Residents are divided over plans for new homes on the edge of their village. Hencie Homes wants to create nine serviced plots for self-build homes in a field off Fairgreen Road in Baldwins Gate.
The outline planning application has attracted 64 objections from members of the public, who raise concerns over the impact on local services and the nearby Chorlton Moss beauty spot. But there have also been 64 letters of support for the scheme from people who say the development will diversify the housing offer in Baldwins Gate.
Planning officers at Newcastle Borough Council have now recommended the scheme for approval. They say that while there would be some 'local impact' and a loss of farmland, the development would provide much-needed housing in the area.
Members of the planning committee will consider the application at their meeting next week.
Plans for a much larger development of around 100 homes on the same site have twice been refused by the borough council, most recently in 2018. Some of the objectors, including Whitmore Parish Council, believe that the new application should be refused for similar reasons, including the potential impact on the Chorlton Moss wetland
In his objection, Baldwins Gate resident Trevor Gould said: "This site is inappropriate for the type of development that is proposed due to its proximity to Chorlton Moss. Although the area covered by the proposed building works does not encroach onto the environmentally sensitive Moss itself, the rainwater run-off from that area will naturally flow into the Moss.
"At present, that rainwater run-off is from grassland, whereas the rainwater after development will be from domestic properties, and will thus be a far higher contamination risk to the biodiversity of the environmentally sensitive Moss than is the case at present."
Other objectors say there is no need for more housing in Baldwins Gate, particularly after the recent approval for 200 homes at Baldwins Gate Farm.
But supporters say a small development of self-build properties will add to the housing offer in the village. They also welcome a proposed new public right of way linking the existing footpaths off Fairgreen Road and Moss Lane.
Suppoter Harriet Shaw, from Baldwins Gate, said: "This proposal offers a small-scale development, with a particular focus on self-build homes, which I believe is an excellent approach to fostering local ownership and community growth.
"I am also pleased to see that the application includes improvements to local ecology and biodiversity, which will undoubtedly benefit the surrounding environment. Additionally, the creation of a new public right of way link will enhance connectivity and encourage greater foot traffic through the area, benefiting both residents and the wider community."
Planning officers say that while the development would be outside the village envelope, the site is considered a sustainable location for new homes
The report to the planning committee states: "While there would be some local impact on the character and appearance of the area and some loss of best and most versatile agricultural land, the residential development of the site would make a contribution to the council's housing supply and supply of self-build dwellings.
"It is considered therefore that the adverse impacts do not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal and accordingly, planning permission should be granted provided appropriate conditions are imposed, as recommended."
The planning committee will consider the application when it meets on Tuesday, September 9. If outline permission for the scheme is granted, more detailed plans will need to be submitted for the self-build properties.