'We can now finally make the homes our own'

Residents of a housing estate say their "nightmare" is finally over now the development has been officially signed off by planners.

The 263-home Coppenhall Place estate in Crewe had been left in limbo for two years without planning permission due to failings by the Cheshire East Council and developer Countryside Partnerships.

The work was given the green light by the council in 2018, but it was later withdrawn when the developer failed to deal with a condition relating to contaminated land. The company tried twice to resolve the matter in 2023, but each time a final decision was deferred by councillors.

The company apologised to residents for the "difficult and uncertain situation" they had faced, but there was no apology from the council at a meeting on Wednesday.

The authority's strategic planning board heard that officers had failed to enforce conditions and that the situation had left some residents afraid to leave their homes, as they were unable to get insurance to cover them.

"This fear has left people isolated, anxious and scared of losing everything they've worked for," said councillor Roger Morris.

"There was no early enforcement. Oversight was weak, and residents paid the price," he said.

Countryside managing director Joe Turner apologised several times during the meeting for his company's failings.

"The residents have endured a difficult and uncertain situation for which we wholeheartedly apologise," he said.

He added that work was well under way to rectify issues and more than half of the work had already been completed.

The remaining work would be completed by June, he said.

Resident David Simcox said all parties - including residents - agreed with the proposed strategy.

"We can now finally make the homes our own," he said, adding that residents would now be able to move on with their lives.

He said there was no chemical contamination on the site, adding: "Our gardens are probably actually the most tested and cleanest in Cheshire East."

The firm's application was approved with nine councillors voting in favour and one against.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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