CARBON PLANS ARE IN OPEN

I AM writing in response to Vic Barlow’s opinion column published in the Macclesfield Express on October 12.

I would like to thank Mr Barlow for recognising that I am a man of my word and acknowledging the council’s aims of being open, fair and green.

It is in this spirit of openness, that a webpage has been created where the history and background to the South Macclesfield Development Area are clearly set out (go to www. cheshireeast.gov.uk and search on SMDA).

This webpage will continue to be updated, including, as soon as possible, links to the RSK peatland report.

At a meeting on August 30, 2017, the council’s strategic planning board voted 8-4 in favour of granting outline planning permission (Labour & Independent councillors voted against approval) and the planning permission was granted in January 2019.

Since then, the council has decided to present further detail following responses received from key planning consultees and due to the increased emphasis of climate change in national policy and the council’s own priorities since the development was initially considered.

The RSK peatland report is part of this and it will be published as soon as possible.

Cheshire East Council has an ambitious plan to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2025 (a commitment made as soon as I became leader in May 2019) and a carbon neutral borough by 2045.

Anyone wanting to learn more about our plans and about our progress can visit www. cheshireeast.gov.uk/ carbonneutral to learn more.

As co-chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Commission and as the County Councils Network communities and environment spokesman, climate change is clearly a key priority for me (as is increasing transparency in council decision making).

I am proud that the council and our partners are working towards ambitious net zero climate goals.

Councillor Sam Corcoran

Leader of Cheshire East Council