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Local plan scoping consultation
Identifying and assessing sites
Respondent: Catherine Abbott
Representation Summary:
The respondents object to the potential development of 293 hectares of agricultural land in Ashley. They argue that the Green Belt land plays an important role in preventing urban sprawl from Greater Manchester and should remain protected. Concerns are raised about the loss of productive agricultural land, impacts on climate change, biodiversity, trees, hedgerows and wildlife habitats. The respondents contend that Ashley lacks the infrastructure required to accommodate significant growth, citing narrow rural roads, limited rail services, and insufficient local facilities. They support a brownfield-first approach and believe development should be focused in urban areas with appropriate services and transport connections rather than on Green Belt land.
Full text:
Dear Cheshire East Council,
We understand that 293 hectares of agricultural land in Ashley has been submitted to you for potential development. We are writing to oppose the proposed development of this land.
This is beautiful green belt land designated with wash over status that serves to demarcate the end of greater Manchester and its urban sprawl, and should be protected and we understand is protected by law.
If more green belt land is built on, this will lead to more warming of the planet which must be contrary to net zero / environmental aims.
It will also destroy prime agricultural land at a time when the population is growing and, with global uncertainty, should mean that we prioritise keeping agricultural land. We understand it will be a loss of the best and most versatile farmland which conflicts with the national government policy to retain this land.
Priority should be given to building on land that has already been developed and not green belt and it should be in urban areas where facilities are available - adequate transport, shops, schools, medical facilities.
Destroying the green belt will also mean the destruction of trees , hedgerows and wildlife some of which are protected areas and species.
Transport connections will be poor. The roads in Ashley are narrow country roads and not appropriate for large numbers of cars. Drivers need to drive carefully and there are often cyclists to overtake and people walking in the road as the pavement is too narrow. The railway bridge into Hale is very narrow and there have been crashes on it which have required it to be rebuilt.
The train connections are also poor and infrequent, forcing people into cars.
Ashley is a small , rural community with few facilities. Development as proposed will fundamentally change its character and be another sprawling mass connected to Manchester. Is this the aim of Cheshire East council? Development should focus on urban centres and use previously developed land.
Please preserve the green belt from destruction.
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