Local plan scoping consultation

I am writing to formally object to the proposal to build houses on land south of the M56 near Ashley.
Whilst I recognise the need for housing, this site is entirely unsuitable for large-scale residential development for the following planning reasons:
1. Unjustified Harm to the Green Belt
The site lies within the North Cheshire Green Belt. National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) guidelines dictate that Green Belt boundaries should only be altered in exceptional circumstances. Tatton Estate has not demonstrated the "exceptional circumstances" or "very special circumstances" required to justify the permanent loss of valuable open countryside.
2. Severe Infrastructure and Cross-Boundary Strain
The addition of over 1,000 homes will place an unsustainable burden on local infrastructure. Furthermore, because this site sits on the boundary of Cheshire East and Trafford, the primary impact of this strain—specifically on oversubscribed schools, GP surgeries, and dental practices—will fall heavily on Altrincham, Hale, and Hale Barns. There is no evidence of cross-boundary strategic planning to show how Trafford’s infrastructure could absorb this massive influx of residents.
3. Traffic Congestion and Highway Safety
The local road network around Ashley, consists of narrow, rural lanes and heavily congested commuter routes. Introducing thousands of daily vehicular trips onto these roads will compromise highway safety, worsen existing bottlenecks, and increase air pollution near the M56 corridor.
4. Lack of Sustainable Transport Linkages
The proposed site is highly car-dependent. It lacks high-frequency public transport links needed to support a sustainable community. Forcing residents to rely on private vehicles conflicts with Cheshire East Council’s own carbon neutrality goals and wider climate commitments.
5. Impact on the Landscape and Rural Character
A development of this scale will irreversibly destroy the historic, rural character of Ashley village and the surrounding landscape. It will result in a severe loss of biodiversity, harm local wildlife corridors, and diminish the quality of life for existing residents who value this green space for health and well-being.
For these reasons, I strongly urge the Strategic Planning Team to reject this site submission and exclude it from the draft New Local Plan.

Reflecting on the information provided last night a number of concerns remain outstanding:
1. Maps provided were not to scale, this made it difficult to visualise the extent of the proposed sites.
2. To be informed Tatton was offering the land for revenue to support ‘increased Estate running costs’ is not a reason to significantly change the appearance of a small village.
3. Reference made to the benefits of providing Schools, GP surgeries, Dentists, Cycle routes etc was incredibly weak.
4. Regardless of proposals to improve the rail/road network Ashley is a small rural village. There are a number of Towns in Cheshire East with better roads and transport services where developments would not have such a significant impact.
On a separate note it’s interesting that the land highlighted for development allows The Brooks Family to retain their private estate surrounded by fields, Ashley residents swop green belt for bricks and mortar.