Local plan scoping consultation

I am writing to you as one of many residents in the area who are concerned about the plans for building in the Penningtons Lane/Thirlmere area of the town

With many hundreds of empty homes in the Macclesfield area, it would seem more appropriate to utilise what we have already as well as disused mills and empty shops that could be turned into accommodation. It is proved to be the case that having families dwelling in towns helps not only to revitalise an area but also to improve anti-social behaviours often witnessed in town centres.

The local services in Gawsworth and Macclesfield eg doctors, dentists, schools as well as drainage networks, sewers, bus services are inadequate currently and stretched to capacity. How would this proposed development be sustainable?
The soil is a heavily clay soil structure which would overwhelm the local networks, thereby exacerbating localised flooding.

There are also ecological factors to consider. The southern part of the proposed development is an intact peatland with a good number of wetland plants and species and other pockets of peatland have been found further down the lane. These are connected to Danes Moss – any modification to the area would result in dewatering and degradation of the Danes Moss peatland. The loss of hedgerows and open fields will cause irreversible damage to local biodiversity and active wildlife corridors.

Historic environmental testing identified localised traces of asbestos. There would need to be extensive and thorough earthworks to ensure operations would not cause release of any harmful chemicals into the air. There would have to be exhaustive updated grid borehole testing and a comprehensive, independently verified Remediation Strategy

Penningtons Lane has long been used by dog walkers, runners, walkers, hikers and should remain a safe haven for families to enjoy

I urge the council to remain constant with its decision on application 21/4113M where development on this immediate parcel was rejected

A petition has been raised very recently and already has nearly 700 signatures in a matter of a couple of weeks

Herewith the link to the petition:

https://c.org/whXrmckjrk