Planning documents consultations open

Cheshire East Council has opened public consultations following the publication of two draft documents that will help the local authority make future planning decisions.

A draft Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) will provide additional guidance as to the ‘residential mix’ required by future developments, ensuring there is adequate provision of different kinds of property, such as supported housing and accommodation for the elderly, and the provision of affordable homes, including in rural areas. 

Frank Jordan, Cheshire East Council’s executive director for place, said:

An SPD is not part of our statutory development plan but it is a recognised way of putting in place additional planning guidance and should be taken into account in deciding a planning application or on an appeal against a planning decision.”

The final draft of the council’s Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document (HMO SPD) has also been published for representations, and will inform how to assess planning applications for HMOs, including when an application needs to be submitted, and what should be included in the submission.

Mr Jordan added:

Providing clear guidance up front about policy expectations should support developers and property owners when they are making relevant planning applications, as well as support the council in determining them. 

“If adopted, these documents would be a key component of ensuring that local needs are met, and the right type of housing is delivered in the right place.”

Comments on both documents are invited between 26 April 2021 and 5pm on 7 June 2021.