Plans lodged for 120-home estate in Crewe village

The development would include affordable properties

Plans have been submitted for up to 120 homes in the green gap on land west of Crewe Road at Shavington. The site, which is in the open countryside south of Gresty Lane, comprises 5.8 hectares of ‘intensively farmed’ agricultural land.

Richborough Estates is seeking outline permission for the homes – including 30 per cent affordable – with public open space, associated landscaping and a new access. It is proposed the principal means of vehicular access into the development will be formed from a priority T-junction with Crewe Road.

A design and access statement submitted by Richborough states the site provides an opportunity ‘to create a sustainable and attractive extension to the town, inspired by the context and local character of Crewe’. The proposals include:

• up to 120 new homes in a range of types and sizes;
• access onto Crewe Road to the east, linking to existing footpaths and proposed cycleways as part of creating a well-connected network route that encourages movement by sustainable modes;
• a substantial new green infrastructure framework that improves biodiversity and provides opportunities for a range of open spaces including amenity greenspace, semi-natural greenspace and species rich grassland.

A planning statement from Asteer Planning submitted on behalf of the applicant, says: “Overall, the site is a well-contained parcel of land with good vehicular access off Crewe Road and is within a relatively urban context with residential and non-residential uses to the east and north, and strong vegetation boundaries to all other sides.”

It says it is in a sustainable location on the southern edge of Crewe and is in proximity to a wide range of existing shops, services and employment opportunities. It also has good accessibility and is well connected to public transportation links.

The planning statement says the proposals accord with the council’s development plan as a whole. But it says, even if a contrary view is taken, Cheshire East Council cannot demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing land and, as such, the presumption in favour of sustainable development is engaged.

The application, number 25/2405/OUT, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council’s website. The last date for submitting comments is August 6, 2025.

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