Richborough is proposing a residential-led development which will assist the Council in meeting its need to deliver sufficient homes to meet identified demand.

The proposals will include:

• Approximately 120 dwellings to the west of Congleton, which is classified by the Council as a ‘Key Service Centre’ and therefore a sustainable and accessible location for future growth in the Borough.

• The retention of existing trees and hedgerows on the site, including a buffer zone between Loach Brook and new housing on the eastern edge of the site, allowing for ecological and habitat enhancements.

• Additional planting of trees and hedgerow to the west and south of the site to form a landscaped buffer to screen the site from the countryside to the west.

• Housing will reflect the local character of the surrounding development, including the recent developments at Field View Road, Thistle Way, and Dalebrook Road.

• New vehicular access off Sandbach Road via a ‘priority junction’ (ghost island right-turn) which will not require traffic lights.

• New and improved cycle infrastructure along Sandbach Road linking to the wider network of Congleton, in coordination with the Council’s Highways Department, further improving sustainable access to and from the site and separating cycle traffic form vehicular traffic.

• A minimum of 30% of housing classified as affordable: for sale or rent at reduced values.

• Large areas of Public Open Space around the housing, including outdoor play provision for all ages.

• Potential provision of allotments for sustainable food growing spaces for residents.

• An attenuation basin to contain rainfall, with water released from the site at a controlled rate, ensuring no increased risk of flooding in the locality.

• A net increase in Biodiversity of at least 10% when compared with the current ecological value of the site.