the site is acceptable provided there is no greater impact on the openness of the green belt than the existing development.

“In addition, given the proposal includes provision of affordable housing, the lower test of causing no substantial harm to the openness of the green belt applies in this case.”

The document also states the proposal would result in a significant reduction in both footprint and volume compared with the existing buildings and would therefore be a ‘positive benefit’ to the openness of the green belt.

It adds: “The proposed development would offer the opportunity to enhance the character and appearance of the site, providing an attractive, high quality residential scheme.”

And it says the council’s planners should consider this in the context of a recently approved residential development on land at Oakwood Nurseries, off Chelford Road.

Cheshire East’s northern planning committee approved an application for housing on that site in July last year by nine votes to one, although Cllr Ken Edwards (Bollington, Lab) vehemently argued against that development at the time saying it would change the nature and the openness of the green belt in that particular area.

The lead local flood authority has objected to this latest application because no detailed surface water drainage scheme has been submitted.

It says the objection may be removed when the relevant information is provided.

The application, number 24/2602M, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council’s website.

The last date for comments in September 12 and the application is due to be determined by planning officers under delegated authority.