Local plan scoping consultation
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Local plan scoping consultation
Identifying and assessing sites
Representation Summary:
I object to any consideration of development at Blakelow and believe it should retain its protected Green Belt status. Blakelow is a highly valued landscape on the edge of the Peak District, offering exceptional panoramic views, recreational opportunities and wellbeing benefits for residents and visitors. The area provides important habitats for wildlife, including bats and badgers, and acts as a transition between urban and rural environments. Its elevated position contributes significantly to Macclesfield’s character, and development would have adverse visual impacts across the town. There are also concerns over highway safety and access, particularly during adverse weather. Given the availability of brownfield and other development opportunities, Blakelow’s natural beauty and environmental value should be preserved.
Full text:
In response to your deliberations in the review of the potential for development in Macclesfield I wish to comment upon the scope of your deliberations regarding the designated Double Green Belt land at Blakelow.
As you are aware this Double Green Belt area is of Special Significant Visual Value. In this context Blakelow is enjoyed daily by residents of all areas of our borough and beyond.
Being part of the heritage of the town the extensive views into Wales give a unique vista of several landmarks and landscapes throughout the United Kingdom. Thousands of walkers, runners, cyclists and motorists enjoy taking in the breathtaking views whilst exercising for health or enjoying the exhilarating local habitat and regional environment extending into Wales.
The value of this open space is and always has been, unequivocal. The value of this site in terms of our community well-being has been recognised on numerous occasions by Cheshires senior officers.
In context of the above and the need to appraise potential development areas with in the district, the potential scope within the brownfield and greenfield sites is considered extensive.
I presume this potential will be utilised within this planning period removing any need to encroach upon any greenfield site never mind the exceptional value attributed to Blakelow.
Blakelow being on the edge of the Peak District it is important to integrate a transition between environments. To travel from a countryside setting to a built up area without due consideration to flora and fauna would impact negatively upon a variety of eco systems.
The prevalence of badgers, bats and a variety of wildlife of the site encourages a variety of ecosystems to be protected. The present landowners bought the land in recent times with a view to improving the land as to continue providing quality grazing for live stock.
The elevation of Blakelow also makes Blakelow a special site. Presently development is unobtrusive. Dominant development over the town would negatively impact upon the whole community. Residents looking out to the countryside from every quarter of the town have their quality of life enhanced every day.
The elevation also creates issues of danger in relation to access to any potential development. The lack of suitable road maintenance whist gritting Blakelow was suspended a few years ago resulted in two serious accidents. Access around the site would similarly create serious issues around safety.
To conclude, your deliberations are surely succinct. Blakelow remains as always considered, a domain of natural beauty.
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