Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 6263

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Sally Ross

I strongly object to the proposed 291-hectare development across 12 contiguous parcels at
Ashley. This is high-performing Green Belt, not Grey Belt: it prevents urban sprawl, maintains
the vital countryside gap between Greater Manchester and Cheshire, and safeguards open,
productive farmland. This area is used by a high number of people who live in the neighbouring areas where they are surrounded by houses and people. Having this land provides a peaceful haven where people can interact with nature. Ashley is a small rural settlement with limited services, no bus network and
only limited rail; every approach crosses narrow, constrained bridges. A development of this
scale is fundamentally unsustainable and would cause severe traffic, infrastructure and drainage
pressures, while damaging protected landscapes, wildlife habitats and the settings of numerous
listed buildings. The nearest places i.e Hale is currently at its limit for school places and many schools cannot be developed to take extra students as they are landlocked. There is also the issue of medical care? Would purpose built medical centres alongside schools be included in the development. We need to retain as much of our countryside whilst we can. We need land to produce food as we never know what is in the future. We need to protect this beautiful piece of countryside. The councils seriously need to start looking at developing brown field sites where there is easier access to schools and medical facilities . The Council should retain Green Belt protection and reject this site entirely.