Plans for 20 homes on the site of the former Chelford Market car park have been recommended for approval.

Jones Homes wants to build the properties on the land off Knutsford Road.

A report to Wednesday's meeting of the northern planning committee says the majority of the site is safeguarded land, though a narrow western section falls within the green belt.

Chelford Parish Council has objected for a number of reasons including the use of the land being 'premature'.

It states: "Principle of the development is not acceptable as [the] site is safeguarded land which remains in open countryside not allocated for development at the present time.

"As such development of it is premature as it refers to possibly being required to meet longer term development needs."

The parish council also says the school could not accommodate additional pupils and the development would have a detrimental impact on Chelford Surgery.

The application, which has been submitted in full, is for a mix of homes ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bed houses.

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It includes seven affordable homes.

The site would be accessed from Galloway Road and Dexter Place via Highland Drive.

Cheshire East does not have a five-year housing land supply.

The report from the council's planning officer states: "The proposals would positively contribute towards the council's housing land supply and includes the provision of affordable housing.

"This is afforded significant weight in the planning balance."

It says the site is considered to be sustainably located.

The report adds there are many facilities within walking distance and the scheme also includes an upgraded pedestrian crossing which is accessed from the site.

The application is recommended for approval, subject to conditions and a S106 agreement to secure the affordable housing and a number of financial contributions including £102,250 towards education.

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The application will be considered at the northern planning committee meeting which starts at 10.30am on Wednesday, March 4, at Macclesfield Town Hall.