Local plan scoping consultation

Dear Cheshire East Strategic Planning Team,
I am writing in response to the current consultation on the scope of the new Cheshire East Local Plan.
I am a resident of Blakelow Road, Macclesfield, and I am writing to express my strong support for the protection of the Green Belt land adjoining Blakelow Road and Buxton Old Road and my concern about the potential for this land to be considered for future residential development.
I appreciate that this current consultation is focused on the scope and content of the new Local Plan rather than making a decision on individual development sites. However, as a resident living directly within the area affected, I feel it is important to make my views known at this early stage and to highlight the importance of protecting this particular area of Green Belt.
In particular, I ask the Council to consider the following:
1. Protection of the Green Belt and prevention of urban sprawl
The Green Belt surrounding Blakelow Road provides an important open space between the existing built-up area of Macclesfield and the surrounding countryside. It helps maintain the character of the area and prevents further outward expansion of the settlement.
Developing this land would permanently alter the existing relationship between the residential area and countryside and would represent a significant further encroachment into the Green Belt.
2. The landscape and visual importance of the land
As a resident of Blakelow Road, I see first-hand the contribution this open land makes to the character and setting of the local area.
The land provides an important visual transition between the existing homes and the countryside. Its openness is particularly important given the elevated and visually prominent nature of parts of the site.
Residential development would introduce a substantial amount of built form into this currently open landscape and would have a permanent impact on the character and appearance of the area.
3. Brownfield land should be prioritised
I believe the Council should first maximise opportunities for brownfield and previously developed land before considering the release of Green Belt land for housing.
Green Belt land should not be released simply because it may provide an attractive or commercially viable development opportunity when alternative locations may be available.
4. Impact on existing residents and the local community
As someone who lives on Blakelow Road, I am particularly concerned about the cumulative impact that development in this location could have on the existing community.
Any future consideration of development should fully assess the impact on local roads, traffic levels, pedestrian safety, drainage, schools, healthcare, public transport and other infrastructure.
The impact should also be considered cumulatively alongside any other proposed or existing developments in the wider Macclesfield area.
5. Maintaining the character and separation of Macclesfield
The Green Belt in this location provides an important buffer between the built environment and open countryside. Its loss would weaken this distinction and could contribute to the gradual outward expansion of Macclesfield.
I believe maintaining this separation is important not only for existing residents but also for preserving the character of Macclesfield for future generations.
6. A robust assessment before any Green Belt release
I support the Council taking an evidence-based approach to the future of the Green Belt.
Any assessment of the land around Blakelow Road and Buxton Old Road should fully consider its contribution to preventing urban sprawl, protecting the countryside from encroachment, maintaining openness and safeguarding the landscape character and setting of Macclesfield.
I recognise that Cheshire East needs to plan for future housing requirements. However, I believe this growth should be directed towards the most appropriate and sustainable locations and should not result in the unnecessary loss of valuable Green Belt land.
As a resident of Blakelow Road, I therefore strongly support the retention of the Green Belt land adjoining our community and ask Cheshire East Council to ensure that this land is afforded appropriate protection when developing the new Local Plan.
Please treat this email as my formal representation to the consultation and retain my comments as part of the consultation record.
I would be grateful if you could confirm receipt of my representation.
Kind regards,
Kate Raw