Final phase of major Crewe homes and retail scheme set to be built despite strong objection

There are already 11 developments in close proximity

Plans for 84 homes and a commercial development at Shavington are recommended for approval despite claims the number of houses exceeds that originally agreed. Anwyl Homes has submitted a full application for the homes and outline plans for up to 700sqm of retail development.

The scheme, earmarked for land south of Newcastle Road and Stock Lane, is the third and final phase of the allocated Shavington /Wybunbury Triangle site. The principle of development has already been established and approval has been granted for 352 homes on the first two phases.

The council’s planning officer states in a report due to go to Wednesday’s meeting of the strategic planning board: “The 84 units now proposed for phase three will result in a total of 436 dwellings within the triangle site. This will however meet the requirement of the ‘delivery of around 400 new homes’. But locals do not agree.

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Shavington Parish Council states: “The proposal submitted exceeds the number of dwellings stated in the original strategic plan for the site and does not comply with the Shavington-cum-Gresty Neighbourhood Plan.” Wybunbury councillor Janet Clowes (Con) states: “This represents an over development of the site in its totality of 11 per cent which is unacceptable.”

The 3.3 hectare application site is a former field which straddles the boundary between Shavington-cum Gresty and Wybunbury parishes. Both parish councils have raised concerns about the scheme – these include the type of properties not catering for the needs of the area as well as highways and parking issues.

Cllr Clowes has objected raising concerns about the design and height of some of the properties, as well as issues regarding roads and access to the site. “The proposed access points are both on an inner bend of Newcastle Road. The proposed retail access has poor visibility to the right when leaving, which must be addressed,” she said in her letter to the council.

Thirty one letters of objection have been received from neighbours. Among their concerns are the impact on the local infrastructure which, they say, is already under pressure with schools, doctors and hospitals having insufficient capacity to meet further demand.

They also argue there is no need for further housing in Shavington as there have been more than 11 major developments within a three mile radius of this site. The housing proposal includes a mix of one, two, three and four bedroomed properties including apartments, bungalows, semi-detached and detached dwellings.

A single point of vehicle access is proposed on to Newcastle Road. The second part of the application, the commercial development within the north-western corner of the site, would be served by a separate vehicular access directly from Newcastle Road.

The planning officer states in the report: “The proposal provides for the required amount of affordable housing with an appropriate mix of housing. The proposal achieves an appropriately designed residential development.” The proposed access arrangement for the development will not adversely affect highway safety or result in traffic management issues on the local highway network.

“The proposed outline retail element is of a scale which is appropriate to meet local needs and capable of not adversely affecting the amenities of neighbouring properties.” The report also states there is appropriate public open space and a locally equipped area for play will be provided.

The application is recommended for approval subject to conditions. The planning meeting takes place on Wednesday, May 4, at 10am at Crewe Municipal Buildings.

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