Hybrid planning application would deliver new homes, extensive green infrastructure and significant investment in local services for Winsford
Muller Property Group has submitted a hybrid planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council for a sustainable new residential neighbourhood on land east of Swanlow Lane, Winsford.
The proposals comprise a full application for a new access from Swanlow Lane, including a spine road and associated infrastructure, alongside an outline application for up to 448 new homes, with all matters reserved except access. The scheme has been informed by extensive technical assessments and community engagement and has been designed to create a high-quality extension to the town.
Located on approximately 24 hectares of land adjoining the existing settlement boundary, the development would provide a broad mix of one to five-bedroom homes, with 30% of the homes delivered as affordable housing, helping to meet identified local housing needs for first-time buyers, families and older residents.
The proposals place green infrastructure at the heart of the development. More than 8 hectares of public open space would be created, including parkland, natural green space, children’s play areas, youth facilities and allotments. Firwood Brook would form a central landscape feature, complemented by extensive new planting, habitat creation and sustainable drainage features designed to deliver biodiversity enhancements and create an attractive setting for future residents.
The scheme has been carefully designed to retain the majority of the site’s mature trees and hedgerows while incorporating new walking and cycling connections, improvements to existing public rights of way and direct links into Winsford’s existing neighbourhoods, schools, services and public transport network.
The planning application is supported by a comprehensive Environmental Statement and technical assessments covering transport, ecology, heritage, drainage, flood risk, arboriculture, health, noise, air quality and sustainable construction.
The development would also generate significant investment in local infrastructure through developer contributions, helping to support education, healthcare, community facilities and transport improvements alongside the economic benefits associated with construction and new households.
Michael Lovatt, Area Land Director at Muller Property Group, said:
“The submission of this planning application marks an important milestone in bringing forward a sustainable, high-quality neighbourhood for Winsford.
“The proposals have been carefully developed following extensive technical work and consultation to ensure the development responds positively to its surroundings while helping to address the borough’s pressing need for new homes.
“Alongside up to 448 much-needed homes, including 30% affordable housing, the scheme will deliver extensive green infrastructure, new public open space, improved walking and cycling connections and meaningful investment in local infrastructure.
“We look forward to continuing to work constructively with Cheshire West and Chester Council and local stakeholders as the application progresses.”
The application comes at a time when Cheshire West and Chester Council has identified a significant shortfall in its housing land supply. The site occupies a sustainable location on the southern edge of Winsford, within easy reach of schools, healthcare facilities, shops, employment opportunities and public transport. It has also been identified as part of the Council’s emerging development options for future housing growth.
