Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 2483

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Peckforton Parish

A determination to frame a short-term vision statement for Cheshire East, accompanied by up to ten measurable outcomes, is welcomed. There needs to be proactive consultation on this to ensure that the rural perspective and maintenance of heritage assets is properly incorporated. As an example, securing inclusion of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (National Landscape) as a strategic asset for the whole county should be included.

Comment

Representation ID: 2484

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Peckforton Parish

Economic growth for Cheshire East is vital, but it must be sustainable while properly protecting and enhancing the natural, built and historic environment. How will that balance be secured within the local plan?

Comment

Representation ID: 2486

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Peckforton Parish

There have been two recent calls, in 2024 and 2026, for housing sites. On neither occasion were Peckforton Parish officials or residents informed. Precisely how will sites be identified and assessed from now onwards, how will timely consultation be achieved and when will the land availability assessment methodology (under preparation) be available for scrutiny? What input will be sought on its refinement and application?

Comment

Representation ID: 2488

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Peckforton Parish

While the 400 sq. kms. of Green Belt need to be appropriately protected, we welcome the Borough-wide Green Belt assessment exercise being undertaken to identify Grey Belt land. When will that be completed? We endorse the approach whereby sites outside the Green Belt are considered first for development with maximisation of brown field, Grey Belt and under-used land wherever possible.

Comment

Representation ID: 2490

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Peckforton Parish

Hierarchy of settlements is a sensible approach that Cheshire East has adopted with a strategy for development at each of four tiers: principal towns, key service centres, local service centres, other settlements and rural areas. We would emphasise that within the lowest tier there are numerous differences and accordingly recommend further classifications to reflect the significant difference between, say, an AONB (National Landscape), rural conservation areas, open countryside, farmland and potential targets for infill villages, appropriate limited infilling within a defined village boundary and edge of settlement growth.

Comment

Representation ID: 2492

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Peckforton Parish

The spatial strategy approach appears sound, but how will appropriate weightings for a wide range of factors be established? Will they be published and open for consultation and feedback? In Peckforton, we have a particular interest in the factors to do with "landscape character, natural and ecology issues, heritage matters, agricultural land quality, open spaces and other green infrastructure, Green Belt and strategic green gap designations, as well as management of conservation areas."

Comment

Representation ID: 2493

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Peckforton Parish

How and by when will local policies be developed to pinpoint where "the benefits of development are substantially outweighed by any adverse factors"? More specifically, what are these adverse factors?

Comment

Representation ID: 2494

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Peckforton Parish

What is the status of previous local policies such as the Peckforton Plan 2007, Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Strategy? We strongly advocate their development, updating and application in building site selection.

Comment

Representation ID: 2495

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Peckforton Parish

We strongly endorse the statements that "the natural environment is a highly valued asset in Cheshire East and the new Local Plan will play an important role in protecting and enhancing it for current and future generations". Furthermore, consultation on the Local Plan Issues Paper 2024 highlighted strong public interest in protecting and enhancing biodiversity and valued landscapes. How will that be further defined and mapped across the borough and precisely how will it inform site selection decision-making processes and criteria?

Comment

Representation ID: 2496

Received: 25/08/2026

Respondent: Peckforton Parish

Cheshire East is fortunate to be a rich and diverse historic environment with a plethora of heritage and non-designated assets now identified through the council's Local List and the recently adopted Heritage and Local List SPD. We fully endorse the statement that "the new local plan will need to balance the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment with the delivery of housing, employment and infrastructure". What processes and methodologies will be deployed to best achieve that balance?