Local plan scoping consultation

Dear Cheshire East,

I am writing to object to the proposed development sites around Mobberley.

I recognise the need for new housing, but I do not believe these locations are suitable. Mobberley is a small rural village, and the scale of development proposed would have a significant impact on its character, countryside and existing infrastructure.

My main concern is the road network. Many of Mobberley’s roads are narrow rural lanes without pavements and are already busy with local and through traffic. They are also regularly used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The railway bridge on Smith Lane and the bridges over Mobberley Brook on Slade Lane and Station Road create particular bottlenecks which would be very difficult to overcome. The proposed sites between the railway and Smith Lane and west of Smith Lane are especially concerning in this respect.

Public transport is also limited. The train service can already be very crowded at commuting times, while bus services are restricted. As Mobberley has relatively few employment opportunities, many additional residents would need to commute to Manchester, the airport, Stockport and surrounding towns, adding further pressure to the roads.

There would also be increased demand on the village’s school, GP surgery and other facilities, which are not necessarily capable of supporting a substantial increase in population.

The surrounding fields are also important agricultural land, wildlife habitat and recreational space, with numerous public rights of way. Developing them would permanently alter the rural character of Mobberley.

I believe brownfield sites and locations with better access to the M6 and M56 should be prioritised instead. Such sites would provide better transport connections while avoiding unnecessary additional pressure on Mobberley’s roads.

I therefore ask that these proposals are reconsidered and that more appropriate alternatives are explored.

Yours faithfully,

Ollie