Bloor beats Cheshire East in 325-home Sandbach appeal
Summary
The Planning Inspectorate has allowed Bloor Homes’ appeal for a 325-home scheme in Sandbach, overturning Cheshire East Council’s refusal. The inspector found that the housing and affordable housing benefits outweighed less than substantial heritage harm, while also noting moderate harm to the character of the area and limited loss of good quality agricultural land.
Why it matters
This decision highlights how housing land supply shortfalls can materially affect planning outcomes, even where heritage impacts are identified. Residential property surveyors advising on development, valuation or planning risk should note the weight given to housing need, affordable housing and heritage balancing in appeal decisions.
Key points
- Appeal allowed for 325 homes on 47 acres off The Hill, Sandbach
- Inspector found public benefits outweighed heritage harm to nearby listed assets
- Council’s housing land supply was 3.3 years against a five-year target
- Some moderate landscape/character harm and limited agricultural land loss were accepted
- Affordable housing provision was a key factor in the decision
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