Local plan scoping consultation

I am writing to formally object to the inclusion of the 291.03-hectare land submission around Ashley (12 adjoining sites totalling 291.03 hectares) in the Cheshire East Local Plan / SHELAA.

This proposed development would cause irreparable harm to the Bollin
Valley and Parklands LLD, Rostherne/Tatton Park LLD, Cotterill Clough Nature Reserve, ancient woodlands, protected species corridors, and the setting of 19 Grade II listed buildings (including Ashley Hall).

I request that Cheshire East Council formally classify this 291.03-hectare area (12 adjoining sites totalling 291.03 hectares) as Unsuitable and Undeliverable in the SHELAA assessment.

Factors making this proposal unsuitable:

1. This proposal conflicts with Green Belt Policy (North Cheshire Green Belt & 'Wash-Over' Status): the parish of Ashley is designated as "wash-over" Green Belt, which is the most protective form of rural Green Belt classification.

2. Failure of the National "Grey Belt" Test: Under national policy, this proposal fails the National “Grey Belt” test. Open, working farmland, designated high grade agricultural across Ashley fails this test and National policy protects this Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land for food security.

3. Direct Conflict with Core Green Belt Purposes (NPPF), and the Regional Strategic Buffer, protecting active, open agricultural land from urban encroachment and preventing extension of Greater Manchester into Cheshire settlements.

4. Sustainable Settlement Hierarchy: Ashley is a small, rural parish with very little public transport, primary infrastructure, medical facilities, schools or local employment. Allocating large-scale development here violates sustainable development principles, which require growth to be focused on Tier 1 and Tier 2 urban centres.

5. The surrounding rural road network, constrained by narrow railway
bridges and single-lane pinch points, cannot safely accommodate thousands of additional vehicles, having an adverse effect on Highways and Safety policies.

6. Ashley train station lacks the service capacity needed for
sustainable transit. It operates on a maximum frequency of just one train per hour in each direction. Services will be reduced by the new station planned at Cheadle, which has planning permission and funding

7. The area lacks deep sewer, grid, and surface water drainage capacity,
presenting high surface-water flood risks to the River Bollin catchment.

8. The nearest village of Hale, does not have the capacity to provide shopping and parking facilities that would be inevitable with an increase in residents in Ashley, neither do the towns of Altrincham and Knutsford.


I request that Cheshire East Council formally classify this 291.03-hectare area (12 adjoining sites totalling 291.03 hectares) as Unsuitable and Undeliverable in the SHELA assessment.