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.

1. Conflict with Green Belt Policy (North Cheshire Green Belt & 'Wash-Over' Status)

Wash-Over Green Belt: The parish of Ashley is designated as "wash-over" Green Belt, the most protective form of rural Green Belt classification.
Regional Strategic Buffer: Established in the 1950s specifically to prevent urban sprawl, Ashley forms the crucial green buffer separating South Manchester and Trafford from settlements in Cheshire East.
Failure of the National "Grey Belt" Test: Open, working farmland across Ashley does not meet the definition of Grey Belt land.
Direct conflict with Green Belt purposes, including preventing urban sprawl, avoiding settlement coalescence and safeguarding the countryside.

2. Sustainable Settlement Hierarchy

Ashley is a small rural parish with limited public transport, services, infrastructure and employment opportunities. Large-scale development would be contrary to sustainable development principles.

3. Highways and Safety

The local road network is constrained by narrow roads, railway bridges and pinch points and cannot safely accommodate substantial additional traffic.

4. Inadequate Rail Connections

Ashley Station has limited service frequencies and future service reductions may further weaken its ability to support sustainable travel patterns.

5. Airport Constraints

The land falls within airport flight path noise contours and bird-strike safeguarding zones.

6. Drainage and Utilities

The area lacks sufficient drainage, utility and sewerage infrastructure and presents flood risk concerns.

7. Loss of Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land

The site contains high-quality agricultural land that should be protected for food production.

8. Environmental and Heritage Harm

Development would adversely affect local landscape designations, nature conservation interests, ancient woodland, ecological corridors and heritage assets.

I request that Cheshire East Council classify the 291.03-hectare site as unsuitable and undeliverable within the SHELAA assessment.