Local plan scoping consultation

I am writing to formally object to the inclusion of the 291.03-hectare land submission comprising 12 adjoining sites around Ashley within the Cheshire East Local Plan and SHELAA process.
My objection is based on the following grounds:
• Fundamental conflict with Green Belt policy. Ashley is designated as wash-over Green Belt, providing the highest level of protection. The land forms a critical strategic buffer between Greater Manchester and Cheshire settlements, preventing urban sprawl and the coalescence of communities. These sites do not meet the national policy definition of "Grey Belt" and continue to serve important Green Belt purposes.

• Unsustainable location for major development. Ashley is a small rural parish with limited public transport, healthcare, employment opportunities and local services. Large-scale housing growth would be contrary to established principles of sustainable development, which direct growth towards more accessible and well-served urban areas.

• Highway and road safety concerns. The surrounding rural road network is constrained by narrow railway bridges, single-lane sections and existing congestion points. It is not capable of safely accommodating the substantial increase in traffic that would result from development on this scale.

• Inadequate rail connectivity. Ashley railway station offers only a limited service and there are concerns that future service changes could further reduce frequency. This would significantly undermine the ability of future residents to rely on public transport for commuting and everyday travel.

• Airport safeguarding constraints. The sites lie within Manchester Airport flight-path noise contours and bird-strike safeguarding zones, raising significant concerns about the suitability of high-density residential development.

• Insufficient infrastructure capacity. The area lacks adequate sewerage, drainage and utility capacity. Development would increase pressure on existing systems and could exacerbate surface water flooding within the River Bollin catchment.

• Loss of Best and Most Versatile agricultural land. Independent surveys identify much of the land as Grade 2 and Subgrade 3a agricultural land. Its loss would be contrary to national policy objectives seeking to protect the UK's most productive farmland and support food security.

• Significant environmental and heritage harm. Development would adversely impact the Bollin Valley and Parklands Local Landscape Designation, Rostherne/Tatton Park Local Landscape Designation, Cotterill Clough Nature Reserve, ancient woodland, wildlife corridors and the setting of numerous listed buildings, including Ashley Hall.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that Cheshire East Council rejects this submission and excludes the 291.03-hectare Ashley land parcel from further consideration for allocation or development within the Local Plan process.