Cheshire East Council has the given the go-ahead for plans to bulldoze a detached house in Poynton and replace it with another five.

Two applications to build an apartment block and houses on the site at 64 Dickens Lane had previously failed.

But at Wednesday's (September 6) meeting of the northern planning committee, councillors unanimously approved the application to demolish the existing dwelling and build five detached three-bed houses on the site.

The scheme was 'called-in' to the committee by ward councillor Michael Beanland (Con), who spoke against it.

He told the committee he backed Poynton Town Council in its objections.

"The revised application still remains an over-intensification of development on this site and the proposals do detract from the character of the surrounding area," said Cllr Beanland.

He said the proposal only offered three-bed properties - when the council policy was for a mix - and he also criticised the lack of amenities, saying there were no garages or outbuildings included.

The Poynton councillor said no drainage details had yet been provided, although he was told these would be later.

"House owners along Dickens Lane frequently complain that sewage backs up into their properties," he told the committee.

"I urge councillors to reject this application, which is an overdevelopment of the site, until due consideration is given to all the issues."

Cllr Beanland, who is a committee member, then had to leave the meeting as he was unable to take part in the debate or vote.

Committee members, however, didn't appear to share his concerns and praised the applicant, Abode Property Developments, for listening to previous concerns and adapting the proposal.

Macclesfield councillor Nick Mannion (Lab) said: "I think the applicant has been persuaded to bring forward proposals that are compliant with our planning policies and also taken note of the comments of the planning inspector, so I would like to think we've probably got to an application which is acceptable."

Congleton councillor Sally Holland (Con) said: "They've listened and they've changed it considerably. I think apartments probably in Poynton would be acceptable because people do want to downsize from larger properties, however it was too big this previous application. They need to be commended for listening and taking on board all the points."

She asked for permitted development rights to be removed so new owners couldn't extend into the roof space.

Cllr Thelma Jackson (Prestbury, Con) said she liked the design but 'I am a little concerned there's not a lot amenity space around the three at the back'.

Knutsford councillor Tony Dean (Con) praised the design of the properties and proposed the application be approved, subject to conditions, including the removal of permitted development rights.

Cllr Ken Edwards (Bollington, Lab) seconded the approval and the vote to approve was unanimous.

~

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or Twitter