Local plan scoping consultation

I am writing as a local resident [personal information redacted] to express my serious concerns about the scale and cumulative impact of proposed development on Green Belt and agricultural land around Ashley, Bowdon and the surrounding area.

I appreciate that housing and infrastructure needs must be addressed, but I am concerned that development of this scale could place disproportionate pressure on an area that is already facing significant change. I would ask the Council to give full consideration to whether brownfield or previously developed sites can be prioritised before further Green Belt land is considered.

Ashley housing proposals

I understand that Tatton Estate is promoting proposals for up to 1,070 homes on sites south of the M56. My concerns include the potential loss of Green Belt and agricultural land, increased traffic and congestion, pressure on local roads and services, construction noise and pollution, flood risk, effects on wildlife and habitats, and the wider impact on the character of the area.

I would particularly ask that the Council considers not only the individual merits of any sites brought forward, but also the longer-term and cumulative consequences of development across this area.

Spodegreen Data Centre

I am also concerned about the proposed large, campus-style data centre on land south of Lymm Road, north of the M56 and west of the A556. I understand that the proposals are currently at consultation stage rather than the subject of a formal planning application.

For a development of this scale, I would ask that careful scrutiny is given to construction and operational traffic, electricity demand and associated grid infrastructure, noise, lighting, backup generation, visual impact, wildlife and biodiversity, and the loss of Green Belt and agricultural land.

Cumulative impact

Of particular concern is the cumulative effect of these proposals alongside the service station and hotel developments that have already progressed through the planning process. Considered together, these developments could materially increase traffic and activity in the area and create additional pressure on infrastructure and local services, while also affecting noise, lighting, air quality, wildlife, landscape and the surrounding Green Belt.

I therefore ask the Council to assess these developments collectively, rather than solely in isolation, and to consider whether the local road network, infrastructure, public services and environment can sustainably accommodate development on this scale.

I would also welcome clear evidence that reasonable alternatives have been properly assessed, including greater use of brownfield and previously developed land, before Green Belt and productive agricultural land are released or allocated for development.

Please record my concerns for both and the Ashley housing proposals and the Spodegreen Data Centre and ensure they are taken into account at all appropriate stages of the Local Plan and planning processes. I would be grateful if you could also advise me of the best way to ensure that my representations are considered in relation to any future applications or site allocations affecting this area.