Local plan scoping consultation

Trafford Council welcomes the opportunity to comment on the Cheshire East Local Plan
Scoping Consultation. Trafford Council has engaged with Cheshire East Council during the
preparation of the Trafford Local Plan, which is currently undergoing Regulation 19
consultation from 6 August 2026 to 18 September 2026.
The Trafford Local Plan Publication Version (July 2026) spatial strategy focuses a significant
proportion of new residential development in the North of the borough, where there is the most
amount of underused and brownfield land in areas well served by public transport. The
Publication Version Local Plan does not allocate any sites for development close to the
Trafford border with Cheshire East.
In addition to this, the Trafford Local Plan does not propose any amendments to the Green
Belt. Some amendments to the Green Belt boundary were recently made through the Places
for Everyone (PfE) joint development plan in relation to the strategic allocations at New
Carrington (JPA30) and Davenport Green (Timperley Wedge) (JPA3.2). Masterplan work
remains ongoing in relation to the two PfE allocations to guide delivery of development,
alongside the required infrastructure.
Trafford Council welcomes the production of a spatial strategy for the Cheshire East Local
Plan (paragraphs 5.24-5.26) and the preparation of a land availability assessment
methodology and initial site assessments (paragraph 5.10).
It is noted that a number of large sites have been submitted close to the Trafford / Chesire
East boundary near Ashley. Trafford Council notes that these are Call for Site submissions
which will be subject to further assessment as part of the preparation of the Local Plan and
we would therefore welcome further engagement on this process.
Impact on the Green Belt to the south of Trafford will be an important consideration in the site
assessments. It should also be noted that the southern areas of Trafford are covered by
several landscape character areas set out in Policy NE8: Landscape Character Areas of the
Publication Version Local Plan.
Other considerations for site assessment may include proximity to Nature Conservation Sites,
Conservation Areas, and the Scheduled Monument (Watch Hill Motte and Bailey Castle) within
Trafford. Impact on Dunham Massey (Registered Park and Garden under Local Plan Policy
BE3) should also be considered.
Impact on the strategic road network (SRN) and local highway network may also be a key
consideration as the Cheshire East Local Plan develops. The A56 forms a key part of the local
highway network running north-south through Trafford from Manchester, connecting to the
A556 and the M56 at Junction 8. Policy TM3: The Highway Network of the Publication Version
Local Plan seeks to enhance the A56 as a multi-modal corridor.
Local Plan Policy TM1S: Walking, Wheeling and Cycling in Trafford South includes a range of
measures relevant to the boundary with Cheshire East, including protection and improvement
of the TransPennine Trail and Bollin Valley Way; widened pavements and additional
pedestrian crossings on the Dunham Road section of the A56; and new and/or improved
pedestrian crossings and cycle facilities on Hale Road and Ashley Road. Should Cheshire
East consider taking forward any development proposals in the Ashley area we would be
grateful for early discussion on the matter.
Trafford Council welcomes future engagement with Cheshire East Council on the emerging
Cheshire East Local Plan as it develops.