Local plan scoping consultation

Letter of Objection to the Development of 11,000 New Houses in Ashley, Hale,Altrincham

I regret I am unable to attend the meeting on the 13th August. Please see my letter below.


To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to formally object to the proposal to build 11,000 new houses in the village of Ashley, Hale.
Whilst I recognise the need for new housing, I believe that a development of this scale would have a severe and detrimental impact on the local community, infrastructure, environment and quality of life for existing residents.
Firstly, the roads serving Ashley and the surrounding areas are already heavily congested, particularly during peak travel times. The existing road network was never designed to accommodate the significant increase in traffic that would result from an additional 11,000 homes. This development would inevitably lead to increased congestion, longer journey times, reduced road safety and greater pressure on local routes that are already struggling to cope.
Secondly, local services and infrastructure are insufficient to support such a substantial increase in population. Schools in the area are already under pressure, and there is a lack of available places for future pupils. Access to NHS services is also a growing concern, with shortages of GP appointments, NHS dentists and increasing pressure on local hospitals. The proposed development would place an unsustainable burden on these essential services.
A further major concern is the existing sewage and drainage infrastructure. Residents are already aware of ongoing issues relating to sewage capacity and drainage in Ashley. Adding 11,000 new homes would place enormous additional strain on a system that is already struggling, increasing the risk of sewage overflows, flooding and environmental damage.
The environmental impact of this proposal is also deeply concerning. The development would result in the destruction of valuable wildlife habitats that support a wide range of species. Hedgerows, which provide essential shelter, food sources and wildlife corridors, would be lost or severely fragmented. Once these natural features are removed, they cannot easily be replaced, and the resulting loss of biodiversity would be significant and irreversible.
The scale of the proposed development would also fundamentally alter the character of Ashley. An increase of this magnitude would lead to a substantial rise in population, changing the nature of what is currently a rural village community. The loss of green space and countryside, combined with the pressures on infrastructure and public services, would significantly reduce the quality of life for both existing and future residents.
For these reasons, I strongly object to the development of 11,000 new homes in Ashley, Hale. I urge the planning authority to carefully consider the serious implications for traffic, public services, sewage infrastructure, wildlife, hedgerows, the local environment and the character of the village before making any decision.



Giorgio Brugnoli