Local plan scoping consultation

For the attention of the Strategic Planning Team
The following comments are in response to Cheshire East Council’s current consultation on the scope of the new Local Plan, with particular reference to the protection and maintenance of the Green Belt adjacent to Blakelow Road and Buxton Old Road.
This is a representation in full support of the retention of the Green Belt on land adjacent to Blakelow Road and Buxton Old Road.
Brownfield Land First
Whilst I recognise that the Council is required to review the potential of land for future development, it is vital that a thorough, robust and detailed assessment of available brownfield sites is undertaken as a priority. If, after a thorough assessment insufficient brownfield land cannot be found, then both accessible and sustainable greenfield sites should be considered. Only after the Council has undertaken a thorough, detailed and transparent assessment of potential appropriate land, should accessible and sustainable Green Belt land be considered for any development potential.
The Council must provide a robust and transparent document which identifies how they have assessed land availability before any change to Green Belt land is considered.
The Green Belt is a long standing, precious resource which has stood the test of time, and which must be retained to ensure that the character and setting of Macclesfield is preserved.
Visual Importance
The Green Belt around Blakelow Road and Old Buxton Road is important in maintaining the attractive setting of Macclesfield. The Green Belt adjacent to Blakelow Road is especially important in this respect. Here these green fields rise significantly towards the Peak District hills, and they provide an open, visual buffer and an important transition between the more compact and dense urban environment and the open countryside.
Because of the topography of the land, and its elevated position, it can be viewed from several locations, therefore its openness is particularly important in preserving the character of Macclesfield as it looks towards Teggs Nose Country Park and the hills of the Peak District.
The steep contours of the land and its visual prominence is unsuited to anything other than open countryside. Travelling up Buxton Road and turning into Old Buxton Road, the compact urban environment is left behind, and the more rural setting of Blakelow Road is reached.
Any built development on this land would impact on the whole locality, it would have a significant detrimental impact, would be inappropriate and incongruous and would change the whole character of the area.
To summarise, the land is –
• Prominent
• Visually important
• Elevated
• Provides a visual buffer
• Maintains the setting of Macclesfield

This is a prominent and visually important section of the Green Belt, which must be preserved.
It is vital that the Green Belt is retained in this location, and I trust that Cheshire East Council will ensure that this is achieved.