HOUSES could be built on AstraZeneca’s Alderley Park site.

A prospectus for potential investors to the site in Nether Alderley says housing may be necessary to ensure its future as a science hub.

The council’s cabinet voted to endorse the document last week.

It was put together following AstraZeneca’s announcement it will close its research and development facility by 2016.

A task force has been attracting new life sciences companies to secure its future. Residents in other areas have previously asked that the site is considered for new homes to help meet housing need. But the council has always insisted attracting science companies is the top priority.

Now council leader Michael Jones has said Cheshire East would allow housing if it helps the science hub.

He said: “I’ve always said Alderley Park is Europe’s best life sciences hub.

“We’re attracting businesses from all over. We’re not talking thousands of homes, more like hundreds.

“The people of Alderley Park and Nether Alderley will have their views, but we need to do what’s right for everyone in Cheshire East and will take some tough decisions.”

AstraZeneca would also need to be granted planning permission if the scheme is to go ahead.

The proposals tally with those set out for the site in the council’s latest Local Plan draft, the Core Strategy.

It says building should only be on the previously developed part of the site, which is in the green belt.

Coun Alan Clarke, chairman of Nether Alderley Parish Council, said:  “We’re against new development in the green belt and would prefer to see no new housing at Alderley Park.”

An AstraZeneca spokesman said it is considering a range of options.

He said: “This includes the potential for some limited housing to support the needs of any organisation interested in locating on the site, subject to usual planning approvals.”