An appeal against the Council's decision to refuse planning permission for a contentious care village in Handforth Dean has been dismissed.
The appeal by Greystone (UK) Ltd was against Cheshire East Council's refusal to grant planning permission for a care village comprising of a 58 bedroom care home, 47 close care cottages, 15 shared ownership affordable dwellings and associated access roads, public open space, landscaping, car parking and ancillary development on land adjacent to Coppice Way in Handforth.
The hearing was originally scheduled for August 17th, however, due to unusually high levels of public interest with over 200 people attending, the venue was not big enough to accommodate all those present so a rescheduled hearing took place on the 22nd September at The Festival Hall in Alderley Edge.
Following the hearing, Inspector D L Burrows concluded "There is a fundamental objection to the proposals because the evidence does not demonstrate adequately that the sites are the most appropriate to cater for the needs of the elderly in this part of Cheshire East.
"The proposals would be contrary to LP policy GC7*. As a result of this there is no justification for the loss of RT6** land to provide access to the sites. The appeals should therefore be dismissed."
Photo: Concerned residents and councillors gather in the Festival Hall for the appeal hearing.
*Policy GC7 designates safeguarded land between the urban limits and the inner boundary of the green belt.
**RT6 allocates the land for amenity open space.
