Land East of Chester Road, Malpas
Public Consultation
Land East of Chester Road, Malpas
Public Consultation
Welcome to Muller Property Group’s consultation on the draft proposals for development at Land East of Chester Road, Malpas.
Welcome
We value the views of the local community and key stakeholders. All feedback received will be carefully reviewed and taken into account as we refine and shape our proposals.
Following this consultation, Muller Property Group intends to submit an Outline Planning Application to Cheshire West and Chester Council for residential development with access from Chester Road.
Detailed matters such as layout and appearance will be addressed at a later stage through a subsequent planning application.
We would be grateful if you could take a few moments to review the information provided on this webpage and share your comments with us.
Please note that this consultation is being undertaken in addition to the statutory consultation that the Council will carry out once a formal planning application has been submitted.
Site Context
The site extends to 4.3 hectares and comprises three agricultural fields.
The site offers limited ecological and habitat value due to the current agricultural use of the land. The hedgerows dividing the land parcels, and those located on the field margins, are to be retained where possible as part of the proposals.
Policy Context
Planning Policy Context
The site lies outside the Green Belt and occupies a highly sustainable location on the edge of the Malpas settlement boundary.
In contrast to other sites around the settlement, this land does not fall within a designated natural environment restoration area, making it a suitable and deliverable location for a landscape-led residential development.
The Council’s Stage 1 Land Availability Assessment (2025) identified the site as having “suitable residential potential.”
Local Plan Review
Local planning authorities are required by Government to review and update their Local Plans at least every five years.
For Cheshire West and Chester Council, the current Local Plan, adopted in two parts (Part One in 2015 and Part Two in 2019) is now considered to be significantly out of date.
Work on preparing a new Local Plan for the Borough is currently in progress, with adoption anticipated in Summer/Autumn 2027 according to the published timetable.
Increased Housing Targets
Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework announced by the National Government in late 2024 has increased the number of new homes Cheshire West and Chester Council will need to deliver from 532 to 1,914 per annum.
This represents a significant increase compared to the previous housing requirement and local need figure. Evidence provided by the local planning authority indicates that the current housing land supply now falls well below the five-year requirement, estimated at approximately 2.1 years of supply.
Emerging Proposals
We have created an illustrative masterplan showing how the proposed development could appear. It should be noted however that this is for illustrative purposes at this early stage in the outline planning process and is subject to change as a result of ongoing consultation and technical work.
Find out more by hovering over the dots below.
Local Equipped
Area for Play
Attenuation pond
designed to manage
surface water
Proposed Vehicle &
Pedestrian Access
from Chester Road
Central Public Open Space
Public Open Space
and buffer zone
Existing hedgerows to be
retained as much as possible
Proposed pedestrian access
onto Greenway Lane
Proposed pedestrian access
onto Greenway Lane
Muller Property Group is proposing a residential-led development, which will assist the Council in meeting its need to deliver sufficient homes to meet identified demand.
The current proposals are illustrated on the Illustrative Masterplan Plan and will include:
- Around 90 dwellings to the North of Malpas, on a site identified by the Council as having “suitable residential potential”.
- The delivery of housing in a sustainable and accessible location, making efficient use of land.
- The retention of existing trees and hedgerows on the site, including a buffer zone between the Cemetery and new homes to respect the existing street scene, allowing for ecological and habitat enhancements.
- New vehicular and pedestrian access off Chester Road, along with a new pedestrian access onto Greenway Lane.
- A comprehensive landscaping strategy designed to visually enhance the site as a central component of the proposals.
- The creation of valuable amenity spaces and walking routes for both new and existing residents, while also supporting biodiversity.
- Areas of Public Open Space around the housing; including outdoor play provision for all ages.
- Housing which reflects the surrounding character of existing development in Malpas.
- Provide a minimum of 30% of housing classified as affordable: for sale or rent at reduced values.
- An attenuation basin to contain rainfall, with water released from the site at a controlled rate, ensuring no increased risk of flooding in the locality.
- A net increase in Biodiversity of at least 10% when compared with the current ecological value of the site.
Technical Work
We have already undertaken a range of technical work on the site to inform how we design the scheme and raise any constrains we need to consider. These have been assessed through a series of initial surveys and other assessments.
Our technical work will be expanded upon within the forthcoming planning application submission, which will include the following:
- Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
- Transport Assessment
- Ecology, Biodiversity Net Gain Analysis
- Heritage Assessment
- Tree Survey
Benefits
The proposals would bring a number of benefits for Malpas and the wider Cheshire West and Chester area, including:
Affordable Housing
Enabling social mobility by providing 30% affordable homes.
Economic Boost
The creation of jobs and opportunities for local suppliers during development, plus increased local spending once homes are occupied.
Green Space & Play Areas
Retaining trees, hedgerows and creating New areas of Public Open Space for recreation and leisure.
Visual Enhancements
Comprehensive landscaping strategy designed to create a visually pleasing site.
Wildlife and the Environment
A commitment to deliver a 10% biodiversity net gain.
Addressing local housing need
Helping to meet the local area’s identified requirement for new homes by providing around 90 new homes as a balanced mix of housing types and sizes.
Have Your Say
To provide your feedback on the proposals, you are welcome to complete the consultation questionnaire below or you can submit comments via:
Completing the online feedback form
Email: land@muller-property.co.uk
using the title ‘Malpas Consultation’
within the subject line of the email.
Call: 0800 788 0900
(Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:30pm)
Post: Ref: Chester Road, Muller Property Group, The Point, Crewe Road, Alsager, Cheshire, ST7 2GP
Please provide your comments by 28th November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have addressed some common questions about our emerging proposals. We will continue to review, update and add to the FAQs as the consultation moves forward and through the planning process.
Why is the development being proposed?
There is a well-documented housing shortage across the UK, and Councils are required to allocate land to meet local housing needs. Cheshire West and Chester Council is currently unable to demonstrate an adequate supply of housing, highlighting the need for well-planned, sustainable development. The site will contribute to meeting this demand, delivering high-quality homes while enhancing the local area.
Why is this site being considered for housing?
The land was assessed in the Council’s Land Availability Assessment stage 1 report as having “suitable residential potential”. Cheshire West and Chester Council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing supply, which means there is a need for new homes.
How many homes are proposed?
We are proposing around 90 new homes, with a mix of sizes and styles.
Will there be affordable housing?
It is proposed that 30% of the new homes delivered on the site will be affordable homes, in line with local policy requirements.
What about the environment?
Protecting and enhancing the environment lie at the core of our proposals, retaining existing trees and hedgerows among new planting and the creation of public open space. Our measures will achieve at least a 10% biodiversity net gain.
What about traffic and access?
Access is proposed from Chester Road. A Transport Assessment is being prepared to make sure the development can be accommodated safely.
What is an outline planning application?
An outline planning application is the first stage of the planning process. It seeks approval for the principle of development – in this case, around 90 new homes on the site, along with the main access point.
Next Steps
Thank you for taking the time to participate in this community consultation. Your feedback is greatly valued, and all comments received will be carefully considered.
As part of the forthcoming Outline Planning Application, a Statement of Community Involvement will be prepared to summarise the feedback received and explain how it has informed the proposals.
Muller Property Group intends to submit the planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council later this year.
Once the application has been registered by the Council, there will be a further opportunity for residents and stakeholders to provide comments through the Council’s formal consultation process.
Land East of Chester Road, Malpas
Land East of Chester Road, Malpas