PROPOSALS to build 490 houses and a primary school in Crewe have been approved by Cheshire East.

The proposals, which are earmarked for Basford East, is the first phase of a major mixed-use development of the 170 acre site.

The application, from the Co-operative Group, was approved by the council’s strategic planning board.

Geoff Player, director of commercial and investment property at The Co-operative Group, said: “We have been working closely with Cheshire East Council for a number of years to bring forward the mixed use development of Basford East and so we are delighted that the outline plans for Phase 1 have been approved.

“Phase 1 will unlock this important strategic development alongside the new Crewe Green Link Road creating a sustainable community including up to 490 residential dwellings, a primary school, landscaping, recreational open space and wildlife areas.

“Of equal importance, Basford East also helps to reduce the pressure to release unplanned and speculative housing sites in less suitable locations within Cheshire East.”

The site is one of two Basford sites – the other being Basford West – that has been highlighted as a key development plot in Cheshire East’s Local Plan.

While the Basford East site was green-lit by the strategic planning board, there were some concerns from some members.

Shavington ward councillor, Cllr David Brickhill, of Shavington First, expressed concerns that no safeguards have been made to ensure industrial buildings – which were originally intended for both Basford sites – will ever be built.

Cllr Brickhill said: “My main worry is that both Basford sites were originally intended to be used as industry sites, with warehouses and factories.

“Now half of each site is set for houses. There are no guarantees the factories and warehouses will ever get built.

“I'm an old man, I don’t want to leave a bad legacy behind me. I want to make sure the money is there to build them, and the developers do not build the houses and run away with the money.”