Moorsfield Avenue

Public Consultation

The Outline Proposals

The site at Moorsfield Avenue provides a great opportunity to deliver a sustainable and attractive new neighbourhood in Audlem.

Our Vision

Our vision for Moorsfield Avenue is to create a high-quality, sustainable residential community that addresses the housing needs of Audlem and Cheshire East. We aim to deliver a well-designed neighbourhood that seamlessly integrates with Audlem’s character while providing much-needed homes, green spaces, and infrastructure enhancements. By prioritising connectivity, biodiversity, and modern living, we aim to establish a vibrant and attractive community where residents feel a true sense of pride and belonging.

Key Principles Guiding The Vision

Sustainability

A well-connected development promoting walking and cycling.

Community Integration

Enhancing local amenities and fostering a strong neighbourhood identity.

High-Quality Design

Delivering homes that reflect local architectural character and modern living standards.

Environmental Consideration

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and green spaces.

Illustrative Masterplan

We have created an illustrative masterplan of Moorsfield Avenue showing how the proposed development could appear. It should be noted however that this is for illustrative purposes at this early stage in the outline planning process and is subject to change as a result of ongoing consultation and technical work.

Find out more by clicking on the dots below.

Proposed Emergency Access

Existing Vegetation
& Mature Trees

Existing Vegetation
& Mature Trees

Proposed Pedestrian Access

Proposed Vehicle &
Pedestrian Access

Our current vision will deliver
up to 127 much needed new
homes, delivered in a mix of
sizes, types and tenures,
including affordable homes

Public Open Space
& Planted Buffer

Proposed Children's
Play Area

Public Open Space

Sustainable Drainage Systems

Sustainable Drainage Systems

Creation of a new dedicated
3.3 hectare country park for
existing and future residents to enjoy

Our Proposals

A comprehensive masterplanning process has been undertaken to ensure that the development is well-integrated, responding to both local needs and planning policy.

The proposed development includes:

  • A landscape-led development of up to 127 high quality homes in a mix of sizes and tenures to accommodate diverse housing needs.
  • 30% of the new homes will be affordable homes, providing opportunities for key workers and people on low incomes to secure a home of their own in Audlem.
  • Opportunities to provide homes for people seeking to downsize into more manageable homes or secure an accessible property.
  • A 3.3 hectare country park providing opportunities for recreation and habitat enhancement.
  • A masterplan shaped by the existing landscape, with the retention of the vast majority of trees and hedgerows on the site, augmented by the planting of new trees.
  • Well-designed public spaces with landscaping and green corridors.
  • Improved connectivity to green open space on land that has previously been largely inaccessible to the public.
  • Pedestrian and cycle connections linking to the village centre and surrounding areas.
  • Sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water and enhance local biodiversity.
  • Investment into local infrastructure and services through Section 106 packages, as well Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments to be generated by the development.

The Benefits

Retention of established trees and the introduction of new habitats and ecological enhancements to support local wildlife and ensuring a 10% biodiversity net gain.

New pedestrian links across the site to stitch the new neighbourhood into the existing community and connect to existing footpaths

New play areas delivered throughout the site for children to enjoy.

Meeting local need for new private homes, as well as delivering 30% as affordable

A significant investment into Audlem and the wider Cheshire region, providing an economic boost and the creation of new employment opportunities with the construction of the new homes

Significant areas of open space including a large new parkland area to the south-west of the site

Local Planning Policy​

The new Cheshire East Local Plan is in preparation, and this development aligns with its strategic objectives, including:

  • Delivering Sustainable Development: Supporting economic growth and housing needs.

  • Enhancing Local Service Centres: Audlem is identified as a Local Service Centre with a range of shops and services and is capable of accommodating new development of the scale proposed.

  • Ensuring High-Quality Design: The proposal adheres to Cheshire East’s design and sustainability policies.

The proposed development on land west of Moorsfield Avenue has been submitted to Cheshire East Council’s ‘Call for Sites’ exercise as part of the new Local Plan development process.

House Types​

The planning application will be an outline planning application. This type of planning application sets out the broad principles of development, such as concept layout, infrastructure and access arrangements. Details such as house types, architecture etc would be subject to a further planning applications (called a Reserved Matters planning application). This would involve further consultation with the community.

At this stage, a mix of high-quality homes is envisaged, in a range of styles and tenures, and with a design approach that complements the existing character of Audlem. This would include 1 bedroom to 5 bedroom homes, catering to first-time buyers, families, and downsizers. We would welcome your feedback on the types of homes you would like to see prioritised.

Green Infrastructure & Recreational Spaces

A key element of the Moorsfield Avenue proposals is the creation of a 3.3 hectare country park to the south-west of the development. This area will serve as a valuable recreational resource, offering the Audlem community opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities.

The development will feature landscaped streets and green corridors, enhancing biodiversity, encouraging active lifestyles, and integrating natural features. This approach will seamlessly blend Audlem’s traditional village character with modern sustainability principles, creating a vibrant and enduring community.

In addition, a planted buffer is proposed along the north-eastern boundary adjacent to the Shropshire Union Canal. This will prevent any visual impact from the development to the canal and towpath.

Access & Connectivity

The primary vehicular access to the Moorsfield Avenue residential development will be via Tollgate Drive, ensuring a well-connected and sustainable entry point.

As part of the planning application, a Transport Assessment will be submit to understand the impact on local highways. This will inform any necessary mitigation and improvement works required, to be funded by the proposed development.

Designed with safety and efficiency in mind, the access proposals will support smooth traffic flow while integrating seamlessly with the existing road network. The site benefits from excellent transport links, with the village centre just a short 300-meter walk away and the service towns of Nantwich and Whitchurch accessible within a 15-minute drive.

In addition, there is an existing footpath that runs along the eastern boundary of the site. This will be improved as part of the development proposals to enhance accessibility.

A network of safe, well-lit pedestrian routes will be incorporated throughout the development, linking homes to open spaces and key local amenities. 

Investing in Local Infrastructure

In addition to the community facilities being proposed on the site, an important consideration with a planning proposal such as this is to ensure that other key local services receive the investment they need to accommodate housing growth in Audlem.

The development will generate significant investment into local infrastructure such as highways, healthcare and education, and this will be informed by formal consultation carried out by Cheshire East Council with statutory bodies such as the NHS, local education authority and highways authority. This investment will be secured via a Section 106 legal agreement between the development partners and the Council.

In addition to this direct investment into schools, healthcare, highways and other local services, the development will also provide Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments to be generated by the development.