Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 3851

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The historic environment should be considered at the earliest stage of site selection, not only when planning applications are submitted. The Plan should protect both designated and locally important heritage assets, their settings, key views and archaeological remains, including where impacts arise cumulatively from multiple developments. Heritage-led regeneration and sensitive adaptive reuse should be prioritised, while new development should respect and strengthen the distinctive character of Cheshire East’s historic towns, villages and rural areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 3852

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The Plan should ensure conservation areas are protected from development that erodes their character, setting or historic significance. Up-to-date conservation area appraisals and management plans should inform site allocations and design codes, with cumulative impacts considered where multiple developments are proposed nearby. Regeneration and reuse should be supported where it conserves heritage significance, but should not be used to justify inappropriate scale, density or design within or adjacent to conservation areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 3853

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The Plan should provide robust protection for Jodrell Bank’s World Heritage status, Outstanding Universal Value and operational function. Site allocations within or affecting its buffer zone and wider setting should be subject to rigorous assessment, including cumulative impacts from multiple developments. Housing, employment, lighting, telecommunications and infrastructure proposals should not compromise the Observatory’s scientific operations, dark skies, landscape setting or heritage significance. Appropriate local safeguards should be retained or strengthened where necessary.

Comment

Representation ID: 3854

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

Design codes should protect and enhance the distinctive character of Cheshire East’s towns, villages and countryside, rather than providing a basis for standardised high-density development. Density should be appropriate to the location and supported by sufficient infrastructure, green space, parking and services. Design requirements should include climate resilience, biodiversity, trees and hedgerows, sustainable drainage, active travel and high-quality public spaces. Large developments should be subject to strong masterplanning and design review, with meaningful community involvement.

Comment

Representation ID: 3855

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

he evidence base must be genuinely robust, current and independently scrutinised, particularly given the scale of proposed growth. Evidence should assess not only development capacity but also infrastructure, transport, flooding, water resources, agriculture, biodiversity, landscape, wildlife and community impacts. Where evidence is incomplete, outdated or based on assumptions, sites should not be allocated until the necessary evidence is available. All methodologies, assumptions and site assessments should be published transparently to enable meaningful community scrutiny.

Comment

Representation ID: 3856

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The new Local Plan should demonstrate clearly how these wider strategies have informed its vision, site selection and policies, rather than treating them as separate documents. In particular, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Transport Plan, Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Carbon Neutrality Action Plan and housing strategies should be properly integrated. Where strategies identify environmental, infrastructure or community constraints, these should meaningfully influence the scale and location of development.

Comment

Representation ID: 3858

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

Existing evidence should be kept fully up to date and reviewed against current conditions before being relied upon for site allocation or development decisions. In particular, flood risk evidence should reflect the latest climate projections, drainage capacity and cumulative impacts of development. Evidence should be transparent, locally specific and sufficiently detailed to identify areas where development would increase flood risk or place additional pressure on existing drainage infrastructure.

Comment

Representation ID: 3860

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The Council should ensure that all evidence listed is completed, independently robust and publicly available before key decisions on site allocations and the spatial strategy are made. Evidence must be considered collectively, rather than individual assessments being used in isolation. In particular, housing need should not override demonstrated constraints relating to infrastructure, transport, flooding, water, biodiversity, agriculture, landscape and settlement capacity. The methodology, assumptions, data and conclusions should be transparent and open to meaningful community scrutiny.

Comment

Representation ID: 3864

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The Engagement Strategy should ensure consultation is genuinely meaningful and accessible, rather than simply providing opportunities to submit comments. Consultation responses should be clearly evidenced as having influenced the Plan, with published summaries explaining the key issues raised and how the Council has responded. Engagement should actively reach rural communities and residents who may be less likely to participate online. Adequate time, clear information and accessible consultation methods should be provided at every stage.

Comment

Representation ID: 3867

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The Engagement Strategy should ensure consultation is a genuine opportunity to influence the Plan, not simply a process of recording representations. Published consultation summaries should clearly explain the main concerns raised, the evidence considered and how feedback has influenced decisions, including where suggestions have been rejected and why. The Council should also ensure sufficient time, accessible information and meaningful opportunities for participation for rural communities and residents who may face barriers to engagement.