Wrightcare’s Handforth proposal back on the agenda
Summary
A revised proposal for a 68-bed care home in Handforth has returned to Cheshire East Council with officers now recommending approval after earlier concerns led to withdrawal. The scheme has been amended to address Green Belt, drainage, tree protection and biodiversity issues, with officers concluding that very special circumstances now outweigh Green Belt harm.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter similar Green Belt and Grey Belt arguments in development appraisals, planning advice and valuation work. The case also highlights the importance of site constraints such as trees, drainage, biodiversity net gain and access in determining deliverability and planning risk.
Key points
- A previously withdrawn 76-bed care home proposal has been resubmitted as a 68-bed scheme.
- Officers now recommend approval, citing Grey Belt status and very special circumstances.
- The revised design reduces tree loss and improves parking, pedestrian access and the plant compound.
- Earlier concerns included wildlife site impacts, surface water drainage, Dobbin Brook, tree root protection and biodiversity net gain.
- Handforth Town Council continues to oppose the scheme on Green Belt and need grounds.
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