CHESHIRE West and Chester Council has described the proposed 500-home Centurion Way as potentially having a “significant urbanising effect on the locality” in a report advising the applicant to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The 64-acre development, opposite the Harvester Salt Cellar, would also include a church, community buildings and open space.

The proposed housing sits on the CWAC side of the borough boundary, although the proposed church is expected to be in east Cheshire.

Following a screening opinion, a CWAC senior planning officer has advised that the development is likely to have “significant effects on the environment” and thus requires an EIA and environmental statement to accompany any future plans.

The CWAC report, by Bethany Brown, also makes reference to the site’s greenfield status, its size relative to Middlewich, “significant heritage asset” Kinderton Hall and other proposed developments nearby.

Ms Brown added: “It is considered that the development has the potential to give rise to significant effects on the area arising from the proposed residential and other uses of the land and the resulting increase in the local population.

“These changes are likely to be significant, it is considered, and place increased pressure on the use of local facilities and infrastructure.”

Developers have already held a public consultation event in preparation for a planning application.