Local plan scoping consultation

Land at Hole Farm, Hough Lane, Wilmslow, proposed for mixed use development.
This site is unsuitable for such development for a number of reasons, primarily as it lies within designated green belt, bordering the environmentally sensitive Bollin Valley which is designated as a protected area for ecology and nature. According to Cheshire East's own PG3 Green Belt policy, construction of new building within Green Belt areas is inappropriate and brownfield / existing sites should be redeveloped preferentially to safeguard the countryside and prevent neighbouring settlements merging due to urban sprawl.

The proposed site is an area of clay with a high water table, and as such spends much of the year waterlogged and is often flooded. Development of this site with hard surfaces and removal of the capacity for natural surface water drainage is likely to adversely impact the existing neighbouring properties.

This area is currently used as farm land, and is a haven for various types of wildlife and water birds, including swans. Development would result in the loss of these critically important habitats. Loss of this arable farm land would be irresponsible at a time of climate change when there is an urgent need to guarantee local food security.

The surrounding area of Prestbury Road & Hough Lane has unique and individual character, thus any development of this site would not be in keeping with the existing area, which is a close-knit semi-rural community.