Local plan scoping consultation

I am writing to comment on the Local Plan that has been published recently.

I am deeply concerned about the amount of green belt land that has been put forward by landowners. In my view it is vital to pursue a “brownfield first” policy. In my view this is necessary in order to:
1. Protect productive farm land from development - in a world of climate change and increasingly fragile international politics protecting our food security has never been more important. The terrible drought of this summer in the southern half of England particularly highlights the importance of our north western region for food production.
2. Avoid damage to precious wildlife habitat and wildlife corridors - especially those lying between the Cheshire peaks and Cheshire plain. Cheshire is home to internationally rare habitats such as low-lying peat bogs and these must be protected at all costs. The area around Adlington is home to numerous red-listed species including tree sparrow, lapwing and skylark.
3. Respect the original purpose of the green belt which was created to protect the individual character of rural communities and prevent urban sprawl

In addition, no one community should be forced to bear the brunt of development - surely it would be better for large numbers of small developments (preferably on brownfield sites) rather than large developments that would swamp local infrastructure. This will avoid irrevocable damage to the character and history of individual communities. Where developments take place there must be a clear plan for all infrastructure required - roads, public transport, active travel, schools, GPs, hospitals, dentists, water and sewerage to name but a few. There must be a clear plan from the outset, developed with local residents, about what infrastructure is needed and how this will be funded.

Finally, I would also encourage the council to question the government mandate of a 146% increase in building in this area. With the current birth rate standing at less than 1.4 and having been steadily declining since 2010, do we really need this many new houses?

Thank you for considering my views.