A REPORT asking for further information on a potential 370-home development has suggested that any work should incorporate an ‘ecological enhancement’.

Plans for the new homes in Centurion Way, off the A54 Holmes Chapel Road, straddle the Cheshire East and West borough boundaries with all correspondence going through the former.

CEC’s own principal nature conservation officer, James Baggaley, has responded to the consultation highlighting the potential impact on wildlife on the site, dissected by Byley Lane north of the main road.

Mr Baggaley wrote: “This planning application provides an opportunity to incorporate features to increase the biodiversity value of the final development.

"I therefore recommend that if outline planning permission is granted a condition should be attached which requires the submission of an ecological enhancement strategy in support of any future reserved matters application.

"The strategy should to include proposals for the provision of features for nesting birds and roosting bats, a wildlife pond and native species and fruit tree planting.”

The application was lodged in September 2017, with a ‘target decision date’ of April 25.

It proposes a development of up to 370 homes and a new church. The site sits partially in the Sproston parish – one of a number of concerns for Middlewich Town Council.

The council objected to the plans back in October, writing: “The site is not within either the Cheshire East or the Cheshire West Local Plan.

“The proposed development ... will not retain a suitable green gap between Middlewich and Sproston and is not covered by any of the exceptions.

“The town council supports the statement … that the retention of gaps between settlements is important, in order to maintain the definition and separation of existing communities and the individual characters of such settlements.”

Other concerns highlighted have included pressure on highways and services including GPs, dentists and schools.

Residents have also raised traffic concerns, with planners accepting that direct access off Holmes Chapel Road would be ‘discounted’ and Byley Lane – complete with a new roundabout – used instead.