Local plan scoping consultation

I wish object to the changes to the local plan with regard to Ashley and the proposed development, for the following reasons:


This land forms a vital, narrow buffer in the North Cheshire Green Belt. It performs anti-sprawl buffer duties between Hale/Trafford and Knutsford/Mobberley. It is Manchester's 'breathing space'.


Under national policy, Green Belt land can only be released if it meets the definition of 'Grey Belt' (previously developed brownfield land or land that makes a negligible contribution to Green Belt purposes). Open, working farmland across Ashley fails this test.


Ashley is a small, rural parish with very little public transport, infrastructure or facilities. Allocating large-scale development here violates sustainable development principles, which require growth to be focused on Tier 1 and Tier 2 urban centres.


Ashley train station lacks the service capacity needed for sustainable transit.


Inadequate rural lane network, narrow railway bridges, A538/M56 congestion, and high forced car dependency.


Direct harm to 2 Local Landscape
Designations, 19 Grade II listed building settings, Ashley Hall, and historic Tatton Estate.


Ecological Impacts - Adverse impacts on Cotterill Clough nature reserve/SSSI, ancient woodland, TPOs, hedges and fields and protected wildlife corridors. Severe surface water flood risks to River Bollin. operational noise contours and bird-strike safety zones from Manchester Airport.