Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 3870

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The Council should ensure that “able to influence” means more than having an opportunity to submit comments. Consultation feedback should be demonstrably considered and reflected in the Plan where appropriate, with clear explanations where it is not accepted. The process should be transparent and auditable, including publication of consultation responses, key themes, evidence considered and the reasons for decisions. This is particularly important where proposals could have significant impacts on rural communities, Green Belt, farmland and wildlife.

Comment

Representation ID: 3877

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The Local Plan must ensure that development is genuinely sustainable and reflects the capacity and character of Cheshire East. The spatial strategy should be based on robust evidence of infrastructure and transport capacity, environmental constraints, agricultural land, biodiversity, landscape, flood risk and community needs. Cumulative impacts of development, minerals, waste and infrastructure must also be assessed. Evidence should be transparent, current and publicly available, with clear demonstration of how consultation responses have influenced the Plan. The Gateway and examination process should provide meaningful scrutiny to ensure that the adopted Plan delivers sustainable growth without placing unacceptable pressure on existing communities.

Comment

Representation ID: 3878

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The Council should ensure there is no gap or uncertainty between the existing Statement of Community Involvement and this new Engagement Strategy. The new approach must provide at least the same level of transparency, accessibility and opportunity for meaningful public participation. Any changes to consultation arrangements should be clearly explained, with sufficient notice and accessible information provided to communities. The Council should also commit to regularly reviewing the effectiveness of engagement and demonstrate how feedback has influenced the Local Plan, rather than consultation becoming a procedural exercise.

Comment

Representation ID: 3879

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The Council’s current housing supply shortfall and increased housing target must not result in rushed or inappropriate site allocations. The accelerated timetable should not compromise the quality or independence of evidence, meaningful public engagement or proper assessment of cumulative impacts. The emerging Spatial Development Strategy and Local Plan must be coordinated, with clear responsibilities and no assumptions that growth can be accommodated without adequate infrastructure. Green Belt and Grey Belt decisions must be evidence-led, with brownfield and sustainable urban opportunities fully explored first. Growth must be matched by infrastructure capacity while protecting Cheshire East’s communities, farmland, landscape and natural environment.

Comment

Representation ID: 3881

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The Local Plan should recognise that Cheshire East’s rural communities face different challenges from larger towns. Population size alone should not determine the scale of development allocated to a settlement. Rural areas can experience significant pressures from limited public transport, access to services, housing affordability and higher living costs. Development should therefore be proportionate to the capacity and character of each community and supported by appropriate infrastructure. The needs of older residents and those with limited access to services should also be considered. Growth should help sustain rural communities rather than place additional pressure on already limited services and infrastructure.

Comment

Representation ID: 3882

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The commitment to inclusive engagement is welcomed, but consultation must be genuinely accessible and proactive, particularly for rural communities where digital access and public transport may be limited. Information should be clear, plain English and easy to understand, with sufficient time for residents to consider complex planning evidence. In-person engagement should take place within affected communities rather than relying solely on central locations or online consultation. The Council should also demonstrate how barriers to participation have been identified and addressed, and report whether different engagement methods have successfully reached underrepresented communities.

Comment

Representation ID: 3883

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

Engagement should be transparent, consistent and properly coordinated, with clear information about consultation stages, deadlines, evidence and how responses will be considered. The Council should ensure that engagement is not simply a procedural exercise, but provides meaningful opportunities for communities to influence the Local Plan. Any changes to the timetable or consultation approach should be clearly communicated and sufficient time allowed for residents to respond.

Comment

Representation ID: 3885

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The commitment to recording and publishing consultation responses is welcomed. The Council should ensure that responses are not only recorded but meaningfully analysed, with clear evidence showing how significant issues raised by residents have influenced the Local Plan. Consultation summaries should identify recurring concerns, explain the Council’s response and highlight any resulting changes to policies, evidence or site assessments. This is particularly important where substantial community concerns relate to infrastructure, transport, environmental impacts or the suitability of proposed development locations.

Comment

Representation ID: 3886

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

While digital consultation is useful, the Council should not rely on its website and online platforms as the main route for participation. This could disadvantage residents with limited digital access, particularly some older and rural residents. Consultation information should also be actively promoted through local communities, printed materials, public meetings and accessible local venues. The Council should ensure that residents are given sufficient notice and time to respond to complex planning proposals, with clear, plain-English explanations of what is being consulted on and how responses will be used.

Comment

Representation ID: 3888

Received: 31/08/2026

Respondent: Dr Gemma Jackson

The role of elected Members should go beyond simply representing community views after consultation. Members should be actively supported to engage with residents in their wards throughout the plan-making process and ensure local concerns are properly captured. There should also be clear transparency about how Members’ input and community feedback have influenced decisions. Given the scale and potential impact of the Local Plan, ward Members should have sufficient time, information and opportunity to scrutinise proposals before key decisions are made.