Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 4685

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Mrs Katherine Jackson

Would expect reference to Cheshire's peatlands to be included in section 4.13, given that "Our peatlands are a critical natural resource providing essential public goods such as carbon sequestration , water purification and storage – helping protect communities from flooding." reference https://www.gov.uk/government/news/englands-peatlands-mapped-for-first-time-in-major-step-towards-their-recovery

Comment

Representation ID: 4698

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Mrs Katherine Jackson

Recent developer applications have been trying to argue that green belt adjacent to peatland undergoing restoration should be recategorised as grey belt. Given the key role of peatland and peatland restoration in carbon sequestration and storing water to prevent flooding, the local plan should ensure that any and all peatland, including degraded peatland suitable for future restoration, should be retained in the green belt, and should not be built on.

Comment

Representation ID: 4721

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Mrs Katherine Jackson

Another issue to be included in the local plan should be a strategy for longer term empty homes, as these could contribute to meeting housing targets. Cheshire East has an increasing number of longer term empty homes, numbering 2,200 in 2025. The council could use its powers to ensure that these are brought back into use, including compulsory purchase orders where necessary, and could even use those beyond repair as sites for self-build etc

Comment

Representation ID: 4759

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Mrs Katherine Jackson

Plan should also consider urban green infrastructure to reduce surface water runoff, increased urban tree cover to increase shading, and retention and protection of existing natural assets eg hedgerows, trees, peatlands, watercourses etc

Comment

Representation ID: 4764

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Mrs Katherine Jackson

Affordability should also be considered, for residents, and for Cheshire East's social care budget. Developers will be looking for the most profitable opportunities and this is unlikely to be what is needed in practice. The actual occupancy level of existing types of specialist housing should be considered.