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Whirley Road, Henbury – Cheshire East Council

Project Overview

Emery Planning secured Permission in Principle for the erection of two dwellings at  Whirley Road, Macclesfield on behalf of our client. The application related to a residential infill site within the Green Belt and sought agreement to the principle of development, with detailed design matters to be addressed through a subsequent Technical Details Consent application

The application was approved by Cheshire East Council on 3 July 2026, confirming the acceptability of the site’s location, land use and amount of development.

The Site

The site comprises a rectangular parcel of residential garden land fronting Whirley Road in Macclesfield. It sits between existing residential properties and is enclosed by established development, with the host dwelling located immediately to the north.

Located approximately 110 metres from the Macclesfield settlement boundary, the site forms a small gap within an established linear pattern of development along Whirley Road. Despite being within the Green Belt, the land is well related to surrounding residential uses and local services.

The Proposal

The proposal sought Permission in Principle for the construction of two new dwellings. As a Stage 1 PIP application, consideration was limited to the site’s location, the proposed residential land use and the amount of development, with detailed matters reserved for a future Technical Details application.

The scheme was promoted as an efficient use of previously developed land capable of delivering additional housing in a sustainable location. The planning case demonstrated that the site could support a modest residential development without undermining the wider function of the Green Belt.

Key Planning Challenges

Green Belt Designations

The principal challenge was securing planning support for residential development within the Green Belt. Emery Planning prepared a detailed assessment demonstrating that the site met the definition of Grey Belt land under the revised National Planning Policy Framework and did not strongly contribute to the key Green Belt purposes identified in national policy.

Previously Developed Land Status

A previous planning application had been refused, although Cheshire East Council had previously acknowledged the site as Previously Developed Land (PDL). The application built upon this position and demonstrated that redevelopment of the site would not result in substantial harm to Green Belt openness.

Housing Need and Sustainability

The planning statement highlighted Cheshire East Council’s housing land supply position, identifying a shortfall against the required five-year housing land supply. The proposal also demonstrated that the site occupied a sustainable location close to public transport, schools and community facilities.

Responding to Evolving National Policy

The application drew upon recent changes to national Green Belt policy, including the introduction of the Grey Belt concept and emerging appeal decisions, to establish a clear and evidence-based justification for development. This strategic approach helped secure Permission in Principle for the scheme.

Outcome

Permission in Principle granted for two dwellings by Cheshire East Council.

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Latest testimonials

“When we put our first planning application into Warrington Borough Council it took us 1 and half years to see progress. That's when we contacted Emery planning and our case was handed over to Louise Whinnett. She was highly professional and very thorough in detailing to micro level. The way she communicated with local authority officials was commendable. Local authority official started responding after Louise took over and our planning was approved with in few weeks. We didn't think twice when we applied for our second planning application. She kept us informed as to what was happening and followed up with the local authority regularly. She knew exactly what she was doing, she would answer all our queries very patiently. And we got planning approved within 6 months. Louise did an amazing job and we would very highly recommend Louise to our friends and family. Thank you once again Louise.”
“I am writing with regards to my recent experience with Emery Planning in particular Senior Planning consultant Sarah Sands. Our architect had worked with Cheshire East Planning and got to the point of being asked to withdraw or request a refusal of our planning application. We reached out to Emery, who worked tirelessly to push our application through to a successful approval. It was Sarah’s comprehensive knowledge & experience that overturned all the 4 challenges that Cheshire East had presented to us. Sarah pulled a strong, fully armed statement of facts supported by regulations and case law that Cheshire East had no alternative but to approve our application. I would fully recommend anyone at the same crossroads of being ask to accept a refusal or withdraw an application, that they reach to Emery to fight the battle."
“I have dealt with Helen as an Emery planning consultant for around 9 years. I would guesstimate Helen has represented me on at least 8 jobs, 3 involving applications of over 125 housing units. Each application has had issues, I use the term issue lightly, issues way beyond what I could deal with myself, issues that started off as a puzzle and turned into a conundrum. The latest project involving two huge buildings on land that was designated “Area of Separation” was not easy. I now have a café, education centre, polytunnel and an agricultural building. When this was first mentioned to the planners we received a forty point list of why it had no chance of happening. What I have received in the past 9 years is exceptional and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing what you do.”
“We have consulted Gareth Salthouse of Emery Planning on numerous planning applications in recent years and would not hesitate to recommend his services. Navigating the ever-changing planning process can be taxing for even experienced developers but Gareth empathetically guides you through offering specialist advice and considered strategies. He speaks with authority and is clearly well respected by planning officers. His knowledge, composure and attention to detail are second to none and we look forward to working with him on current and future schemes”
“We have worked with Emery Planning over many years as we have expanded our small family run business. Many of the planning situations we found ourselves in were complex being situated in the Green Belt and in one case having to defend ourselves from a Compulsory Purchase Order. Their help, guidance and support has been invaluable and always yielded a positive outcome, most recently in the winning of an appeal to the Inspectorate which the LA had twice refused. I can’t recommend them highly enough.”
Sarah, It has been a pleasure to work with you so far, great recommendation from my mother-in-law.
Sarah, thank you for all your hard work in getting another positive decision over the line.
Thank you very much for this prompt response and extremely helpful narrative summary, explanation and proposal. The contact who recommended your company was spot on!
May I thank you for leading and choosing the team, & in what feels like extra time in this saga, asking our Barrister to come on board & professionally guide you & and everyone involved, to success. As you know, the journey started many years ago now, & those leading the charge are no longer with us. I know that they will be very grateful for your tenacity & focus. On to the next stage now. I hope you are all proud of the fact that your expertise has been rewarded. Thank you for the commitment & professionalism you have all shown. I, for one, have learnt a lot.
Absolutely incredible news thank you all so much! Great Work Everyone
Thanks for all your hard work for us this year, your calm and consistent approach has been an important part of our appeal successes
I would like to thank the team dealing with our request for all the information and regular updates during the process.
About Emery Planning

We are an independent town planning consultancy established in 2002. Based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, our work is primarily focused in the North West although we also operate in locations across the UK.

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