Local plan scoping consultation

To whom it may concern,


I am writing to you to object to the proposed development of historically designated green belt land surrounding the village of Ashley and Ashley train station.

This is for several reasons.

Firstly, the land surrounding Ashley is made up of 'Best and Most Versatile' grade 2 quality souls. It remains an important area for both arable and pastoral farming. Given the ongoing impacts of the climate emergency reducing the output of British farming, poignantly the extensive successive heatwaves we are enduring throughout July and early August, it does not seem to me to be a sustainable decision to develop prime agricultural land.

Secondly, the boundary of Ashley is bordered on the Northern side by the River Bollin. From first hand experience of growing up and playing by the river, the water quality of the river is exceptionally poor. It contains no fish, large mammals and has limited biodiversity. The water also makes you incredibly sick if you swim in it (as I found out myself). Opening Ashley up to development will increase the pressure on water treatment systems which outflow into the river, further reducing BOD, increasing the likelihood of overflow discharges of raw sewage and further degrade biodiversity.

Thirdly, development of existing vegetated, forest or farmland areas will create areas of impermeable surfaces, roads, building roofs, car parks etc. which increase surface runoff of rainfall. Where this flows to the river bollin it will impact the flood regime of the river, with impacts downstream.

I am not opposed to the construction of significant new affordable homes or homes restricted for purchase by first time buyers. I get that there is a housing crisis in Cheshire which I am feeling acutely, however the issues I have set out above outweigh the potential upsides. I therefore formally object to the new development plan as it currently stands.

Kind regards,
Lewis Barratt-Wilson