Tatton Estate Secures Planning Consent for Bluebell Village Development in Knutsford

The Tatton Estate has confirmed that it has secured outline planning consent for the Bluebell Village project from the Cheshire East Planning Committee, with an overwhelming 90% vote in favour. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the Tatton Estate’s commitment to delivering a sustainable and well-designed community in North West Knutsford.

Bluebell Village, a 34-acre mixed-use development, will feature 225-250 new homes, a 50-bed care home, a local centre and essential infrastructure improvements, including enhanced footpath and cycle connections and accessible public open spaces. This development is part of the Cheshire East Local Plan and reflects Tatton Estate’s vision for creating a connected and sustainable community.

Key Project Developments

The outline planning consent follows a previous “resolved to approve” verdict from 2019, where issues such as Section 106 agreements, affordable housing and open space provision were not finalised. The refreshed plans have addressed these concerns and introduced several key changes:

  • The site area has been reduced to align with the housing allocation boundaries.
  • The previously proposed pub/hotel has been removed.
  • Increased open space provision.
  • The local centre has been relocated closer to the main road.
  • Improved active travel route provision.

The planning application was managed by Pegasus, working closely with the Tatton Estate client team and Fisher German, as well as other consultants on technical matters.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Investment

The Estate has collaborated closely with the community, local stakeholders, the planning authority and statutory consultees to secure this approval. The project will bring significant financial contributions to the local community, including approximately £2.7 million through S106 contributions for local schools, highways, healthcare, sports and recreation facilities. Additionally, there will be £2 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) payments, with 25% directed to Knutsford Town Council for local infrastructure projects.

Trustees’ Vision

“The approval of the Bluebell Village project is a testament to our dedication to delivering sustainable and well-connected communities,” said Amy Bowden Head of Strategic Development and Placemaking for the Tatton Estate. “This development will not only provide much-needed housing and facilities but also contribute significantly to the local infrastructure, enhancing the quality of life for both new and existing residents.”

Success of Parkgate Village

Tatton Estate has already been praised for the success of Parkgate Village in Knutsford. This development has been commended for its well-executed design, varied housing options and a strong sense of place. Features such as the central square, lovely views, diverse street surfaces and thoughtful design details have contributed to its positive reception. 

The development mix includes dwellings ranging from 2-4 bedrooms, priced between £336,995 to £699,995, making them genuinely affordable for a large number of people. This does not include the shared equity options which are available.

This success highlights Tatton Estate’s capability to support the facilitation of high-quality, sustainable communities.

Next Steps

With outline planning consent secured, Tatton Estate will now proceed with detailed planning and development phases, ensuring the highest standards of placemaking, design and sustainability are met.

For more information on partnership opportunities please contact joint agents Alex Isles and Mikki Burton at Fisher German and Rob Cole and Karla Williams at Mather Jamie.

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Picture: Tatton Estate and Pegasus Team.

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