Cheshire East planners are recommending councillors give the go-ahead for 18 homes in the open countryside at Congleton.

Seddon Homes wants to build the mix of two, three, four and five bed-homes on a 0.84-hectare parcel of land off Padgbury Lane.

The development also includes four apartments.

The planning officer's report to next week's meeting of the southern planning committee states: "The proposal would result in the loss of open countryside, but this will be an inevitable consequence given the council's housing land supply position.

"The application site is agricultural land, but it is not exceptional in landscape terms.

"It is inevitable that there will be some change in the character of the site as part of a residential-led development."

Congleton Town Council has objected to the application, saying it is an intrusion into open countryside and overdevelopment of the area.

The town council also says there is an ongoing issue and continued risk with flooding and sewage leakage on Padgbury Lane.

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Eleven residents have objected raising several concerns which include highway safety and traffic generation, environmental impact and the effect on wildlife.

The council's planners say the proposal would provide economic benefits during both the construction and occupation stages of the development.

They add the site is sustainably located and there is access to the services and facilities available in Congleton including the town centre and public transport.

The application is recommended for approval, subject to conditions including 30 per cent affordable housing and £56,254 towards education.