Morley Nurseries & Tearoom set to be demolished for housing

Morley Nurseries, near Wilmslow, is set to be demolished after planning permission for four new homes was greenlit by Cheshire East Council.

This decision comes despite 188 objections from nearby residents.

Those who opposed the plans felt this green belt land should not be built on as it will 'set a precedent' for doing so elsewhere.

A resident of Spath Lane, in Handforth, said: “Why do we need four more unaffordable houses, single storey or not? The answer is we don’t, we need Morley Nurseries and the other business to stay as they provide a service to the local community.

“By letting this planning go through it will not enhance the area or offer anything to the community, it just paves the way for other developers to do the same – build on greenbelt land. I strongly object to this application.”

Four bungalows will be built on the site (Image: Google Maps)

Wilmslow Town Council also objected to plans, stating it would be 'inappropriate' to develop on the green belt land 'with no special circumstances'. 

Additional reasons for objection include that it would result in the loss of a 'community asset' and jobs, that the homes created would be too expensive and there are insufficient local services for them.

A resident of West Street, in Alderley Edge, added: “This is a well-respected and well-run local business hub providing employment for a number of people. It is also an important part of the local community.

“The application to build houses is totally self-serving and will only benefit a small number of individuals, whose only motivation is to make as much money as possible from the development and subsequent sale of the proposed properties, without any regard for the local community or people's livelihoods.”

The application, submitted by Emery Planning, proposed the construction of four detached three-bed bungalows.

“The proposed development would offer the opportunity to enhance the character and appearance of the site and the area in which it is located,” reads the planning statement.

Alongside the garden centre and tearooms, the site is also home to a dog grooming salon, Cheshire Garden and Building sales, car storage and car parking, all of which will be closed as a result.

In a report recommending the application be approved, case officer Thomas Higton said: “The proposed development would have no greater impact on openness compared to the existing use and would therefore not be inappropriate in the green belt.

“Subject to conditions, the proposed development would deliver a net gain in biodiversity and tree coverage across the site.

“Whilst only small in scale, it would nevertheless contribute to the borough’s housing supply.

“The proposal is found to be acceptable in all other regards including design, landscape, living conditions, highways and flood risk."