100 signs protest at threat to green belt
CAMPA I G N E R S have posted nearly 100 signs around the town urging people to protect Macclesfield’s green belt.
Members of the Save Macclesfield Green Belt group have posted the green signs urging residents to have their say on Cheshire East’s Local Plan which says where houses will be built in Macclesfield until 2030 and beyond.
The group was kicked into action after a large swathe of green belt in south west Macclesfield was added to the latest version of the plan, to be developed after 2030.
Some signs have been strategically placed alongside council notices designed by schoolchildren to promote Cheshire East’s wildlife conservation policy.
The campaign signs read: “535 acres of green belt lost to developers. Consultation ends April 19, you must have your say.”
They also placed a large banner across Hibel Road for maximum impact on drivers and members plan to put 25,000 flyers through doors urging people to respond to the consultation by the deadline.
Among those concerned about the plan are Laura and David Furness, parents to Oscar and Lewis, who live next to the green belt site between Chelford Road and Whirley Road.
David said: “This plan will see the loss of all green belt from Congleton Road to Whirley Road, merging Henbury with Macclesfield, destroying ancient woodland. It will put pressure on school places and doctors and the roads will be gridlocked.”
The Local Plan includes 4,250 homes for Macclesfield. It earmarks 250 homes on the King’s School site at Fence Avenue, 300 homes at Gaw End Lane in Lyme Green, 300 homes off Congleton Road, 200 homes south of Chelford Road and 150 homes between Chelford Road and Whirley Road.
There will be a link road from the Congleton Road to Broken Cross.
The latest draft is out for consultation until April 19.
To register views visit cheshireeast. gov. uk/ localplan, complete a form at the library, council headquarters in Sandbach or customer service at Macclesfield Town Hall.
Go to savemacclesfieldgreenbelt.com for information on the campaign.