Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 3279

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Steve Buckley

Plan the infrastructure first. In the past (partially via appeal decisions), too many houses have been built in areas that don't have the infrastructure to cope. The only way to break this cycle is to have a long term plan. Where are the houses needed (not just where they could fit), what infrastructure is needed and when will it be ready? Then build the houses.

Comment

Representation ID: 3281

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Steve Buckley

Site selection criteria should consider construction feasibility, particularly in terms of access for construction traffic. They should also consider the detrimental impact on tenant farmers when part of the land they farm is sold off for development. Some farms will struggle to remain viable if this continues.

Ideally you should consider "capacity" of local services etc. being close to a school is only helpful if the school has places available and space to expand. if not, the schools is effectively not there. New provision would need to be planned.

Comment

Representation ID: 3282

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Steve Buckley

Historic green belt limitations in the north have forced development further south. This will no longer be such a strong argument as SOME green belt will be available. However, all the arguments to protect productive farmland I have mentioned earlier still apply, so please choose wisely.

Comment

Representation ID: 3283

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Steve Buckley

Green gaps are essential to maintain the distinct character of individual settlements.
Green gaps and green fields beyond the current settlement boundary should only be considered as and when ALL brownfield alternatives have been exhausted. If brownfield is used, houses are still provided, they are usually more sustainably located, economic growth and construction jobs still created, it just reduces the massive profits the developers are recklessly enjoying at the expense of residents and the environment.

Comment

Representation ID: 3284

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Steve Buckley

Create a new tier of "turbo towns". These will be towns like Crew and Macclesfield that have derelict and demoralised town centres that need serious regeneartion and have ample brownfield opportunities for development. Place a moratorium on building anywhere else in the borough until the turbo towns are back on their feet with vibrant town centres providing employment and housing for all. All other locations can continue to function as food kitchens where the farms help to provide food security and employment, whilst protecting the environment. Win:win?

Comment

Representation ID: 3285

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Steve Buckley

The affordability factor is a seriously flawed concept. It cannot be a negative number so can NEVER adjust for over delivery. Artificially increasing the number of houses required does not make houses more affordable, especially if only 30% are "affordable". The 70% market houses are inflated to fund the 30% and mathematically the average house price increases, particularly if the market houses are built for people who move from and work elsewhere. This doesn't fix any local housing shortages and only adds to the need to travel whilst boosting developer profits.

Comment

Representation ID: 3286

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Steve Buckley

Sensitive development within the CURRENT settlement boundaries is the way forward. Small developments have less impact on infrastructure and are more likely to be tailored to meet local need. Brownfield first in words, deeds and actions please.

Comment

Representation ID: 3287

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Steve Buckley

Current policies (if applied fully) are sound.

Comment

Representation ID: 3288

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Steve Buckley

The key to affordable housing is to build it where it is required, not as an automatic bolt on to a market housing estate on the edge of a current settlement. If affordable housing was focused on brownfield sites in town centres, close to shops and facilities, it reduces environmental damage from increased need to travel. It also helps to regenerate town centres. Make this happen by policy statements and apply them.

Comment

Representation ID: 3289

Received: 30/08/2026

Respondent: Mr Steve Buckley

As with affordable housing, focus this important requirement on areas close to town centres, not out in the sticks with no bus routes.