A NEW housing strategy for Cheshire could see Green Belt land used to provide space for new homes around the city of Chester.

Up to 2,000 new homes could be built on the land which is currently protected according to the recommendations to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

It is part of the development of policies for the borough on key issues ranging from housing and the Green Belt to employment and town centre development.

The proposals will be considered by councillors on Monday (July 23).

Cllr Herbert Manley, executive member for prosperity, said: “The plan represents the first stage of a lengthy process due to end in the winter of 2014 after extensive public consultation. It represents a realistic programme of sustainable growth.”

The report proposes a borough-wide housing requirement of 21,000 new homes over 20 years.

This would see up to 5,250 new homes in and around Chester, 4,200 in Ellesmere Port, Northwich and rural areas, and 3,150 in Winsford.

However, not all of this housing can be met within the existing city boundary.

As a result it is proposed that land is released from the Green Belt on edge of the city for around 2,000 homes, although exact locations are yet to be decided.

It is also said maintaining “the strategic gap” between Ellesmere Port and Chester and the distinct character of the surrounding villages should be considered in deciding which land is released for development.