mond2x: Plans for 280 homes would lower existing house prices, inquiry hears

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Plans for 280 homes would lower existing house prices, inquiry hears

OPPONENTS of a controversial plan to build 280 properties on open farmland in Sandbach say it would result in a significant drop in house prices.

A public inquiry into proposals to put up homes on land off Abbey Road and Middlewich Road, known locally as Abbeyfields, started at Crewe's Oakley Centre yesterday.

Cheshire East Council rejected the scheme in November after more than 1,000 residents and Sandbach Town Council opposed the scheme.

But developer Fox Strategic and Property appealed and will put their case at the four-day inquiry.

Martin Carter, representing the town council, told the inquiry that the authority found conflicts within the design, which is contrary to the original development plan.

Mr Carter added: "Sandbach has a substantial number of houses on existing sites.

"There are no over-riding reasons to release this site for housing.

"There are ample areas of land around the town where the development would be desirable in terms of agricultural quality."

Chartered surveyor Simon Mackay presented a summary of evidence to the inquiry.

He said: "Bearing in mind the size of Sandbach, there will be inevitable consequences upon the demand for brownfield sites if large greenfield developments are granted approval.

"Developers will realise there is a limited market and competing schemes will dilute demand and cause a downward impact on house prices."

Mr Mackay went on to say that such a scheme would be better in Crewe because the type of development would likely attract greater levels of interest and be more economically viable.

Paul Tucker, representing the applicants, told the inquiry that the Local Planning Authority (LPA) is set to consider plans to build up to 375 homes at the site of Albion Inorganic Chemicals, in Booth Lane, Sandbach today.

Mr Tucker added: "Mr Mackay's evidence is rather curious.

"He said that the release of the 280 units on a greenfield site in Sandbach will adversely affect the delivery of brownfields sites in the town, and presumably Crewe, but it comes as the LPA is due to consider a report on the Albion Works development involving units on greenfield land where there is not a hint of suggestion of such an impact occurring.

"If viability is assessed on a site specific basis he cannot say that the delivery of this site would have an adverse affect on any brownfields site in Sandbach."

In an opening statement, Mr Tucker said the aim of the development was to increase the supply of affordable housing to support economic growth.

The inquiry continues today and tomorrow and will finish on Wednesday, April 27.

Residents will be given the opportunity to voice their opinions towards the end of the process.

A handful attended the opening of the inquiry and those who had commitments later in the week were allowed to speak yesterday.

The grounds of refusal for the homes, which would have had between one and five bedrooms, included the countryside location, road access issues, and the potential impact on protected bats and newts.