A PROPOSED 189-home development on a green field site in Nantwich has been scrapped following a successful appeal by Cheshire East Council.

Muller Property Group had put forward plans for the development on a 35 acre site off Peter De Stapleigh Way in Stapeley.

Plans were initially rejected by the council, but were eventually referred to – and twice refused by – the Department for Communities and Local Government following Muller Property’s High Court appeal.

But the borough council successfully argued that it conflicted with the Crewe and Nantwich local plan, the forthcoming Cheshire East Council local plan and the Stapeley neighbourhood plan.

Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for communities and local government, concluded that the harm to the character and appearance of the open countryside was too great a sacrifice.

Cllr Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Secretary of State has dismissed these appeals.

“If it had been allowed to go ahead, this development would have resulted in the loss of a substantial area of countryside and a considerable amount of versatile agricultural land.

“This council and many local people – supported by their local MP Edward Timpson – had very serious concerns that this location would have its rural setting eroded but this ruling protects the residents of Stapeley and surrounding countryside.”

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson, who has campaigned against the development alongside residents and councillors, tweeted: “Great news for Nantwich campaigners and residents. A very welcome planning decision from the Secretary of State.”

Muller Property have six weeks from the decision being made to appeal.