Plans for a major mixed-use development in Congleton look set to be approved by Cheshire East.

Richborough Estates have submitted the application which relates to a site off Viking Way.

This site forms 23.55 hectares of the Congleton Business Park Extension allocation within the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy and sits to the north of Viking Way/Barn Road. The site comprises agricultural fields separated by numerous hedgerows.

The outline proposals are for up to 175 homes, a supermarket, a local centre, 36,800 square feet of office space, 93,400 square feet of industrial space and 126,00 square feet of warehouse space.

The site forms part of the wider North Congleton Masterplan, which has been identified as a substantial area to the north of the town in the local plan as "having the potential to make a significant contribution" towards the economic growth of the borough.

The Congleton Business Park Extension included in Cheshire East's local plan seeks the delivery of/or a contribution towards the Congleton Link Road, a residential development of around 625 new dwellings, around 10 hectares of commercial development and the provision of pedestrian and cycle connections, which enhance green infrastructure, support existing wildlife areas and the River Dane, amongst other things.

This application was proposing 7.6 hectares of employment land split across either side of Viking Way.

It was noted by Cheshire East planning officer's that there were areas outside of the red line boundary of the application site that are allocated for employment use in the Congleton Business Park Extension plan and would contribute towards the overall figure of around 10 hectares.

A report to Cheshire East's Strategic Planning Board ahead of its meeting on Friday (12 March) at 10am, stated: "The development of the site would provide a number of economic benefits in the extensive commercial, employment and residential uses.

"The proposal also allows for significant contribution to the Congleton Link Road, which in itself will, inter alia, deliver significant economic benefits to the town."

A Cheshire East planning officer's report highlighted that while a reduced provision of affordable housing units was considered an "adverse impact" of the proposals, this was outweighed by the environmental and economic benefits of the development.

However, Cheshire Wildlife Trust have objected to the application on the grounds of insufficient biodiversity gain, potential impact on local wildlife set, potential impact on veteran oak tree and wet woodland habitat.

Hulme Walfied and Somerford Booths Parish Council objected to the application "specifically on the impact this could have on traffic in our rural parishes". They wanted no traffic no access onto Giantswood Lane from any development.

A further 59 houses could be built on Giantswood Lane if two planning applications are granted approval.

Congleton Town Council objected based on highway safety, traffic generation of Giantswood Lane, they also wanted no access onto Giantswood Lane.

The town council also objected because the additional traffic would result in loss of cycling and walking facilities, impact on nature conservation and had concerns of impact on Westlow Mere due to water table changes.

Congleton and District Fly Fisheries Ltd objected on the impact of the development upon de-watering of Westlow Mere and the implication for their fishing activity.

A resident on the other side of the River Dane objected on the basis that the proposal would result in greater risk of flooding to them from the River Dane.

Two neighbouring farmers objected due to a loss of privacy. They also raised issues and requested information concerning ground conditions and raised concern about the impact of de-watering on their fields crop yield.

Despite those concerns, the application has been recommended for approval.