PLANS to build what was described by objectors as a ‘purpose-built ghetto’ in Middlewich have been withdrawn.

Persimmon Homes’ Jubilee Pastures site off the Green was originally approved as a 64-home development in 2012 and after half of the development was built and sold, plans for the other half were then increased by 13 houses. 

Another planning application was then submitted to increase the number of houses by a further five, meaning a 28 per cent increase on the original plans and changing the specification of the houses being built. 

Despite Cheshire East Council planning officers recommending the application for approval, a decision was put on hold at the planning meeting in July after convincing objections by residents and Middlewich ward member Cllr Mike Parsons. 

The application was due to be discussed again by the Southern Planning Board after a site visit had been carried out but Persimmon Homes have now withdrawn the application.

Cllr Parsons said the withdrawal is brilliant news and described it as a victory for the residents. 

Cllr Parsons said: “It’s brilliant news that Persimmon Homes have withdrawn their application to change the spec of the houses. It’s a huge victory for the residents who had already bought homes there. 

“Obviously we will have to wait and see but I’m hoping that they will now do the honourable thing and stick to the original plan, thereby allowing people who bought their homes to live in the conditions they were originally led to believe they would be living in.” 

Adele Snook, planning and strategic land director at Persimmon Homes, said the company withdrew the application after listening to residents' concerns.

She said: “We had hoped to amend the final part of the layout for this site to provide more of the smaller house types that are being requested by buyers, particularly local young people looking to secure their first home.

“However, we have taken on board the views of existing residents and will continue with the scheme already approved by planners, delivering a number of four bedroom detached properties to complete this development.”

Kat Robinson, a resident who spoke at the planning meeting in July, said: “We’re all chuffed to bits. It’s nice that they have listened to the residents because there are not many times that you do get listened to.

“We thought we were fighting a losing battle so it was a bit of a shock. We just can’t wait to live on a housing estate now instead of a building site.”