RESIDENTS opposed to the construction of a number of new homes in Norley say they are ‘chuffed’ to have won the battle, but say the war is not yet over.

Plans to build 14 dwellings, including nine affordable homes, on land bounded by Maddocks Hill and Redcot School Bank, where knocked back by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s (CWAC) planning committee at their latest meeting.

Councillors feared the development would be out of keeping with the village’s character and would lead to the urbanisation of Norley.

The scheme, which would have included five homes for sale on the open market, was put forward by Partner Construction.

Clr Eleanor Johnson said: “I’m a big supporter of affordable housing and when I saw this site I thought it would be something to keep the village alive.


“But what shocked me was the design of these properties.

"They are poor, they are not in keeping with the local area and it’s stated in this report that a similar scheme in Ashton Hayes was rejected and was thrown out at appeal again due to the poor design and I think this is an urbanisation of this part of the village.”

Clr Keith Butcher added: “The architecture might be ok for a Tesco, a takeaway or a petrol station but I don’t think it really takes the opportunity to develop on that particular village and location.”

Clr Norman Wright added: “I don’t think we should be opening the door on a green belt site. I don’t think there are any exceptional circumstances on this application and I’m not happy with it.”

Planning permission was refused on the grounds that the development, by virtue of its design, density and layout, was not in keeping with the character of Norley.

Following the decision, Norley resident and campaigner John Lewis, told the Guardian that those opposed to the scheme are happy with the result, but fear what the applicant will do next.

He said: “We are very chuffed. It’s a significant battle victory but we have not won the war. We don’t know what they will do now.

“It was a good case that we put forward but we will just have to wait and see what will happen from now on.”