Local plan scoping consultation

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing as a nearby resident to express my concern about the very substantial amount of land around Ashley that has been put forward for potential development as part of the new Cheshire East Local Plan process.
I understand that approximately 291 hectares of land across a number of adjoining sites has been submitted for consideration. I also appreciate that these are site submissions rather than agreed housing allocations or planning applications. Nevertheless, the sheer scale of the land involved is extremely concerning and could, if ultimately allocated for development, fundamentally change the character of Ashley and the surrounding countryside.
Ashley is a small rural village surrounded by Green Belt and forms an important area of separation between the urban areas of Hale and Altrincham and the countryside and settlements further south. Large-scale development here risks significant urban sprawl and the gradual coalescence of communities which the Green Belt has historically helped to prevent.
I am also concerned about whether the local infrastructure could conceivably support development on anything approaching this scale. The roads around Ashley are predominantly rural in character and already experience considerable traffic. There would also be significant questions regarding schools, healthcare, public transport, drainage and flooding, utilities and other essential infrastructure.
The proximity of Manchester Airport also raises obvious questions concerning aircraft noise and safeguarding, while development would potentially involve the permanent loss of a very substantial area of agricultural land and open countryside.
I recognise that Cheshire East needs to plan for future housing requirements and that additional homes need to be provided. However, I would strongly question whether development on this scale in a small Green Belt village represents a sustainable or proportionate way of meeting that requirement, particularly before all reasonable brownfield opportunities and locations adjoining larger, better-served settlements have been fully explored.
I would therefore ask the Council to subject the Ashley site submissions to the highest level of scrutiny and to give particular consideration to the cumulative impact of the adjoining sites, rather than assessing each parcel of land in isolation.
I would also be grateful if you could confirm how local residents can ensure that they are notified and given the opportunity to make further representations should any of these sites progress towards potential allocation in the emerging Local Plan.
Kind regards,
Greg Lambert