Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 2502

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Clive Howlett

The list offered in 2.1 is full of contradictions. 2.5 sets the agenda and limits the objectives that can be set. This is not about CEC as a thriving community, it is a focus on developer profits contributing to growth.
As such the priorities for CEC should be:
Protection and improvement of open areas
Provision of new infrastructure
Improvement of town centres and community facilities
Provision of minerals
Management of waste
Adapting to climate change
Promoting healthy and safe communities
Enabling sustainable growth of the local economy
Supporting the provision of sustainable transport
Protection and enhancement of our historic environment.

Comment

Representation ID: 2503

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Clive Howlett

Priority matters:
1. Enhanced agriculture throughout.
2. Maintenance of green belt objectives
3. Conversion of brownfield sites for growth industries and redeveloped housing stock.
4. No allocation of green belt or agricultural land for development until all brownfield sites have been utilised for growth.
5. Financial penalties for owners of properties left vacant
6. Development of social housing stock to meet affordability criteria
7. Enhanced social infrastructure - schools - surgeries - open space - walking/cycling routes.

Comment

Representation ID: 2504

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Clive Howlett

Housing development in terms of the number of dwellings, density, location, and community resilience will need to vary across the region. High profit housing development for developers should not be considered by CEC, except in exceptional cases.
Affordability appears to a key here. Planned CEC social housing should be the main priority across the county.
This can then be combined with specific housing needs of young, old, disabled and frail.

Comment

Representation ID: 2505

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Clive Howlett

Whilst growth is crucial, there is an over emphasis on the input from developers, who have little or no interest in creating a vibrant community. Their role is to maximise profit. The scope of any consultation therefore should include local surgeries, organised by CEC elected members, so that the populous is fully engaged in the process from an early stage.
The "call for sites" has led to prime agricultural land being offered for housing. This also impacts on green belt priorities. CEC should develop a strategic policy that there will be no development until all "Brown Field" sites are developed.

Comment

Representation ID: 2506

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Clive Howlett

The definition of Grey Belt land is open to interpretation. Thus definitions will be arrived at through the courts.
CEC, whilst acknowledging the term, should look to define the term in the local context. For example if the proposed development area includes an exchange of agricultural land for houses then this would impact on economic growth for CEC and be rejected. Similarly whilst old mills and office complexes remain empty there should be no considerations of using agricultural land, suggested as "Grey Belt", for housing or industrial developments.

Comment

Representation ID: 2507

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Clive Howlett

I am a resident in Chelford, Cheshire East. I am also a Chelford Parish Councillor. This response is offered by me as a local resident who has lived in Chelford and Cheshire East since 1987.

Comment

Representation ID: 2508

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Clive Howlett

Para 6.21 and its implied approach to future planning is a key statement. Officers and elected councillors should be mindful of this in all planning decisions. It should not be left as just words.

Comment

Representation ID: 2509

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Clive Howlett

There is no definition of elected members.

Comment

Representation ID: 2510

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Clive Howlett

Digital first implies initial comment is only coming from those who have access.
It should be people first.

Comment

Representation ID: 2511

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Clive Howlett

Local Authority Officers are employed to deliver the agreed strategy. They are therefore not directly accountable to the populous. It is the locally elected representatives who are accountable. MP’s, County Councillors, Town, and Parish Councillors must be key in determining the final Plans, not unelected officers.