Local plan scoping consultation

Dear Sirs,

I am a resident on South Acre Drive, Macclesfield. My home is in very close proximity and to the East of land which it has been suggested may be put forward within the Council's "call for sites" process.

I do appreciate that this does not imply planning permission has been requested, proposed nor given. However, as part of any initial process and review I would like to provide you with my thoughts and concerns.

Firstly, this is known to be Green Belt land and serves the local community with an excellent vista both looking up and down from the land in question. It also provides a balanced barrier between such local communities and the open countryside heading towards Teggs Nose and beyond.

Below this land and again in very close proximity is a functional reservoir (Leadbeaters Reservoir). An area of beauty and relaxation used by local fishing clubs, dog walkers and the general public for their pleasure.

Macclesfield has seen a lot of private housing developments in comparison to other areas with projects such as the development on the Leek Road, the Kings School scheme- at least 3 large areas of recent residential development, the road to Chelford to name a few.

I am sure that there are other "brown or grey" sites which will provide CEC with a much better balanced land bank/resource than that being considered as above which is on very steep terrain with very limited and narrow access.

I am not clear as to what comments you are able to accept at this stage of your process, however, as I am writing to you would like to add the following:

My initial comments and concerns are as follows:

Environmental:
Given the very steep terrain, any building works would result in an increased Pluvial flood risk to the lower urban areas

The current vista provided by the Green Belt would be lost and will only cause severe water drainage and land erosion issues

It would also present an increased pollution and contamination risk to the nearby Leadbetters reservoir with groundworks and construction materials and chemicals which would naturally run off down into the reservoir below

Any works would cause heavy noise, pollution and immense inconvenience in a residential area

Commercial
Construction insurance for developments near natural water and on steep slopes are difficult to obtain and very expensive

Deep foundations will be required involving heavy pilling

21.2.1 insurance would be extremely expensive and difficult to obtain, if at all

Any houses built on the land would have numerous caveats and restrictive covers making mortgages limited and the purchases less attractive

There is only a limited space and as such only a limited number of residential properties viable. Would this really be good use of Green Belt when other more viable alternatives are available

Logistical
Access to the Green Belt land by heavy construction equipment and building materials and chemicals will be extremely difficult and hazardous

Insurance will be restrictive and expensive

Any developments will present a high flooding and pollution hazard which would be difficult and costly to control

There must be better alternatives

Lastly, we live in a current period of events that cause us great concern and anxiety. I firmly believe that the protection of Green Belt land was a control given to all of us enabling us to live and enjoy in an area without having the fear that such control could be taken away from us.

I apologise for the length of my letter but do hope that you will give it the attention I firmly believe it deserves.

I am more than happy to discuss or meet with you at any time to discuss this matter further.

Yours Sincerely,

Mike Cruse