Plans for up to 90 new homes near Chester look set to be approved, despite over 120 letters objecting to the scheme.

Cheshire West and Chester Council's planning committee will decide next week (3 November) on an outline planning application for up to 90 homes on land off School Lane in the village of Guilden Sutton.

The application, submitted by Beck Homes in March, proposes building on approximately 3.18 hectares of agricultural land to the north of the village.

Only access arrangements are being considered at this stage, with details such as the design and layout of the homes to be decided later.

Illustrative plans submitted with the application show a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes.

A report due to be discussed by councillors next week has recommended planning permission be approved.

It said: "The scheme would deliver up to 90 dwellings, including 45% affordable housing secured through a Section 106 agreement.

"In this context of the Council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply and an identified shortfall in affordable housing delivery across the Borough, the proposal would make a significant contribution towards meeting both market and affordable housing needs.

"In summary, the proposal would contribute towards meeting an evidenced unmet housing need and would not be inappropriate development in the Green Belt through being grey belt, being a sustainable location and meeting the 'Golden Rules'.

"The development should therefore be approved unless the benefits of doing so would be substantially outweighed by adverse effects when assessed against the national decision-making policies in the Framework. "

The application has attracted more than 120 objections, compared with three representations in support.

Guilden Sutton Parish Council has objected to the proposals, raising concerns about the impact on the character of Guilden Sutton, warning that the development could erode the distinction between the suburban areas of Chester and the surrounding Cheshire countryside.

Other objections include concerns about highway safety, increased traffic, a lack of pedestrian connections and the loss of Grade 3b agricultural land.

Ward councillor Margaret Parker also requested that the application be considered by the planning committee, citing concerns about inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

Sarah Pochin, MP for Runcorn and Helsby, also objected, citing its impact on the Green Belt and the encroachment of development into the countryside.

She warned that approval could set a precedent for further development and that the cumulative impact of similar schemes could alter the character of the village.

However, the council's planning assessment concludes that the site qualifies as "grey belt" land and that the proposed development would not constitute inappropriate development in the Green Belt under national planning policy.

It also says the site does not project significantly into the wider countryside, and that the development would form a contained extension to Guilden Sutton rather than encroaching into an extensive area of open countryside.

Beck Homes has indicated that the development could ultimately comprise 100% affordable housing.

However, the council's assessment is based on a minimum of 45% of the homes being secured as affordable through a legal agreement. Of those affordable homes, the council considers that 60% should be provided for affordable rent and 40% as affordable housing for sale.

It was openly acknowledged in the report that building on the site would result in the loss of open countryside and alter the rural character of the land.

However, the case officer considered that the effects would largely be confined to the site and its immediate surroundings, without causing substantial harm to the wider landscape character.

Concerns have also been raised about the impact of additional traffic on local roads, including the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and children.

Despite these concerns, the planning report concludes that the additional traffic could be accommodated without an unacceptable impact on highway safety or a severe adverse impact on the wider highway network.

Residents have also raised concerns about whether Guilden Sutton has sufficient infrastructure and services to accommodate the development.

Those supporting the scheme have highlighted the need for additional housing, particularly affordable homes, and the potential to support the long-term viability of local facilities.

The planning committee is due to consider the application on Tuesday 3 November. You can find the plans here.