A developer wants to build up to nine homes on green belt land close to the King's School at Prestbury near Macclesfield.

AVS Estates Ltd has applied to Cheshire East Council for permission in principle for the dwellings on land currently occupied by stables and a horse exercise area at Pasturegate on the southern side of Alderley Road, opposite an entrance to the school grounds.

Because the application is for 'permission in principle' (PIP), the first stage being applied for now is to establish whether the site is suitable in principle.

That limits the scope for consideration to location, land use and the amount of development.

A planning statement, submitted by Emery Planning on behalf of the applicant, says the site is on a bus route and is within range of services and amenities such as a supermarket, Macclesfield Leisure Centre and two secondary schools.

It also argues it meets the criteria for grey belt land and, because it currently accommodates stables and menage for horses, it falls within the definition of previously developed land.

The planning document continues: "The council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply by a considerable margin.

"The only way to address this shortfall is through allowing development beyond settlement boundaries.

"The delivery of up to nine dwellings in a sustainable location on a previously developed site to assist in meeting the council shortfall is a significant benefit which should be afforded substantial weight."

At the time of writing, three residents have objected to the application.

One objector said: "The site is unsuitable for houses, protected by planning legislation, a critical environment for local fauna, and harbours protected species."

Another said: "This is wholly inappropriate use of green belt land and this is not grey belt land…

"The development will not make a beneficial contribution to the council's inadequate housing supply.

"There will be no affordable housing and nine dwellings is immaterial the housing shortage that exists.

"The land in question is not derelict or other urban land and it has not been previously developed, as the stables are not of a permanent structure, but obviously large temporary sheds."

The application, number 26/2601/PIP, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council's website.

The last date for comments is August 12.