Plans have been submitted for up to 85 homes in the open countryside at Congleton on fields next to land where 120 dwellings are also proposed.

Nightingale Land has applied for outline permission to bulldoze existing farm outbuildings on the site south of Sandbach Road and build up to 85 homes, including 30 per cent affordable.

It is next to land which is the subject of a separate planning application from Richborough Estates for up to 120 homes.

The Richborough application has not yet been determined by the council.

A planning statement submitted by Lane Town Planning on behalf of the Nightingale Land application, states: "The scheme could accommodate a range of house sizes and types in accordance with the council's strategic housing market assessment."

It adds that, as a direct consequence of the pre-application consultation exercises, the proposed development has been reduced from 100 homes to 85 homes.

Access to the new site is proposed from Sandbach Road by way of a priority junction.

The document says the scheme would include significant areas of public open space and the retention and enhancement of natural habitat around the existing hedgerow areas as well as orchard tree planting.

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It would also include an equipped children's play area, trim trails and play features along walking routes within green corridors.

Existing public rights of way crossing the site would also be retained and there would be new walking paths around the site.

The planning document states: "Market dwellings will be delivered by private house builders, with affordable housing either provided by, or in partnership with, a registered provider.

"Following a grant of consent, the site would be marketed immediately and sold as expeditiously as possible to one or more house builders who would submit the requisite reserved matters application(s)."

It adds it is anticipated the development of the site would take around 3.3 years to complete.

At the time of writing there has been one objection posted on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council's website.

The objector says: "This proposal follows a recent application for 120 houses in the same vicinity, which would result in a cumulative total of approximately 200 new dwellings.

"If approved, this would have severe adverse impacts on local traffic, biodiversity, green infrastructure, and the character of the area."

The application, number 26/0303/OUT, can be viewed on the planning portal on the council's website.

The last date for submitting comments is March 12.