Planning officers have again recommended councillors give the go-ahead for a 216 home scheme in Macclesfield after it was deferred last month.

Redrow Homes and Jones Homes want to build the new houses on land south of Chelford Road.

Outline permission has already been granted for up to 232 homes on the site.

But Cheshire East's strategic planning board (SPB) last month deferred the 216 home reserved matters application, which looks at design and layout, because of concerns about the impact on the nearby Hilltop Farm.

This was in relation to the servicing and maintenance of their septic tank, fears of damage caused by construction activities and water table changes to a well which is in the kitchen.

In a report due to go before tomorrow's (Wednesday) meeting of the SPB, the council's planning officer states concerns relating to the septic tank and the well have been addressed.

The officer adds: "Any damage caused to property as a result of construction activities would have to be rectified by the developer. However, this is a civil matter and not a material planning consideration."

The application site consists of a number of fields. It adjoins residential properties in places along its northern boundary and at the north eastern corner of the site.

Access, which was approved at the outline stage, will be from a new roundabout to be built on Chelford Road.

Local MP David Rutley, Macclesfield Town Council and Henbury Parish Council have all objected to the scheme.

More than 50 residents have also written to Cheshire East to oppose the development.

All have listed numerous concerns, including the impact on air quality, with particular regard to the Broken Cross air quality management area; the impact of the development on Cock Wood, which is  a site of special biological interest (SBI); and flood risk and drainage.

Cheshire East's planning officer states, in the report, the proposal provides the required amount of affordable housing with a good mix and density of housing.

He says it is an appropriately designed residential development sympathetic to the character of the area and would not materially harm neighbouring residential amenity.

The officer says the impacts on the adjoining local wildlife site would be acceptable.

"With respect to highways, consideration of the outline consent determined that the development will not have a detrimental impact on the local highway network, subject to a scheme of works at Broken Cross, which is currently being implemented by another developer," states the officer.

"Similarly, the impact on local air quality, including cumulative impacts, has been determined to be acceptable also."

The officer concludes: "The proposal is for sustainable development which would bring environmental, economic, and social benefits and is therefore considered to be acceptable."

The application is recommended for approval subject to a number of conditions.

The strategic planning board meeting takes place at 10am at Macclesfield Town Hall on Wednesday, November 23.

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