Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 6853

Received: 28/08/2026

Respondent: Gwynne Lloyd

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the preparation of Cheshire East's new Local Plan.
I believe that the Local Plan should place environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the protection of natural assets at the heart of future development decisions. As we face increasing challenges from climate change and biodiversity loss, it is essential that planning policies safeguard existing natural carbon stores and irreplaceable habitats.
The Plan should include strong policies to protect peatlands, wetlands, ancient woodland, Local Wildlife Sites, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and other habitats that cannot be recreated once lost. Protecting these areas will help retain carbon, support biodiversity, improve water management, and contribute to national and local climate objectives.
I would also encourage Cheshire East to strengthen the role of wildlife corridors and ecological networks within the Plan. Protecting individual sites alone is insufficient if habitats become isolated. Development should support the objectives of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and maintain connectivity between important natural areas.
Green Belt land continues to play an important role in preventing urban sprawl, maintaining countryside character, and providing space for nature and recreation. Where Green Belt contributes to ecological connectivity and environmental resilience, these functions should be fully recognised in planning decisions.
The Local Plan should also give greater weight to flood risk and climate adaptation. With increasingly frequent extreme weather events, development should be directed away from flood-prone areas and should avoid worsening flood risk elsewhere.
Access to high-quality green space is important not only for wildlife but also for public health and wellbeing. Natural areas close to towns and villages provide valuable opportunities for recreation, exercise, and mental health benefits, and these should be protected and enhanced for future generations.
Finally, I believe that growth targets and development needs should be carefully assessed against environmental constraints, infrastructure capacity, climate commitments, and long-term sustainability objectives. Future development should balance housing and economic needs with the protection of the natural environment upon which communities depend.
I strongly support a Local Plan that prioritises climate action, biodiversity recovery, environmental protection, and sustainable development for current and future generations.