Plans for 2,100 new homes on land near hospital

Plans have been submitted for a massive new housing estate in the open countryside on the outskirts of a Cheshire town.

Cheshire Fresh Ltd has applied for outline permission to build up to 2,100 homes on land at Red Hall Farm off Middlewich Road, near Leighton Hospital in Crewe.

The scheme includes the demolition of existing buildings, provision of employment land, retail and health services and space to support a local centre, as well as space for a primary school and public open space.

"The site is located within unallocated open countryside, however it represents the most logical and sustainable location for the expansion of Crewe," a planning statement said.

"Unlike other sites located around Crewe, the site does not fall within a designated green gap, it is not within the green belt, and is not within or subject to significant landscape, ecological or heritage constraints, nor is it at risk of flooding."

The majority of the 113-hectare site consists of arable farmland, although the applicant described this as "predominantly subgrade" land.

It would help contribute to the area's housing need, the application added, as Cheshire East Council does not have a five-year supply of housing land since the government revised the national planning policy framework at the end of 2024.

"The proposed development is located in a highly sustainable location to the north east of Crewe," the document said.

"The site is close to the amenities provided within Crewe town centre, and is well connected to the wider strategic road network, with direct links to the A530 and close links to the Shavington Bypass.

"Furthermore, surrounding highway network that serves the site has already been the subject of significant updates through the north west Crewe package scheme.

"The proposed development is also seeking to deliver employment space in a location adjacent to a major hospital as well as Bentley Motors, both of which are vital to the economic prospects of the region."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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