Controversial plans for 200 homes on a green belt site in Macclesfield have been recommended for approval by council officers despite more than 450 objections.

Bloor Homes North West wants to build the homes on a 15.4 hectare site on the north side of Prestbury Road.

The site comprises three fields within the green belt and the Bollin Valley Local Landscape Designation.

Access would be via Prestbury Road.

In recommending the application for approval, Cheshire East's planning officer says the site represents grey belt land.

The officer's report to next week's meeting of the strategic planning board states: "The principle of development is found to be acceptable considering the NPPF (national planning policy framework) and would deliver much needed housing within a sustainable location in one of the principal towns and growth areas of the borough."

Map of the application site (Credit: Turley)

The officer acknowledges allowing housing on this site 'would not be without harm'.

"There would be adverse landscape impacts on the character and appearance of the area due to the urbanising effect of permanent residential development and a consequential impact on the Bollin Valley Local Landscape Designation and views from the Riverside Park to the north of the site," states the report.

"However, these impacts could be appropriately managed and limited at the reserved matters stage."

It adds: "The development would produce some economic benefits in terms of employment opportunities during the construction phase and direct and indirect benefits associated with additional household expenditure within the local economy."

Macclesfield MP Tim Roca, Macclesfield Town Council, the CPRE countryside charity and Cheshire East councillors Judy Snowball (Lab) and David Edwardes (Ind) are among the many objectors.

The CPRE listed several reasons why the application should be refused, adding: "The applicant has not submitted convincing evidence that the area should now be considered to be grey belt and nor have they proved 'very special circumstances' for building in green belt."

In a lengthy objection posted on the planning portal, Cllr Snowball, said: "I have considerable concerns about this application and I acknowledge that many of the residents in my ward and in Tytherington ward have expressed a variety of legitimate worries which include worries about inadequate infrastructure for the residents of this proposed estate and the surrounding area, as well as pressure on GP surgeries and schools, potentially dangerous traffic build up and the need for data provided by Bloor to be fully tested for accuracy.

"Also, the potentially catastrophic effects of such building on the environment and biodiversity in the area."

The application site off Prestbury Road in Macclesfield (Credit: Turley)

There are numerous objections from the town council and local residents, who argue the site makes a strong contribution to protection against urban sprawl, encroachment and the setting of a historic town.

Included among their concerns are harm to the landscape; loss of agricultural land and openness of the green belt; loss of visual amenity; fears the proposed access from Prestbury Road is unsafe and potentially hazardous for current residents and claims the proposal would result in the irreplaceable loss of habitats, impact on veteran trees, Upton Wood and Riverside Park.

Of the 470 people who made representations to the council, 13 were in favour of the scheme.

The application is due to be considered by the strategic planning board at Macclesfield Town Hall at 10.30am on Thursday, September 11.