Local plan scoping consultation

As a resident of Prestbury Road, I am concerned that destruction of green open grazing land and increased traffic—already rising due to King’s School relocating to Alderley Road with many coaches and cars—will impact children walking to Upton junior and infant school, and Fallibroome high school, decreasing overall air quality and further increase traffic, with around 200 homes already proposed.
I would like the new Local Plan to prioritise brownfield sites first, prevent merging of existing settlements, avoid splitting land into smaller parcels to suit developers, protect nature and walking routes along the riverside walk where herons and little egrets nest, and address the point that local services such as Cumberland House Surgery and nearby dental practices are under pressure. Please include in the scope a clear plan to use brownfield sites first as per the NPPF, safeguard green spaces between settlements, and maintain the riverside walking areas for wildlife and residents alike.

Housing and affordable homes
Cheshire East needs more homes, including genuinely affordable homes, but that does not mean every greenfield site is suitable. The council should first show how many homes could be provided on brownfield and underused land, in town centres and on existing safeguarded land such as LPS19. It should also consider sensible increases in housing density in places already close to shops, services and public transport. We should be building up in the right places before continuing to build out into the countryside.

Green Belt and countryside
The Green Belt boundary around this part of Macclesfield follows Whirley Road and Birtles Road. The fields beyond it help contain the town and stop development spreading into the countryside. The government’s grey-belt guidance says that open land can still make a strong contribution to preventing sprawl where development would create an extended “finger” into the Green Belt. That is a real concern with several of the sites around Birtles Road, Whirley Road and Sandy Lane. The council should follow a clear order when looking for land: make full use of brownfield and underused urban land, test higher urban densities and existing safeguarded land, and only then consider Green Belt release. If Green Belt land is needed, national policy says previously developed land should come first, followed by grey belt and then other Green Belt land. Previous council assessments found that Green Belt parcels in this area made a significant contribution to preventing the unrestricted sprawl of Macclesfield. If the council now reaches a different view, it should explain what has changed

Infrastructure
Housing should only be planned where schools, doctors, drainage, public transport, utilities and roads can cope. The council should say what extra infrastructure each growth option would need, what it would cost, who would pay for it and when it would be delivered. It should also consider whether road improvements would require the removal of hedgerows, trees and verges or would change the rural character of the area.

Landscape, nature and drainage
Development around Greenside could create ribbon or finger-like development extending beyond the existing edge of Macclesfield. The council should assess the effect on the wider landscape, views, field patterns and the rural setting of places such as Roewood Farm. The area also contains ponds, mature hedgerows, trees and wildlife links, with the former-quarry Local Wildlife Site nearby. These features should be surveyed properly and considered together, rather than dealt with separately after a site has been chosen. Local concerns about heavy clay, standing water and surface-water flooding should also be investigated through proper seasonal drainage work. Electricity pylons, easements and other constraints should be deducted before estimating how many homes a site could realistically provide.

Previous assessments and consultation
Some of these areas have been rejected or not selected in the past because of Green Belt, access, landscape or other concerns. The council should publish those earlier findings alongside the full site submissions, new site assessments, scoring system, transport evidence and updated Green Belt work. A site can be reconsidered, but if the council reaches a different conclusion this time, it should explain what has changed and what new evidence supports that decision. Housing figures should also be based on the genuinely usable part of each site after allowing for access, drainage, ponds, pylons, landscaping and other constraints—not simply the total field area. Residents should be able to comment on this evidence before preferred sites are chosen, while there is still a real opportunity to influence the plan. Site submissions should also be clearly described as land put forward for consideration, not as planning applications or agreed housing allocations.

Please ensure these points are incorporated into the scope of the Local Plan, and provide a clear explanation of how consultation responses have influenced the plan. I would appreciate a transparent account of the evidence base and how it will inform decisions at the scoping stage. I confirm this response reflects my views and I have reviewed it for accuracy.

As a resident of Prestbury Road, I am concerned that destruction of green open grazing land and increased traffic—already rising due to King’s School relocating to Alderley Road with many coaches and cars—will impact children walking to Upton junior and infant school, and Fallibroome high school, decreasing overall air quality and further increase traffic, with around 200 homes already proposed.
I would like the new Local Plan to prioritise brownfield sites first, prevent merging of existing settlements, avoid splitting land into smaller parcels to suit developers, protect nature and walking routes along the riverside walk where herons and little egrets nest, and address the point that local services such as Cumberland House Surgery and nearby dental practices are under pressure. Please include in the scope a clear plan to use brownfield sites first as per the NPPF, safeguard green spaces between settlements, and maintain the riverside walking areas for wildlife and residents alike.

Housing and affordable homes
Cheshire East needs more homes, including genuinely affordable homes, but that does not mean every greenfield site is suitable. The council should first show how many homes could be provided on brownfield and underused land, in town centres and on existing safeguarded land such as LPS19. It should also consider sensible increases in housing density in places already close to shops, services and public transport. We should be building up in the right places before continuing to build out into the countryside.

Green Belt and countryside
The Green Belt boundary around this part of Macclesfield follows Whirley Road and Birtles Road. The fields beyond it help contain the town and stop development spreading into the countryside. The government’s grey-belt guidance says that open land can still make a strong contribution to preventing sprawl where development would create an extended “finger” into the Green Belt. That is a real concern with several of the sites around Birtles Road, Whirley Road and Sandy Lane. The council should follow a clear order when looking for land: make full use of brownfield and underused urban land, test higher urban densities and existing safeguarded land, and only then consider Green Belt release. If Green Belt land is needed, national policy says previously developed land should come first, followed by grey belt and then other Green Belt land. Previous council assessments found that Green Belt parcels in this area made a significant contribution to preventing the unrestricted sprawl of Macclesfield. If the council now reaches a different view, it should explain what has changed

Infrastructure
Housing should only be planned where schools, doctors, drainage, public transport, utilities and roads can cope. The council should say what extra infrastructure each growth option would need, what it would cost, who would pay for it and when it would be delivered. It should also consider whether road improvements would require the removal of hedgerows, trees and verges or would change the rural character of the area.

Landscape, nature and drainage
Development around Greenside could create ribbon or finger-like development extending beyond the existing edge of Macclesfield. The council should assess the effect on the wider landscape, views, field patterns and the rural setting of places such as Roewood Farm. The area also contains ponds, mature hedgerows, trees and wildlife links, with the former-quarry Local Wildlife Site nearby. These features should be surveyed properly and considered together, rather than dealt with separately after a site has been chosen. Local concerns about heavy clay, standing water and surface-water flooding should also be investigated through proper seasonal drainage work. Electricity pylons, easements and other constraints should be deducted before estimating how many homes a site could realistically provide.

Previous assessments and consultation
Some of these areas have been rejected or not selected in the past because of Green Belt, access, landscape or other concerns. The council should publish those earlier findings alongside the full site submissions, new site assessments, scoring system, transport evidence and updated Green Belt work. A site can be reconsidered, but if the council reaches a different conclusion this time, it should explain what has changed and what new evidence supports that decision. Housing figures should also be based on the genuinely usable part of each site after allowing for access, drainage, ponds, pylons, landscaping and other constraints—not simply the total field area. Residents should be able to comment on this evidence before preferred sites are chosen, while there is still a real opportunity to influence the plan. Site submissions should also be clearly described as land put forward for consideration, not as planning applications or agreed housing allocations.

Please ensure these points are incorporated into the scope of the Local Plan, and provide a clear explanation of how consultation responses have influenced the plan. I would appreciate a transparent account of the evidence base and how it will inform decisions at the scoping stage. I confirm this response reflects my views and I have reviewed it for accuracy.

As a resident of Prestbury Road, I am concerned that destruction of green open grazing land and increased traffic—already rising due to King’s School relocating to Alderley Road with many coaches and cars—will impact children walking to Upton junior and infant school, and Fallibroome high school, decreasing overall air quality and further increase traffic, with around 200 homes already proposed.
I would like the new Local Plan to prioritise brownfield sites first, prevent merging of existing settlements, avoid splitting land into smaller parcels to suit developers, protect nature and walking routes along the riverside walk where herons and little egrets nest, and address the point that local services such as Cumberland House Surgery and nearby dental practices are under pressure. Please include in the scope a clear plan to use brownfield sites first as per the NPPF, safeguard green spaces between settlements, and maintain the riverside walking areas for wildlife and residents alike.

Housing and affordable homes
Cheshire East needs more homes, including genuinely affordable homes, but that does not mean every greenfield site is suitable. The council should first show how many homes could be provided on brownfield and underused land, in town centres and on existing safeguarded land such as LPS19. It should also consider sensible increases in housing density in places already close to shops, services and public transport. We should be building up in the right places before continuing to build out into the countryside.

Green Belt and countryside
The Green Belt boundary around this part of Macclesfield follows Whirley Road and Birtles Road. The fields beyond it help contain the town and stop development spreading into the countryside. The government’s grey-belt guidance says that open land can still make a strong contribution to preventing sprawl where development would create an extended “finger” into the Green Belt. That is a real concern with several of the sites around Birtles Road, Whirley Road and Sandy Lane. The council should follow a clear order when looking for land: make full use of brownfield and underused urban land, test higher urban densities and existing safeguarded land, and only then consider Green Belt release. If Green Belt land is needed, national policy says previously developed land should come first, followed by grey belt and then other Green Belt land. Previous council assessments found that Green Belt parcels in this area made a significant contribution to preventing the unrestricted sprawl of Macclesfield. If the council now reaches a different view, it should explain what has changed

Infrastructure
Housing should only be planned where schools, doctors, drainage, public transport, utilities and roads can cope. The council should say what extra infrastructure each growth option would need, what it would cost, who would pay for it and when it would be delivered. It should also consider whether road improvements would require the removal of hedgerows, trees and verges or would change the rural character of the area.

Landscape, nature and drainage
Development around Greenside could create ribbon or finger-like development extending beyond the existing edge of Macclesfield. The council should assess the effect on the wider landscape, views, field patterns and the rural setting of places such as Roewood Farm. The area also contains ponds, mature hedgerows, trees and wildlife links, with the former-quarry Local Wildlife Site nearby. These features should be surveyed properly and considered together, rather than dealt with separately after a site has been chosen. Local concerns about heavy clay, standing water and surface-water flooding should also be investigated through proper seasonal drainage work. Electricity pylons, easements and other constraints should be deducted before estimating how many homes a site could realistically provide.

Previous assessments and consultation
Some of these areas have been rejected or not selected in the past because of Green Belt, access, landscape or other concerns. The council should publish those earlier findings alongside the full site submissions, new site assessments, scoring system, transport evidence and updated Green Belt work. A site can be reconsidered, but if the council reaches a different conclusion this time, it should explain what has changed and what new evidence supports that decision. Housing figures should also be based on the genuinely usable part of each site after allowing for access, drainage, ponds, pylons, landscaping and other constraints—not simply the total field area. Residents should be able to comment on this evidence before preferred sites are chosen, while there is still a real opportunity to influence the plan. Site submissions should also be clearly described as land put forward for consideration, not as planning applications or agreed housing allocations.

Please ensure these points are incorporated into the scope of the Local Plan, and provide a clear explanation of how consultation responses have influenced the plan. I would appreciate a transparent account of the evidence base and how it will inform decisions at the scoping stage. I confirm this response reflects my views and I have reviewed it for accuracy.

I am appalled to see the proposal to build on land used for animal grazing
I strongly object

1- Brownfield sites should be used first as per NPPF
2- Protect green space between settlements avoiding merger of areas, this plan suggests building to the rear of houses on Macclesfield Road Prestbury and building towards Tytherington only separated by the river and trainline.
3- Traffic is already greatly increased due to King's School moving to Alderley Road with many large suv and coaches, 200 homes have been approved adding to extra traffic. Local children walk to Upton Infant and Junior school, also Fallibroome high school in this increased air pollution and risk of accidents, we don't need to make their journey even more hazardous.
4- Nature and walking at the Riverside walk with be spoilt as will the habitat of the heron and little egret who live there.
5- Macclesfield hospital has already moved some services to other hospitals as no space is available to expand on site to meet growing needs of the community.
NHS dentists are impossible to find.
Cumberland house surgery showing videos asking for support as they are at breaking point.
6- Don't split land into small sections to favour builders rather than valued residents

I am appalled to see the proposal to build on land used for animal grazing
I strongly object

1- Brownfield sites should be used first as per NPPF
2- Protect green space between settlements avoiding merger of areas, this plan suggests building to the rear of houses on Macclesfield Road Prestbury and building towards Tytherington only separated by the river and trainline.
3- Traffic is already greatly increased due to King's School moving to Alderley Road with many large suv and coaches, 200 homes have been approved adding to extra traffic. Local children walk to Upton Infant and Junior school, also Fallibroome high school in this increased air pollution and risk of accidents, we don't need to make their journey even more hazardous.
4- Nature and walking at the Riverside walk with be spoilt as will the habitat of the heron and little egret who live there.
5- Macclesfield hospital has already moved some services to other hospitals as no space is available to expand on site to meet growing needs of the community.
NHS dentists are impossible to find.
Cumberland house surgery showing videos asking for support as they are at breaking point.
6- Don't split land into small sections to favour builders rather than valued residents

I am appalled to see the proposal to build on land used for animal grazing
I strongly object

1- Brownfield sites should be used first as per NPPF
2- Protect green space between settlements avoiding merger of areas, this plan suggests building to the rear of houses on Macclesfield Road Prestbury and building towards Tytherington only separated by the river and trainline.
3- Traffic is already greatly increased due to King's School moving to Alderley Road with many large suv and coaches, 200 homes have been approved adding to extra traffic. Local children walk to Upton Infant and Junior school, also Fallibroome high school in this increased air pollution and risk of accidents, we don't need to make their journey even more hazardous.
4- Nature and walking at the Riverside walk with be spoilt as will the habitat of the heron and little egret who live there.
5- Macclesfield hospital has already moved some services to other hospitals as no space is available to expand on site to meet growing needs of the community.
NHS dentists are impossible to find.
Cumberland house surgery showing videos asking for support as they are at breaking point.
6- Don't split land into small sections to favour builders rather than valued residents

I am appalled to see the proposal to build on land used for animal grazing
I strongly object

1- Brownfield sites should be used first as per NPPF
2- Protect green space between settlements avoiding merger of areas, this plan suggests building to the rear of houses on Macclesfield Road Prestbury and building towards Tytherington only separated by the river and trainline.
3- Traffic is already greatly increased due to King's School moving to Alderley Road with many large suv and coaches, 200 homes have been approved adding to extra traffic. Local children walk to Upton Infant and Junior school, also Fallibroome high school in this increased air pollution and risk of accidents, we don't need to make their journey even more hazardous.
4- Nature and walking at the Riverside walk with be spoilt as will the habitat of the heron and little egret who live there.
5- Macclesfield hospital has already moved some services to other hospitals as no space is available to expand on site to meet growing needs of the community.
NHS dentists are impossible to find.
Cumberland house surgery showing videos asking for support as they are at breaking point.
6- Don't split land into small sections to favour builders rather than valued residents