Plans for 12 affordable apartments on protected open space in Macclesfield have been recommended for approval despite objections from the town council and residents.

Copperleaf Group Ltd wants to build the homes on a 0.4-hectare triangular-shaped plot off Moss Lane.

Cheshire East's northern planning committee refused an application for 18 affordable apartments on the same site in 2022 – a decision which was upheld by an inspector at appeal.

The council's planning officers say the concerns raised with the previously refused scheme have been addressed in this latest application, which is due to be considered by the northern planning committee on Wednesday, March 4.

Ward councillor Brian Puddicombe, who 'called-in' this latest application to the committee, said: "The development of this site, the last area of green space off Moss Lane, will have an adverse effect on local properties including the impact of the extra traffic on the local, already at times, overstretched road network."

He added: "There is also history of previously refused planning applications with much local opposition….

"Part of the refusal of the previous planning application was due to the site being a protected open space as part of the SMDA (South Macclesfield Development Area).

"This categorisation cannot have changed and must still apply.'

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Macclesfield Town Council has objected to the application and listed several reasons the scheme should be refused including:

• Natural England do not support the development of building on peat and object to the application;
• the application is not supported by a transport statement and it is considered, as a result of the development, there will be an increase in the volume of traffic, contributing to an increase in pollution and exacerbating parking issues in the area;
• over-development of the site;
• loss of open space and wildlife habitat;
• clarity needed on the SMDA in terms of providing green infrastructure and landscaping and proximity of Moss Lane development to public footpaths.

Twenty seven residents have also objected.

The northern planning committee meeting takes place at 10.30am on Wednesday, March 4, at Macclesfield Town Hall.