Local plan scoping consultation

Land forms a vital buffer in the North Cheshire Green Belt between Hale/Trafford and Knutsford/Mobberley. It is Manchester's 'breathing space'.

Under national policy, Green Belt land can only be released if it meets the definition of 'Grey Belt'. Open, working farmland across Ashley fails this test.

Ashley is a small, rural parish with little public transport, infrastructure or facilities. Allocating large-scale development here violates sustainable development principles, which require growth to be focused on Tier 1 and Tier 2 urban centres.

Ashley train station lacks the service capacity needed for sustainable transit.

Inadequate rural lane network, narrow railway bridges, A538/M56 congestion, and high forced car dependency.

Direct harm to to Local Landscape, Designations, 19 Grade II listed building settings, Ashley Hall, and historic Tatton Estate.

Adverse impacts on Cotterill Clough nature reserve/SSSI, ancient woodland, TPOs, hedges and fields and protected wildlife corridors. Severe surface water flood risks to River Bollin. Operational noise contours and bird-strike safety zones from Manchester Airport.