A BOROUGH councillor is hoping that delaying a decision on the future of Handforth Dean could help secure future jobs.

Three planning applications by Consolidated Property Group (CPG) to expand the existing retail park, and one by Orbit Investments to build a new retail park alongside it, were due to be discussed at a Cheshire East Council strategic planning board meeting on Wednesday, April 19.

But ahead of the meeting all four applications were taken off the agenda, and the Guardian understands they will instead be discussed at the next meeting on Wednesday, May 24.

Planning officers had recommended that three of the four applications were refused – with only the erection of retail floorspace in Earl Road by CPG receiving their green light.

Cllr Barry Burkhill, CEC member for Handforth and member of the strategic planning committee, hopes the delay will help officers make a good decision for the village.

“I think it’s a good idea that the plans will go through further consideration,” he told the Guardian.

“I think the officers are being a bit conservative with this, and they could think more positively about the applications.

“They would provide local jobs in Handforth, and the section 106 money would also be beneficial.

“Whatever comes of it I’m sure we will get better improvements for the people of Handforth.”

A decision on Orbit’s application – to demolish offices at the junction of Earl Road and Epsom Avenue and build seven units in their place – was deferred at last month’s strategic planning board meeting, so councillors could discuss it alongside the CPG plans.

The proposal is the same as an earlier plan from Orbit which was rejected last February, and is currently going through appeal.

The secretary of state is due to begin its inquiry on the original Orbit plan on Tuesday, June 13.

Meanwhile, CPG is looking to build retail units, restaurants a gym and hotel alongside the existing Handforth Dean retail park in Earl Road.

One of the firm's applications would see four restaurants and three drive-thru cafés be built at the site.

A request has been made to the secretary of state regarding CPG's proposal for retail floorspace, and any resolution made by CEC would be ratified by the secretary of state.

Handforth Parish Council's planning committee has previously raised no objections to the plans, although it has noted traffic concerns.