Redrow Smithfields Development Refused

At last, CWaC Planning Committee have recognised the existence and importance of our Neighbourhood Plan. The hard work of the Parish Council, Friends of Tattenhall and Cllr Carol Weaver, in particular, have been vindicated. At yesterday's Planning Committee, the reserved matters application from Redrow/Bolesworth Estate to build 28 dwellings at Smithfields was refused. Whilst outline planning permission continues to exist, both the Agent and Developer will have to go back to the 'drawing board'.

The Planning Officer admitted it "did not sit comfortably with the Neighbourhood plan" BUT nevertheless recommended approval.

Tony Leigh-Smith, on behalf of Friends of Tattenhall, spoke strongly about the failure of the proposal to comply with the Neighbourhood Plan.

Cllr Weaver also emphasised the failure to comply with the Neighbourhood Plan and that the proposal would convert the existing Redrow site to an 88 house development. Also she explained that the proposed housing would not meet identified needs.

Ward Councillor Mike Jones reminded the Committee that the Neighbourhood Plan takes precedent over the Local Plan for non-strategic developments where there is a conflict. He also argued that there was no local distinctiveness as required by the Neighbourhood Plan and no provision for one-bedroom housing, an identified local need.

Cllr Jill Houlbrook for CWaC opposed the proposal. She admitted that she had changed her mind after seeing the strength of local feeling and because approval would undermine the validity of the Neighbourhood Plan. This opinion was re-iterated by all but one of the Committee members.

The application was refused on the grounds of character and size (as a continuation of the adjacent site) and on the type, size and distribution of the affordable housing.

The full meeting can be viewed on webcast HERE