Plans to build townhouses on the site of a former social club in Handforth have been approved with seven members of the Northern Planning Committee voting in favour and four against.
Jones Homes have been granted planning permission for ten 4-bedroomed properties on the site adjacent to Handforth Station, where the Handforth branch of the Royal British Legion was located until recently. The three storey townhouses will be split into two blocks of five.
Included in the proposal is the provision for a disabled access through the site to the southbound platform of Handforth station, however Friends of Handforth Station have been campaigning for better access to the station for everyone, whether they be wheelchair users, people with pushchairs, heavy suitcase carriers or those with walking difficulties.
Therefore the Friends of Handforth Station were disappointed that the plans were approved and say they will continue to talk with the developer, Cheshire East Highways and Network Rail.
Former chair of FoHS Mike Bishop said "This is insufficient on its own to be suitable for disabled and there was no consideration of the groups proposed feasible access route to station."
Members of the Handforth Parish Council Planning & Environment Committee also opposed the application as they consider it over development of the site and didn't support any development for three storey homes at this location. In addition a total of 26 objections were received and one letter of support.
However, the Northern Planning Committee approved the plans because the development was considered to represent sustainable development and the adverse effects of the scheme were significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the benefits.
A spokesperson for Jones Homes commented: "We have worked closely with Network Rail and the Local Authority to deliver a planning solution that will transform an unattractive brownfield site and provide quality new build homes for local people.
"On the request of Network Rail and the Local Authority, we reserved a sufficient quantity of land from our own landholding that can be used by Network Rail and the Friends of Handforth Station to deliver a future disabled access.
"We should point out that the issue of access to the station has existed as long as the station itself and is not a planning-related issue, or an issue of our making. As a leading local developer, committed to quality and excellence, we will continue to work closely with all related parties and will do what we can to help where we can."
Image shows townhouses that are similar to those proposed for Station Road, Handforth.
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