Plans to build 18 homes in the open countryside at Bunbury have been recommended for approval despite strong opposition from residents and two parish councils.

Edgefold Homes wants to bulldoze a house and other buildings on land west of Bunbury Lane and replace them with the new builds.

The site already has permission for residential development which was granted at appeal by an inspector in 2024 – but that was for 20 'first homes'.

This latest application is for market homes, with 30 per cent affordable.

It will be considered by the northern planning committee next week after being called-in by ward councillor Becky Posnett (Conservative), who argued the previous permission was only granted because of the first homes exemption.

Bunbury Parish Council has objected on numerous grounds including overdevelopment of the site, highways concerns and impact on protected trees.

Spurstow Parish Council raised flooding concerns stating: "Long Lane has historically flooded reducing it to single lane, concerned this has not been addressed and will be made worse by this proposal."

Ninety-five letters of objection were sent to Cheshire East planners about the initial plan submitted by the applicant – which was for 20 homes.

Objections included road narrowing would cause highway safety concerns, no housing needs assessment to consider local housing need and properties would not be affordable.

One objector said previous appeals were dismissed because the site is in the open countryside, and the allowed appeal was only granted as it met the first homes exception.

Fifty-four objections were sent in relation to the revised plans, with residents saying the reduction from 20 to 18 dwellings has little consequence and the revised layout does not show visibility splays.

A report from the council's planning officer to next week's meeting acknowledges the site is in the open countryside and there is conflict with local plan policy but points out the council no longer has a five-year housing land supply.

It says: "The site is considered to fall towards the middle of the spectrum in terms of locational sustainability.

"Whilst there are limitations in the range of sustainable travel options available, a range of day-to-day services and facilities are within reasonable walking distance…

"It is also noted that the site has an extant planning permission for residential development."

It says the proposal would provide economic benefits during construction and from the new dwellings once occupied.

It adds: "The proposal would provide social benefits in the form of new homes, including affordable homes."

The application is recommended for approval, subject to conditions and S106 agreements including 30 per cent affordable housing and financial contributions towards public open space and outdoor sport.

The southern planning committee meeting takes place at Delamere House in Crewe at 10am on Wednesday 21 October.

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