Agenda and minutes

Strategic Planning Board - Wednesday, 27th May, 2026 10.30 am

Venue: Council Chamber, Municipal Buildings, Earle Street, Crewe CW1 2BJ. View directions

Contact: Jennifer Ashley 

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Puddicombe and Edgar. Councillor Bratherton was present as substitute for Councillor Puddicombe and Councillor Clowes was present as substitute for Councillor Edgar.

2.

Declarations of Interest/Pre Determination

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests, other registerable interests, and non-registerable interests in any item on the agenda and for Members to declare if they have a pre-determination in respect of any item on the agenda.

Minutes:

In the interest of openness and transparency, the following declarations were made:

 

In relation to applications 25/4821/FUL and 26/0343/VOC, Councillor Marshall declared that he was a Councillor for Middlewich and  there were items on social media saying that he had a pre-determined intention with respect to the applications, which Councillor Marshall stated was false and he would give every speaker the full chance to speak and question the officers without predetermination.

 

In relation to application 25/2639/OUT, Councillor Houston declared that a member of her family would be speaking in relation to the application but had no pecuniary interest and had avoided discussing the application with the family member.

 

In relation to applications 25/1468/OUT and 25/1469/FUL, Councillors Edwardes and Braithwaite declared that they had received a letter on Tree Preservation Orders on the trees but remained impartial and had not engaged in conversation about it.

 

In relation to application 25/2639/OUT, Councillors Wye and Houston declared that they had received emails on the applications but had not responded or discussed it.

3.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 119 KB

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 29 April 2026 as a correct record.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 29 April 2026 be approved as a correct record.

4.

Public Speaking

A total period of 5 minutes is allocated for each of the planning applications for the following:

 

·         Ward Councillors who are not members of the Strategic Planning Board

·         The relevant Town/Parish Council

 

A period of 3 minutes is allocated for each of the planning applications for the following individuals/groups:

 

·         Members who are not members of the Strategic Planning Board and are not the Ward Member

·         Objectors

·         Supporters

·         Applicants

Minutes:

The public speaking procedure was noted.

5.

25/2639/OUT - LAND EAST OF, MIDDLEWICH ROAD, WISTASTON, CREWE: Outline planning permission (with all matters reserved except site access) for residential development (Use Class C2 and C3) and a neighbourhood centre (Use Class E(a-f)/F2/Sui Generis), comprising of new dwellings, later living accommodation, public open space, enhancements and amendments to existing footpaths, hard and soft landscaping, new footpaths and cycleways, and associated infrastructure and works, including engineering/drainage (including SUDs) and the demolition of existing buildings/structures on site pdf icon PDF 821 KB

To consider the above application.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the above planning application.

 

The following attended the meeting and made representations in relation to the application:

 

Councillor Alan Coiley (Ward Councillor), Councillor Margaret Simon (Ward Councillor), Councillor Bob Squirrell (Parish Councillor), Graham Roberts (Objector), Diane Houston (Objector) and David Diggle (Applicant / Agent)

 

Members noted the content of the report.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That application 25/2639/OUT be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation, subject to a Section 106 Agreement and the following conditions:

 

S106

Amount

Trigger

Affordable Housing

30% 

(65% Affordable Social Rent / 

35% Intermediate)

In accordance with phasing plan to be submitted.

Education

£1,445,527.00

In accordance with phasing plan to be submitted.

Health

£903 at per dwelling or 1 bed unit in the case of C2 developments

50% Prior to first

occupation

50% at occupation of half

the final dwellings

Highways

Bus Service (three years) 600k

 

 

 

Alvaston Roundabout £2m

 

Paid on 4 instalments of £150,000 on first occupation, and 3 subsequent payments at 100th dwelling and anniversary thereafter.

 

£1M to be paid on occupation of

the 50th dwelling; with the remainder on occupation of the 450th dwelling.

Outdoor Sport

£1,101,289

50% Prior to first

occupation

50% at occupation of half

the final dwellings

Indoor Sport / Leisure Services

£117,969.85

 

Public Open Space

Private Management Company for Areas of

Open Space

Prior to first occupation

Delivery of the local centre

 

In accordance with the proposed phasing plan

 

and the following conditions:

 

1.            Time limit for submission of reserved matters

2.            Commencement within 3 years of approval of last reserved matter.

3.            Submission of Reserved Matters

4.            Approved plans

5.            Approval of materials

6.            Approval of Landscaping

7.            Implementation/management of Landscaping

8.            Tree – Outline AIA

9.            Tree – Tree and hedgerow retention

10.         Reserved matters to be supported by a CEMP to include measures to safeguard off site Local Wildlife Sites from contamination during the construction phase.

11.         Each reserved matters application to be supported by ecological enhancement strategy.

12.         Biodiversity Net Gain

13.         Entry into GCN District Level licencing (once certificate has been received).

14.         Reserved matters application to be supported by an updated bat, badger and barn owl survey, impact assessment mitigation and compensation strategy.

15.         Any future reserved matters application to be supported by a lighting scheme.

16.         Reserved matters application which incorporates an existing pond is to be supported by a pond retention, mitigation and compensation strategy.

17.          Reserved matters application to be supported by a method statement of hedgehog mitigation measures.

18.         Submission of a Noise Impact Assessment with any reserved matters application

19.         Submission of an updated Phase 1 and Phase II ground investigation and risk assessment and remediation strategy if required.

20.         Submission of a Verification Report

21.         Soil testing

22.         Unexpected contamination

23.         Prior to occupation the access works and footway/cycle path to be fully completed. Works being delivered via a S278 Agreement.

24.         Prior to occupation of the 100th dwelling the improvement scheme at the A530/Rising Sun junction to be fully completed. Works being delivered via  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

25/1468/OUT - LAND AT BOOTHS PARK CHELFORD ROAD, KNUTSFORD: Outline application for residential development, including 30% affordable homes, together with associated open space, sustainable drainage works and landscaping. All matters reserved apart from means of access pdf icon PDF 817 KB

To consider the above application.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the above planning application.

 

The following attended the meeting and made representations in relation to the application:

 

Councillor Stewart Gardiner (Ward Councillor), Ian Anderson (Objector), John Finnan (Objector), Debbie Jamison (Objector) and Gary Halman (Agent / Applicant)

 

Members noted the content of the report and update report.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That application 25/1468/OUT be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation, subject to an S106 agreement and conditions:

 

S106

Amount

Trigger

Affordable Housing

30% 

(65% Affordable Social Rent / 

35% Intermediate)

 

In accordance with phasing plan to be submitted.

Education

£1,043,949.00 BASED ON 163 UNITS

So the figure should be pro rata based on the approved RM number

50% on first occupation and 50% by the time that 50% of the houses are occupied

Health

£903 at per dwelling or 1 bed unit in the case of C2 developments

 

50% on first occupation and 50% by the time that 50% of the houses are occupied

Highways

£320,000 be provided to fund a new Knutsford circular bus service for a two year period

 

At 50% occupancy

Outdoor Sport

£258,366.40 BASED ON 163 UNITS

So the figure should be pro rata based on the approved RM number

50% on first occupation and 50% by the time that 50% of the houses are occupied

Indoor Sport

£29,134 BASED ON 163 UNITS

So the figure should be pro rata based on the approved RM number

Prior to first occupation

Public Open Space

Private Management Company for Areas of Open Space

 

Prior to first occupation

 

and the following conditions

 

1.    Time limit for submission of reserved matters

2.    Commencement within 2 years of approval of last reserved matter. 

3.    Submission of Reserved Matters

4.    Compliance with plans and details

5.    Trees – Tree retention

6.    Any reserved matters application shall be supported by an Arboricultural Impact Assessment which shall include a Tree Protection (TPP) and Arboricultural Method Statement (AMS)

7.    Trees – Levels to be agreed

8.    Trees – Drainage to be agreed

9.    Reserved matters application to be supported by a revised FRA and detailed drainage strategy / design, associated management / maintenance plan

10.Reserved matters application to be supported by scheme of foul and surface     water

11.Drainage to be submitted, approved and implemented. Foul and surface water drainage shall be connected on separate systems.

12.Reserved matters application to include details of all hard and soft landscaping.

13.Reserved matters application to include details of maintenance and management of all landscaping 

14.Reserved matters application to be supported by details of boundary treatments 

15.Reserved matters to be supported by detailed proposed and finished ground and floor levels

16.Reserved matters to be supported by a noise impact assessment and mitigation 

17.MAG – Height not to exceed 15m

18.MAG – Lighting to be caped at the horizontal with no upward light spill

19.MAG – During construction robust measures to prevent birds on site

20.MAG – Submission of a Bird Hazard Management Plan

21.MAG –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

7.

25/1469/FUL - LAND AT BOOTHS PARK CHELFORD ROAD, KNUTSFORD: Full application for new access road to serve housing site, including associated landscaping and sustainable drainage works pdf icon PDF 365 KB

To consider the above application.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the above planning application.

 

The following attended the meeting and made representations in relation to the application:

 

Councillor Stewart Gardiner (Ward Councillor), Debbie Jamison (Objector), Gary Halman (Agent / Applicant)

 

Members noted the content of the report.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That application 25/1469/FUL be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation, subject to a Section 106 Agreement linking this application to development of the safeguarded land, and the following conditions:

 

1. Three-year start

2. Approved plans

3. Landscaping details to be approved include lighting and details of surfacing for the road.

4. Maintenance of landscaping

5. Tree protection

6. Arboricultural method statement

7. Drainage – trees

8. Bird nesting season

9. Submission of a sustainable surface water drainage scheme and a foul water drainage scheme – UU

10. Development to proceed in accordance with the Flood Risk Assessment

11. Soil testing

12. Unexpected contamination

13. Manchester Airport Group (MAG)  Lighting levels

14. MAG – bird avoidance measures

15. MAG – no reflective materials

16. MAG – dust and smoke minimisation

 

In the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions / informatives / planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Head of Planning has delegated authority to do so in consultation with the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Board, provided that the changes do not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s decision.

 

 

 

 

8.

25/2194/OUT - LAND WEST OF MOORSFIELD AVENUE AND TOLLGATE DRIVE, AUDLEM: Outline Planning Application for a residential development of 116 dwellings (Inc. 35 affordable dwellings) with access included pdf icon PDF 568 KB

To consider the above application.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the above planning application.

 

The following attended the meeting and made representations in relation to the application:

 

Councillor Rachel Bailey (Ward Councillor), Councillor David Lambourne (Parish Councillor), Neil Goldie / Debbie Ruscoe Icke (Objector), Andrew Parry (Supporter), Amy Henson (Agent / Applicant)

 

Members noted the content of the report and the update report.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That application 25/2194/OUT be REFUSED as per the officer’s recommendation.

 

Councillor Bratherton left the meeting during this item.

 

9.

25/4821/FUL - ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES HUB, CLEDFORD LANE, MIDDLEWICH: Additional car parking, relocated bin store and a new security lodge pdf icon PDF 415 KB

To consider the above application.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the above planning application.

 

The following attended the meeting and made representations in relation to the application:

 

Jonathan Pannell and Ralph Kemp (Agent / Applicant)

 

Members noted the content of the report.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That application 25/4821/FUL be APPROVED be as per the officer’s recommendation subject to the formal notification of an internal transfer of the financial contribution of £176,000 towards the Middlewich Eastern Bypass, and subject to the following conditions:

 

1)    Commencement of development (3 years)  

2)    Approved plans  

3)    Restriction on storage heights of materials or equipment to match that imposed on permission 15/2355W 

4)    Implementation of the travel plan approved under 15/2355W.

5)    Implementation of the submitted car park management strategy

6)    Restrictions on the hours of operation to reflect that contained on permission 15/2355W

7)    Implementation of the noise management plan approved under 15/2355W

8)    Adherence to maximum noise levels established under permission 15/2355W

9)    No burning of materials on site

10)Implementation of the mitigation identified in the air quality assessment

11)Submission of an updated conceptual model, phase II ground investigation and risk assessment, and where necessary a subsequent remediation strategy

12)Where deemed necessary under condition 12, submission of a verification report

13)Testing of all soils brought on site

14)Implementation of measures to deal with unexpected contamination

15)Implementation of the mitigation identified in the Ecological Assessment

16)Submission and implementation of a final updated construction environmental management plan and precautionary working method statements

17)Submission of a scheme to protect nesting birds

18)Submission of a scheme of biodiversity enhancement measures

19)Submission of a biodiversity net gain plan

20)Submission of detailed landscape planting scheme

21)Implementation of tree protection measures

22)Submission of final detailed drainage strategy with maximum discharge rate

23)Halite risk assessment

 

 

In the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions / informatives / planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Head of Planning has delegated authority to do so in consultation with the Chair of the Strategic Planning Board, provided that the changes do not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s

 

Councillors Moss and Jackson left the meeting at the end of this application.

 

10.

26/0343/VOC - ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES HUB, CLEDFORD LANE, MIDDLEWICH: Variation of Condition 32 (vehicle movements) on approval 15/2355W to amend the condition to allow for an increase in the total number of vehicle movement pdf icon PDF 356 KB

To consider the above application.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the above planning application.

 

The following attended the meeting and made representations in relation to the application:

 

Jonathan Pannell and Ralph Kemp (Agent / Applicant)

 

Members noted the content of the report and update report.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That application 26/0343/VOC be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation, subject to the revised wording of condition 32 as follows:

 

The total number of vehicle movements associated with the development shall not exceed 1330 (665 in, 665 out) on any one day; of which there shall be no more than 398 Heavy Goods vehicle movements* (199 in, 199 out) on any one day.

 

*the term heavy goods vehicles meaning OGV1 and OGV2 as defined in COBA vehicle classification

 

Reason: in the interests of highway safety and to protect residential amenity

 

And the replication of the following conditions from 15/2355W:

 

1.    Approved documents

2.    Hours of operation

3.    Control over type of waste management permitted in the buildings

4.    Control over type of waste accepted at the site

5.    Restrictions on the volume of waste managed at the site

6.    Stockpile height restrictions

7.    Implementation of approved building acoustic mitigation

8.    Implementation of approved noise management plan

9.    Restrictions on noise levels on site

10.Implementation of approved noise monitoring scheme

11.Implementation of approved odour management scheme

12.Implementation of approved electric charging points and maintenance arrangements

13.Implementation of approved fleet management and replacement strategy

14.Implementation of approved dust and litter management plan

15.Controls over the type of fuel for the boiler and implementation of approved fuel storage arrangements

16. Any changes to the fuel type/quality to be approved prior to use

17.Implementation of approved biomass boiler and stack design, and written maintenance schedule

18.Controls over visible smoke emissions from the boiler flue

19.Implementation of approved drainage arrangements

20.No infiltration into the ground where any land contamination is present

21.Records of the HGV movements

22.Sheeting of all open topped vehicles

23.Implementation of approved travel plan

24.Retention of approved lighting

25.Implementation of approved liaison scheme

26.Submission of a parking management strategy for the temporary off-site parking prior to any increase in vehicle movements associated with this permission being implemented

In the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions / informatives / planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Head of Planning has delegated authority to do so in consultation with the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Board, provided that the changes do not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s decision.