MAJOR housing plans for Rudheath are to come under the spotlight at an appeal hearing.

Northpoint Developments and Hawk Developments UK have appealed against refusal of plans for 180 houses at Park Farm.

The outline application was submitted in March 2015, and refused by Cheshire West and Chester Council in June because the proposed development would be situated in open countryside outside any defined settlement, where new housing was restricted unless there were special circumstances.

The council did not consider that any such circumstances existed in this instance, and the scheme would harm the character and appearance of the countryside.

The green field site earmarked for the housing is bounded by the A556 to the south, the railway line to the east and Shipbrook Road to the north and west.

Running through the centre is Gad Brook, a tributary of the River Dane.

A ‘statement of case’ on behalf of the developers in relation to the appeal said the scheme delivered a range of benefits, including 54 affordable homes of the proposed total, an improved junction on the A556 and the widening of Shipbrook Road.

Other claimed benefits include public open space, two formal play areas located to attract people from the development and Rudheath, and a contribution towards a redevelopment of the entrance to Rudheath Cemetery to re-provide on-street parking on the site.

“There have been no objections from the council or any statutory consultee in relation to technical matters,” said the statement.

“Despite 47 neighbouring dwellings being notified of the application by letter, as well as site notices posted at the site and in the local press, only 11 written objections were received by the council.

“The proposals will make a significant contribution towards meeting local housing requirements through the provision of an additional 180 new dwellings, including market and affordable housing.

“They will protect and enhance the local environment by focusing development in a sustainable location adjoining Rudheath and the existing facilities and employment opportunities this settlement has to offer.

“The benefits associated with the proposals are material factors that significantly outweigh the conflict with planning policy.”