Parish council objects to farm's housing plan amid clash over grey belt criteria
By Belinda Ryan - Local Democracy Reporter 18th Dec 2025
Prestbury Parish Council says it 'objects in principle' to plans to build up to two homes at Oaklands Farm off Heybridge Lane.
Nigel Liddle has applied for permission in principle to build up to two dwellings on the 0.49 hectare site, which is in the green belt.
Emery Planning, acting for the applicant, says the proposal meets the criteria for grey belt development and therefore would not comprise inappropriate development in the green belt.
But Prestbury Parish Council's planning committee doesn't agree.
In its written objections it states: "The committee believes the plot to be green belt land as it does not fulfil the criteria to be considered grey belt.
"The developer's supporting argument for easy access on foot to the village is untrue."
The parish council also shared the concerns expressed by Cheshire East's public rights of way (PROW) team relating to a footpath.
The PROW team has recommended conditions be imposed if permission is granted.
The parish council said: "The committee fully supports the PROW report and has concerns about the footpath FP2 which is not wide enough for two cars to pass."
A planning statement submitted by Emery Planning on behalf of the applicant states: "The location is sustainable having regard to the scale of development and the previously developed nature of the site, the land use is appropriate, and the scale of development is minor."
It points out Cheshire East does not have a five-year supply of housing land.
The application is for 'permission in principle' (PIP) – a two-stage mechanism for obtaining planning approval for housing development.
The scope for consideration at this first stage is limited to the location, land use and amount of development.
If PIP is granted, the site must receive a grant of technical details consent at the second stage before development can proceed.
The application, number 25/4613/PIP, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East's website.
The last date for submitting comments is January 7, 2025.
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