Homes plan set to get go-ahead despite protests
ACONTROVERSIAL housing scheme that protestors believe will threaten Danes Moss looks set to go ahead.
Morris Homes, together with Trustees of the Lyme Green Settlement, want to build 40 properties on land off Gaw End Lane, in Macclesfield.
A previous bid for 42 homes was refused by Cheshire East Council in 2022 for being ‘cramped’ but this decision was overturned on appeal to the Planning Inspectorate early this year.
In the meantime proposals for slightly fewer homes were submitted and - despite plenty more objections - are recommended for approval by a strategic planning committee this week.
Sutton Parish Council says the housing would still be cramped, have inadequate parking, create traffic problems and will not protect open space.
Letters of objection a come from 16 further addresses highlighting overdevelopment of the site and proximity to Danes Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as among concerns.
One said: “I object based on not using up to date information about the proximity of ecologically vital areas such as Danes Moss.
“Not only would habitats for a vast number of important species be impacted, but the underlying peat which is vital as a carbon sink and can be prone to flooding, would also be impacted.”
The development would have four one-bed properties, six two-bed, 17 three-bed and 13 twobed.
It meets the required standard of 30 per cent affordable housing, although council housing officers have raised questions over the bedroom sizes.
As well as two fewer homes the new plans include plans for a 2,532sq m play area - a lack of which last time was criticised.
A report submitted with the application says changes made are ‘responding to any perception of a cramped appearance’
It adds: “The proposed development takes account of the nature of both existing and consented development in Lyme Green in terms of scale, layout and density.”
In recommending the scheme for approval a report for the committee says: “The site will be developed only where it can be demonstrated that there is no significant harm on the Danes Moss SSSI.”
It also said there were no highways or parking issues.
The strategic planning board meeting was due to take place at Macclesfield Town Hall today (Wednesday).
A date has yet to be set for a decision on the South Macclesfield Development Area plans - for 950 homes, a link road, new school, retail units and offices on part of Danes Moss.