THE developers behind the 400-home Glebe Farm project in Middlewich has submitted a second version of its detailed plans — which are exactly the same as the first.

On February 1, housebuilders Taylor Wimpey presented Cheshire East Council with a new ‘reserved matters’ application to the project, which would see 404 dwellings, a convenience store, and public open space constructed.

It follows the December 22 submission of a reserved matters application seeking permission for 404 dwellings, a convenience store, and public open space to be constructed.

The reason for the double-application can be found in the developers’ cover letter in the second bid.

It says: “This reserved matters application is identical in its form and content to [the previous] application and therefore represents a ‘duplicate’ application.

“The same plans and documents submitted {previously] have been submitted for this duplicate application.

“The purpose of this application is to protect the extant outline planning permission, which is due to expire on February 19, 2021. If the [first] reserved matters application is refused by officers or is refused against officers recommendation at the planning committee, this duplicate reserved matters application would be utilised to address the reasons for refusal and avoid the situation of there being no extant permission on site.

“Should the initial reserved matters application progress to a positive determination Taylor Wimpey would then withdraw this duplicate application.”

It adds that the council has agreed ‘in principle’ to the firm’s approach.

Outline planning applications are those where the applicant is seeking to gauge if the scale and nature of the proposed development would be acceptable to councillors.

‘Reserved matters’ bids cover the detail which was not clarified in the outline submission — and typically includes themes like housing layout, and landscaping.

If permission is granted on an outline application, then developers only have three years to submit a reserved matters plan — otherwise the planning permission expires.

The first Glebe Farm reserved matters application is due to be discussed by councillors on March 24, past the expiration date of February 19.

In effect, the second reserved matters application — costing £74,000 to hand in — provides Taylor Wimpey with an insurance policy should first plans be rejected.

You can view the plans for the second reserved matters planning bid via the council’s website using reference ‘21/0607C’