CHESHIRE East Council is looking for development sites in the borough after a Government ruling said the authority didn’t have enough housing land to meet future demand.

Councils must show that they have a five year supply of housing under the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework.

But Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, recently overturned a decision by the council’s planning inspector to refuse planning permission to 280 homes in Sandbach on the grounds that it would go some way to meeting the shortfall.

This week, leader of Cheshire East Council, clr Michael Jones, said that the authority was seeking land to create a buffer of housing supply that would thwart future speculative developments.

He said: “The Council has approached all our MPs and we are enthused that they are collectively representing the residents of Cheshire East on these important matters.

“A debate has already taken place last week in Westminster with the planning minister, Nick Boles, at which our concerns were fully voiced.

“I am pleased that the support of our MPs is robust and they recognise the need for action.

“We are continuing to look at as many sites as possible in order to create the buffer in our housing numbers as recommended by the Secretary of State.

“We have already achieved a significant contribution towards our five year housing supply and will continue to work tirelessly until we meet the target set by the Secretary of State or in the event there are further policy changes.

“I am pleased to say in the housing debate last week the minister has already moved his position on some of the policies which affect Cheshire East and we are currently seeking clarification on his comments.”