Developer asks Jodrell Bank to explain objection to homes plan
A developer has called on Jodrell Bank to explain why its experts have objected to plans to build up to 90 new homes on the former Fisons site at Holmes Chapel.
Bridgemount Developments has submitted an outline application to build the homes with green infrastructure including play areas, informal amenity use and new ecological habitats on land off London Road.
But those plans could be scuppered by Jodrell Bank, which has submitted a formal objection to Cheshire East saying the development would impair the efficiency of the telescopes.
The world-renowned observatory said: "We would ask the planning authority to take this into account in reaching its decision on this development, noting that the cumulative impact of this and other developments is more significant than each development individually."
Bridgemount Developments has hit back.
Managing director Howard Hagan said: "We would welcome clarity from Jodrell Bank regarding the specific impacts they believe our proposed Holmes Chapel development would cause.
"The site has a history of existing structures, the most recent being demolished in 2017, and has previously received planning approval for a supermarket."
Mr Hagan said before submitting the planning application, his team and the local planning authority attempted to engage with Jodrell Bank 'but received no response'.
They then appointed leading independent consultants, Plum Consulting.
"Following extensive analysis, they have concluded that the proposed residential development would not give rise to any greater Jodrell Bank interference than from the already approved retail development," said Mr Hagan.
"Indeed, there is evidence to suggest the consented supermarket could generate higher emissions."
He added: "Our proposed development is situated on a 3.41-hectare brownfield site surrounded by existing residential housing, a manufacturing facility and local amenities.
"We do not believe that an additional 90 homes within this urban location will have any material impact on the operation of the telescope.
"At a time when the need to deliver sustainable housing solutions is more urgent than ever, we believe Cheshire East Council should prioritise the redevelopment of brownfield sites such as this.
"Doing so offers a practical and environmentally responsible way to meet local housing targets without placing further pressure on valuable open countryside or greenbelt land."
The application, number 25/1859/OUT, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council's website.
The last date for submitting comments is July 3 and the application is due to be considered by the southern planning committee at a future date.
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