NEW homes could be built close to the Nantwich Road aqueduct in Middlewich.

Plans have been submitted for four self-build properties south of the aqueduct and east of the River Wheelock, next to an existing property.

Russell Adams, the agent representing developer Dominic Devaney, says the small housing development would help address Middlewich's 'shortfall in the supply of housing' compared to the town's 'excess of employment land'.

"Delivery of this sustainable housing site will assist in redressing this imbalance and deliver homes near to the council's planned areas of employment growth," he said.

"The Government wishes to increase opportunities for people to build or commission their own homes.

"This planning application responds to that challenge."

The agent also suggests that there has been interest in the site, and that a smaller development could be more successful in providing new homes than a larger scheme at this current time of the pandemic.

If approved, the homes would be built on the opposite side of Nantwich Road to Manor Drive – a site notorious for lorries making last minute turns to avoid the aqueduct when travelling into town from Crewe.

Cheshire East Council is considering the scheme, including space for eight cars, in an outline planning application.

Mr Devaney would need to bring forward detailed designs in a reserved matters application before work can begin, should the outline application be approved.

Residents can comment on the plans until June 25.

To see the application, search for '20/2024C' on CEC's planning website.