A MAJOR Crewe employer said it was ‘delighted’ that Cheshire East Council had decided to reject a plan to build houses on land neighbouring an industrial site.

The Mornflake breakfast cereals company fought the Bloor homes proposal when it was first unveiled last autumn.

The scheme to build 165 houses at Shavington-cum-Gresty was up for consideration again yesterday, after the homebuilder resubmitted the scheme with minor changes.

But planners at a Cheshire East Strategic Planning Board meeting rejected the proposal, despite an officer’s recommendation to approve.

Mornflake had previously described the Bloor proposal as demonstrating a ‘sheer lack of common sense’.

In fighting the plans, Mornflake Spokesman, James Lea, said the company stood by their protests of last year, reiterating that the development would have been a backward step for any future industrial developments on the South side of Crewe.

The Bloor plan sought to build houses on land off Gresty Green Road, which borders the Basford West Employment Site.

Mr Lea previously said any move to approve the homes would have been ‘utterly disastrous’.

Speaking to the Guardian following Cheshire East’s decision, Mr Lea, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the council have listened to the views of local residents and businesses, and Mornflake would like to acknowledge the valiant efforts of everyone involved in fighting this ill-judged scheme.”

He added: “It would have been disastrous for the future economic development of Crewe and Mornflake now look forward to the ongoing prosperity of the town.”

Mornflake employs more than 300 people at its Gresty Road base, which is believed to be the oldest factory site in Crewe.