Local plan scoping consultation

Comments on East Cheshire Plan
Proposal to use farmland between the A6 and the Peak Forrest canal in Disley
We wish to object to these two plots of land being included in the East Cheshire Plan as
potential Residential land for the following reasons
1. The A6 road between Disley and the A6 Dual Carriageway at Bridgemont. Since the
opening of the A555 Manchester Airport link road at Hazel Grove traffic on this stretch of
road has increased to a point where there can be congestion at all times of the day. There
are a disproportionate number of lorries and HGVs travelling between Buxton and South
Yorksire and Greater Manchester. In small towns and villages such as Disley, New Mills
Newtown, Furness Vale and High Lane A6 through traffic is held up at traffic lights with
their engines running and pumping out diesel fumes. Along this route are a number of
schools which abut the road without the benefit of a buffer zone. Recent studies into the
effects of the Ultra Low Level Zone in London have shown the extent of additional Diesel
particulate pollution in the lungs of children who live outside ULEZ. These unhealthy
children will grow up to be unhealthy adults. Building houses on these plot will have an
even greater detrimental effect on the health of children in Disley, New Mills Newtown and
other communities of the section of the A6. In addition the additional commuters will add
further congestion and Noise Pollution. Traffic on this road should be reduced not
increased.
2. The Land between the Peak Forrest canal and the Buxton train line is landlocked.
Access to the plot abutting the A6 also has access problems. Lower Greenshall lane is an
unadopted farm track. The track passes under the Buxton train line. If the proposal is to
use this road to provide vehicle access to the A6 this will involve major Civil Engineering
works. The railway bridge is not wide enough or high enough. There will be considerable
cost and disruption in lowering the road and rebuilding the bridge. This railway carries
commuters and students between Buxton and Manchester and all stations between. The
junction of Lower Greenshall Lane and the A6 is located on a tight bend with poor visibility
due to the location of an Italian restaurant and the ESSO petrol station.
Lower Greenshall Cottage is a Grade 2 Listed building (1231612). Built in 1666 and listed
by Historic England. The cottage has only a small front garden. Any widening of this lane
would have a detrimental effect on the setting of the historic building. The land on the West
side of Lower Greenshall lane falls away steeply.
The only other alternative is Overdale road at the Eastern end of the Site. This road has
houses on the West side. To provide access to the Northern plot would require the
purchase and demolition of one or two houses. The road passes over the Buxton railway
line as a single lane. To provide access to the proposed plot will require the demolition of
the bridge and rebuilding it to take two-way traffic including a structure rated for HGV’s.
Again this would cause considerable disruption to commuters on the important rail link.
The new junction with the A6 would also have a problem with visibility and may warrant a
traffic light controlled junction.
The road works and junctions to both these site woul neccessite the destruction of a
number of mature trees.
3. This site is the last patch of green on the A6 between Disley and New Mills Newtown. Its
destruction would mean no break in the urban sprawl between these two communities,
each with its own character.
4. No new Employment is included in the Plan for this part of East Cheshire. If the
development of this land is approved then the future residents will become commuters
(adding to the congestion on the A6) rather than the governments desired aim of people
working and living close enough to walk or cycle between home and work.