Labour Councillors Block Housing Development in Clutton Cheshire

Labour councillors have blocked a new housing development planned for the hamlet of Clutton in Cheshire after strong opposition from its residents.

Steve Jones, a representative of Clutton residents during a crucial meeting, told the committee that 90 per cent of villagers strongly opposed the planning application, which would almost double the footprint and ruin the character of the much loved hamlet. Concerns were also raised about limited access to services and extra traffic generated by the development.

Peter Mitchell, vice chairman of Coddington Parish Council and parish councillor for Clutton, said:

"Our objection is principally that this development will irrevocably and detrimentally change the character of the village, offering no overall benefit.

"It's my and the parish council's belief that the proposed housing development is not the price the community should pay to meet a school's aspirations."

This followed comments made by Amanda Robinson, chair of governors at Clutton CofE Primary School, who said:

"We need a new classroom to accommodate the nursery and reception children who are currently taught in the school hall because of a lack of teaching space. The hall is not fit for purpose as a classroom.

"In addition, this prevents us from offering full time nursery provision. The government's new 30-hour free nursery provision is a concern for us. Without this extension it will be impossible to offer this to prospective parents and children."

The Conservatives, who had originally backed the proposals against planning officer advice, were outnumbered by five votes to four. Much of the opposition said afterwards that the change from a Tory to Labour-led administration made all the difference.

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