THE housing development in Winsford which controversially encroaches onto the St Chad’s Conservation Area has been given further approval for more houses to be built on the site.

The David Wilson development off Townfields Road is currently under construction and nearing completion for 164 houses, which were given approval in 2015.

David Wilson Homes then applied to extend the development by 35 homes and Cheshire West and Chester Council has given the extension the green light.

This was granted despite planning officer, Bethany Brown, highlighting that the current development extends beyond the land which approval was granted for.

Ms Brown said in a report on the application: “It is worth remarking that the relevant site-specific policy in the Neighbourhood Plan envisaged a development of around 188 units at a density of 25 units per hectare, in order to take account of the sensitivities in relation to the St Chads Conservation Area.

“Moreover, the allocation actually extends beyond even the wider site subject of the approval. Therefore, even the original approval exceeded what the Neighbourhood Plan had anticipated, and the current proposal deviates even further.”

The 35-home extension was given approval subject to a section 106 payment of £26,271 from David Wilson Homes to be used for ‘off-site sports facilities’.