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Local plan scoping consultation
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Respondent: Mr Luke Spencer
Representation Summary:
The respondent comments on proposed development in the North Leighton area and raises concerns regarding road access, biodiversity, drainage, infrastructure and the loss of agricultural land. They argue that Moss Lane is narrow, poorly maintained and unsuitable for construction traffic, and request that it is not used as an access route. The respondent seeks protection for trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders, adequate flood mitigation measures, and a landscaped buffer between existing and new development. Concerns are also raised about the lack of secondary school provision to support growth. The response highlights the loss of productive farmland and requests that its value is recognised within the planning process.
Full text:
Hi,
(REDACTED)
I would like to formally submit my comments with regards to the 2026 Cheshire Local Plan, specifically with regards to the plan that borders my property in the Leighton North Area.
Road and access
The current road surface of Moss Lane is already in dire need of repair and currently suitable for only one vehicle, with a number of very poorly maintained passing points along the road and is frequently used by pedestrians walking from end to end (with no available footpath). Any use of this road in its current state by heavy vehicles will not only cause further damage to the road but will also likely be extremely dangerous to pedestrians and other drivers. I would request that Moss Lane not be used as an access point to any of the new sites as doing so would put residents and other drivers at serious risk of harm.
Tree Protection Orders
There are a number of trees that have Tree Protection Orders on the site and I request this be strictly adhered to, the development is already destroying natural habitats for a number of species (newts and birds) and destroying these century old trees would only be a further detriment to the biodiversity in the area.
Natural Soakaways, Attenuation Systems and Flooding
There are a number of existing natural soakaways in the immediate adjacent fields which act as a very important mitigator to any potential floods at my property - my building is approximately 12 inches lower than the ground level at the border. I would like to formally request the development include both a green buffer and replacement soakaway or attenuation system between my property and the new properties to ensure the development does not lead to unnecessary flooding in the event of heavy rain or a storm.
Strategic Buffer Zone and Landscaping Scheme
The current designation of the area is Open Countryside (rural) and where I appreciate this is undergoing a transition I would like to formally request the plan to provide at least some rural development protections between my existing property and the properties of the new development in the form of a strategic buffer zone and green gap, with a strict landscaping scheme outlined as part of the planning process.
Access to schools
There are a number of large scale residential projects both completing and starting as part of this local plan and where there have been a small number of infant/junior/primary schools included in the plans, there is a very evident lack of planning or consideration for a new High School to accommodate the thousands of new families. I would strongly advise any new development to take into consideration a new High School as part of this strategic plan.
General Agriculture Observation
The land in North Leighton is currently being used to provide food to the local community, sheep and cows populate the fields to the north and south of Moss Lane and turning these into a residential estate removes the food these farms produce for Crewe and the surrounding areas. Where I appreciate the need to build new homes, the decision to use land that is currently producing food is honestly just disappointing. Crewe will likely never see these fields produce food ever again, the decision will very bluntly both increase the demand for food whilst at the same time reduce the local supply of food. Relying more on the importing of food to the area from overseas. Farmland that has produced food for Crewe for generations will disappear overnight, with seemingly no replacement considered (at least not in the plan) to fill that demand gap. It would be nice to at least see this recognised as part of the plan, or otherwise be accused of shortsightedness.
Please feel free to contact me regarding any questions or clarifications and thank you for reading and considering my comments.
Local plan scoping consultation
Respondent: Mr Luke Spencer
Representation Summary:
The response highlights the loss of productive farmland and requests that its value is recognised within the planning process.
Full text:
Hi,
(REDACTED)
I would like to formally submit my comments with regards to the 2026 Cheshire Local Plan, specifically with regards to the plan that borders my property in the Leighton North Area.
Road and access
The current road surface of Moss Lane is already in dire need of repair and currently suitable for only one vehicle, with a number of very poorly maintained passing points along the road and is frequently used by pedestrians walking from end to end (with no available footpath). Any use of this road in its current state by heavy vehicles will not only cause further damage to the road but will also likely be extremely dangerous to pedestrians and other drivers. I would request that Moss Lane not be used as an access point to any of the new sites as doing so would put residents and other drivers at serious risk of harm.
Tree Protection Orders
There are a number of trees that have Tree Protection Orders on the site and I request this be strictly adhered to, the development is already destroying natural habitats for a number of species (newts and birds) and destroying these century old trees would only be a further detriment to the biodiversity in the area.
Natural Soakaways, Attenuation Systems and Flooding
There are a number of existing natural soakaways in the immediate adjacent fields which act as a very important mitigator to any potential floods at my property - my building is approximately 12 inches lower than the ground level at the border. I would like to formally request the development include both a green buffer and replacement soakaway or attenuation system between my property and the new properties to ensure the development does not lead to unnecessary flooding in the event of heavy rain or a storm.
Strategic Buffer Zone and Landscaping Scheme
The current designation of the area is Open Countryside (rural) and where I appreciate this is undergoing a transition I would like to formally request the plan to provide at least some rural development protections between my existing property and the properties of the new development in the form of a strategic buffer zone and green gap, with a strict landscaping scheme outlined as part of the planning process.
Access to schools
There are a number of large scale residential projects both completing and starting as part of this local plan and where there have been a small number of infant/junior/primary schools included in the plans, there is a very evident lack of planning or consideration for a new High School to accommodate the thousands of new families. I would strongly advise any new development to take into consideration a new High School as part of this strategic plan.
General Agriculture Observation
The land in North Leighton is currently being used to provide food to the local community, sheep and cows populate the fields to the north and south of Moss Lane and turning these into a residential estate removes the food these farms produce for Crewe and the surrounding areas. Where I appreciate the need to build new homes, the decision to use land that is currently producing food is honestly just disappointing. Crewe will likely never see these fields produce food ever again, the decision will very bluntly both increase the demand for food whilst at the same time reduce the local supply of food. Relying more on the importing of food to the area from overseas. Farmland that has produced food for Crewe for generations will disappear overnight, with seemingly no replacement considered (at least not in the plan) to fill that demand gap. It would be nice to at least see this recognised as part of the plan, or otherwise be accused of shortsightedness.
Please feel free to contact me regarding any questions or clarifications and thank you for reading and considering my comments.
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