Local plan scoping consultation

In regard to the development of the new CEC local plan, I would like to submit the following comments and observations, and to advocate the protection and preservation of the existing Green Belt.

I am a resident of Blakelow Road in Macclesfield, and I strongly believe that preservation of the Green Belt is of vital importance, in Cheshire East and across the country, for the following reasons:


• The Green Belt is an important environmental and visual element of Macclesfield town, and serves to act as a buffer between town and country. It sustains many forms of wildlife, and is a constant draw to residents of Macclesfield who regularly walk along Blakelow Road to enjoy to sights, sounds and smells of the wooded fields there.

• The local plan needs to consider brownfield and other sites as far more preferential to develop, rather than the Green Belt. Macclesfield is full of sites which have lain dormant with no development for many years. I would like to see greater emphasis, by the council, to not just look at existing known brownfield sites but also commercial sites, linked to the demise of the High Street, and to incentivise or encourage the relevant owners and landlords to convert such properties to residential use.

• Removal of the Green Belt, particularly around Blakelow Road, will significantly degrade the appearance and character of Macclesfield, particularly as seen from the town centre. I would strongly urge the council to poll the views of Macclesfield citizens on this point.

• Green Belt, such as the area around Blakelow Road, due to its elevated position, is particularly important is protecting the surrounding landscape.

I hope you will consider these comments in developing the new CEC local plan.

In regard to the development of the new CEC local plan, I would like to submit the following comments and observations, and to advocate the protection and preservation of the existing Green Belt.

I am a resident of Blakelow Road in Macclesfield, and I strongly believe that preservation of the Green Belt is of vital importance, in Cheshire East and across the country, for the following reasons:


• The Green Belt is an important environmental and visual element of Macclesfield town, and serves to act as a buffer between town and country. It sustains many forms of wildlife, and is a constant draw to residents of Macclesfield who regularly walk along Blakelow Road to enjoy to sights, sounds and smells of the wooded fields there.

• The local plan needs to consider brownfield and other sites as far more preferential to develop, rather than the Green Belt. Macclesfield is full of sites which have lain dormant with no development for many years. I would like to see greater emphasis, by the council, to not just look at existing known brownfield sites but also commercial sites, linked to the demise of the High Street, and to incentivise or encourage the relevant owners and landlords to convert such properties to residential use.

• Removal of the Green Belt, particularly around Blakelow Road, will significantly degrade the appearance and character of Macclesfield, particularly as seen from the town centre. I would strongly urge the council to poll the views of Macclesfield citizens on this point.

• Green Belt, such as the area around Blakelow Road, due to its elevated position, is particularly important is protecting the surrounding landscape.

I hope you will consider these comments in developing the new CEC local plan.