Lack of affordable housing delays decision on hotel redevelopment

Plans to demolish the County Hotel and redevelop the site were scheduled to be determined by the Northern Planning Committee today (Wednesday, 9th May). However, the application was withdrawn from the agenda.

Councillor Craig Browne, who sits on the Northern Planning Committee as Vice Chair, explained "The County Hotel application was withdrawn from the agenda to allow officers more time to discuss potential affordable provision (which was the main reason refusal was recommended) with the applicant."

Harden Park Garden Limited has applied to demolish the existing three storey building and erect three residential blocks at the Harden Park site, which lies within within the North Cheshire Green Belt. The scheme consists of 26 two bedroom apartments along with 64 car parking spaces.

The planning officer had recommended the plans for refusal because the proposal does not include any onsite affordable housing, for which "there is a clear, proven need", and there was a lack of information regarding the impact on the bat roost potential of the trees.

In order to meet the Council's Policy on Affordable Housing there is a requirement for 8 dwellings to be provided as affordable dwellings. However, the applicant was proposing to use a commuted sum in lieu of onsite affordable housing provision.

The current number on the Cheshire Homechoice waiting list with Alderley Edge as their first choice is 143.

Councillor Craig Browne added "I expect the application to come back to committee on 6th June."

Tags:
County Hotel, Northern Planning Committee, Planning Applications
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Duncan Herald
Sunday 13th May 2018 at 9:14 am
Is 'commuted sum' the new name for 'Section 106' monies?
Alec Finney
Sunday 13th May 2018 at 10:51 am
How do we choose who gets the affordable housing? Are they allowed to sell at the full market price any time soon?

It's a well meaning idea that will have unintended consequences and lead to another overseeing bureaucracy.

This will not change the market to anybody's benefit.
Charlie Gaughan
Tuesday 15th May 2018 at 4:13 pm
Hello could some one explain what affordable housing is and how long it lasts