Local plan scoping consultation

I write with reference to the CEC’s proposed potential development to Blakelow Road, surrounding area and l submit the following information in support of ‘all objections’ to this proposal.
Firstly, priority must be given to Brownfield and Greenfield sites (for obvious reasons) notably in order to avoid preventable destruction to ‘Green Belt’ land which supports declining wildlife specific to this region, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Blakelow has been a significant ‘Green Belt’ area for many years , attracting walking groups, cyclists, photographers, specifically in terms of its uninterrupted spectacular views, both day and night. Any form of construction would severely affect the elevated view from Blakelow but would equally destroy the ‘Green Belt’ aspect from Macclesfield Town and beyond, towards Blakelow. Normal planning application generally affects communities in the immediate vicinity, however, this site is ‘unique’ in that it affects literally miles of visual aspect, covering various Counties of the U.K. external of Cheshire, even as far as North Wales from Blakelow. This alone makes the Blakelow area an exception to the normal considerations applied to future development due to its individual and unique topography.
This ‘Green Belt’ land is established and recognised as a buffer between Town and Countryside, most evident in the wildlife it supports which would not just be impacted but would be destroyed. Various species inhabit this land all year round and is specifically significant to those which annually migrate down to Leadbeaters Reservoir from Blakelow. Even Red Deer had been observed grazing this land in co- habitation with farmers livestock.


Blakelow is the last substantial residential area adjacent to Teggs Nose Country Park and The Peak District National Park – renown throughout the U.K. and an indication why our area can sustain particular wildlife species.
Regarding the actual placement of buildings and the practicality/preparation of land and perceived construction:- I have lived on Blakelow for 53 consecutive years and should advise you of recurring problems indicative of this area. Satellite, digital and internet signals, regardless of provider are persistently interrupted due to location. We have underground reservoirs/ numerous natural springs within our immediate vicinity which cannot be controlled and cause flooding on a regular basis due to insufficient drainage and problematic deterioration of pipe work. This would adversely affect any buildings constructed directly below us which would encounter the full force of any subsequent overflows. Electrical supplies have been disrupted frequently due to technical issues and despite ‘text notifications’ to advise residents of the impending disruption, we can be without power for hours (consumer overload)? Despite regular repair work, these occurrences are frequent and records will substantiate this fact. Water pressure has been a consistent problem in this area for 60+ years and additional users would prove detrimental to existing properties and cause problems with new build. Houses built on the right hand side of Stoneyfold Lane (off Blakelow) were built from top to bottom in numerical order, the lower being No 12, opposite Middlehills. This was due to issues with water pressure and so buildings No’s 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 were never constructed as the area could not sustain demand on further dwellings or occupants. This should be clear on any building references/records available to your department. The gradient of hillside below Blakelow, would prove problematic in terms of drainage, safe durable construction and stability of buildings, all of which would impact on cost.


Furthermore, and perhaps even more significant, is the issue of safety. Having worked in the Emergency Services for 25 years, l wish to advise you of serious issues relating to entry and egress of any additional residential sites in this particular area. Buxton New Road (marked A537) is recorded as one of the deadliest roads in this country and I personally have attended many fatal ‘Road Traffic Collisions’ on Buxton New Road. I would suggest that to introduce a further junction (if planned) within the vicinity of existing junctions – Blakelow onto Buxton Old Road – onto Buxton New Road A537 then South Acre Drive, plus Ecton Avenue and Lark Hall Crescent all converging on the same main Buxton New Road A537 within metres of each other, would be dangerous for both motorists and pedestrians alike. To introduce an alternative junction access (if planned) from Blakelow ‘S’ bends, already recognised as a hazardous area, cannot even be contemplated due to incline, severity of contours and restrictive visibility of on-coming traffic and pedestrians deprived of full pavement.¬ Winter conditions contribute to existing dangers.
In conclusion:- This concept has been ill-conceived for reasons l have highlighted which l respectfully suggest have not been previously considered. To further explore this proposal would prove problematic, expensive and unacceptable when other areas are more suitable in terms of environment and facilities. I trust this information will be of assistance to you whilst considering any applications specific to this unique area of Blakelow. These fields are currently utilised by local farmers for grazing, an integral part of our countryside which should be endorsed as it supports our community with essential food supplies and commercial benefits. As such, this site should remain as ‘grazing land’ in the interests of all concerned.
May l take this opportunity to thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Jacqui McGahan.

12thAugust 2026
I write with reference to the CEC’s proposed potential development to Blakelow Road, SK11 7EF/surrounding area and l submit the following information in support of ‘all objections’ to this proposal.
Firstly, priority must be given to Brownfield and Greenfield sites (for obvious reasons) notably in order to avoid preventable destruction to ‘Green Belt’ land which supports declining wildlife specific to this region, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Blakelow has been a significant ‘Green Belt’ area for many years , attracting walking groups, cyclists, photographers, specifically in terms of its uninterrupted spectacular views, both day and night. Any form of construction would severely affect the elevated view from Blakelow but would equally destroy the ‘Green Belt’ aspect from Macclesfield Town and beyond, towards Blakelow. Normal planning application generally affects communities in the immediate vicinity, however, this site is ‘unique’ in that it affects literally miles of visual aspect, covering various Counties of the U.K. external of Cheshire, even as far as North Wales from Blakelow. This alone makes the Blakelow area an exception to the normal considerations applied to future development due to its individual and unique topography.
This ‘Green Belt’ land is established and recognised as a buffer between Town and Countryside, most evident in the wildlife it supports which would not just be impacted but would be destroyed. Various species inhabit this land all year round and is specifically significant to those which annually migrate down to Leadbeaters Reservoir from Blakelow. Even Red Deer had been observed grazing this land in co- habitation with farmers livestock.


Blakelow is the last substantial residential area adjacent to Teggs Nose Country Park and The Peak District National Park – renown throughout the U.K. and an indication why our area can sustain particular wildlife species.
Regarding the actual placement of buildings and the practicality/preparation of land and perceived construction:- I have lived on Blakelow for 53 consecutive years and should advise you of recurring problems indicative of this area. Satellite, digital and internet signals, regardless of provider are persistently interrupted due to location. We have underground reservoirs/ numerous natural springs within our immediate vicinity which cannot be controlled and cause flooding on a regular basis due to insufficient drainage and problematic deterioration of pipe work. This would adversely affect any buildings constructed directly below us which would encounter the full force of any subsequent overflows. Electrical supplies have been disrupted frequently due to technical issues and despite ‘text notifications’ to advise residents of the impending disruption, we can be without power for hours (consumer overload)? Despite regular repair work, these occurrences are frequent and records will substantiate this fact. Water pressure has been a consistent problem in this area for 60+ years and additional users would prove detrimental to existing properties and cause problems with new build. Houses built on the right hand side of Stoneyfold Lane (off Blakelow) were built from top to bottom in numerical order, the lower being No 12, opposite Middlehills. This was due to issues with water pressure and so buildings No’s 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 were never constructed as the area could not sustain demand on further dwellings or occupants. This should be clear on any building references/records available to your department. The gradient of hillside below Blakelow, would prove problematic in terms of drainage, safe durable construction and stability of buildings, all of which would impact on cost.


Furthermore, and perhaps even more significant, is the issue of safety. Having worked in the Emergency Services for 25 years, l wish to advise you of serious issues relating to entry and egress of any additional residential sites in this particular area. Buxton New Road (marked A537) is recorded as one of the deadliest roads in this country and I personally have attended many fatal ‘Road Traffic Collisions’ on Buxton New Road. I would suggest that to introduce a further junction (if planned) within the vicinity of existing junctions – Blakelow onto Buxton Old Road – onto Buxton New Road A537 then South Acre Drive, plus Ecton Avenue and Lark Hall Crescent all converging on the same main Buxton New Road A537 within metres of each other, would be dangerous for both motorists and pedestrians alike. To introduce an alternative junction access (if planned) from Blakelow ‘S’ bends, already recognised as a hazardous area, cannot even be contemplated due to incline, severity of contours and restrictive visibility of on-coming traffic and pedestrians deprived of full pavement.¬ Winter conditions contribute to existing dangers.
In conclusion:- This concept has been ill-conceived for reasons l have highlighted which l respectfully suggest have not been previously considered. To further explore this proposal would prove problematic, expensive and unacceptable when other areas are more suitable in terms of environment and facilities. I trust this information will be of assistance to you whilst considering any applications specific to this unique area of Blakelow. These fields are currently utilised by local farmers for grazing, an integral part of our countryside which should be endorsed as it supports our community with essential food supplies and commercial benefits. As such, this site should remain as ‘grazing land’ in the interests of all concerned.
May l take this opportunity to thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Jacqui McGahan.