Local plan scoping consultation

I welcome the opportunity to comment on the Cheshire East Local Plan Scoping Consultation.
Having reviewed the consultation document, I believe there is an important consideration that is not explicitly recognised within the discussion of future development pressures and the potential release or reclassification of Green Belt land.
While the consultation rightly refers to the need to create healthy communities, support growth, protect the natural environment and enhance quality of life, I believe greater emphasis should be placed on the wellbeing value that Green Belt land provides to existing communities.
The benefits of these spaces extend beyond ecological and landscape considerations. They also provide significant social, physical and mental health benefits. Although the consultation highlights the importance of creating healthy communities and protecting the natural environment, it does not specifically address the role that accessible open Green Belt land can play in supporting everyday wellbeing, social connection and community cohesion.
Many residents use Green Belt areas for walking, exercise, recreation and simply for creating headspace away from the pressures of modern life. These spaces provide accessible opportunities for physical activity, relaxation and reflection, all of which are increasingly important given wider concerns around mental health, wellbeing and social isolation.
In addition, Green Belt land can act as a shared community asset, bringing together people of different ages, backgrounds and circumstances. It provides opportunities for informal interaction, social connection and community integration that may be difficult to replicate once such land has been lost to development.
The value of these spaces should therefore be assessed not only in terms of planning policy, housing supply or environmental impact, but also through the wider lens of public wellbeing and community cohesion.
I would encourage Cheshire East Council to ensure that any future assessment of Green Belt release, development or reclassification includes specific consideration of:
• The contribution of Green Belt land and accessible open spaces to physical and mental wellbeing.
• The role of these spaces in encouraging physical activity, reducing social isolation and supporting healthier lifestyles.
• Their importance as places where different parts of the community can interact, build social connections and strengthen community cohesion.
• The long-term consequences for community wellbeing where accessible green spaces are reduced, fragmented or lost.
• Whether the social and wellbeing benefits currently provided by Green Belt land can realistically be replaced or replicated through alternative provision.
As the Local Plan develops, I believe that protecting and maintaining opportunities for residents to access open green spaces should be recognised as an important component of creating sustainable, healthy and thriving communities.
Consideration of Green Belt land should therefore extend beyond its role in managing development and protecting the environment, to include the wider contribution it makes to the health, wellbeing and social fabric of the communities that use and value it.
Thank you for considering these comments.