WELCOME Indicative image of similar scheme Welcome to today s public consultation event regarding the emerging proposals for the South Macclesfield Development Area (SMDA) as part of the final amended version of the new Cheshire East Local Plan. The proposals will provide a mix of much needed new housing, employment land, retail and other amenities, plus a new school, improved sports, training and recreational facilities. A new road linking London Road and Congleton Road is also proposed. We want to know what the local community thinks of the proposals. Members of the development team are on hand to answer any queries you may have. Your feedback is important and we re keen to hear your views on the proposals and what facilities you think are required locally. Please do complete one of the questionnaires provided. ENGINE OF THE NORTH The site is being promoted by Engine of the North (EotN), Cheshire East Council s wholly owned property development company. EotN was formed in 2014 to help transform Cheshire East Council s strategic land assets into new jobs and homes. Working in close partnership with developers, investors and occupiers, EotN provides comprehensive support to deliver successful projects.
THE SITE Aerial view of site THE LOCAL PLAN The site is a 63-hectare site at the southern edge of Macclesfield. It is located between Congleton Road and London Road, to the south-west of Moss Lane. At present, the majority of the site is poor quality scrubland and undeveloped grassed areas. The site also includes a community playing field off Congleton Road and part of the reclamation and skip hire operation near Turf Lane. Over the years, a number of development proposals have been put forward and the western part of the site previously gained outline planning consent for a phased development. However, we now intend to submit an outline planning application for the whole site to ensure a comprehensive approach to development here. The site can accommodate a mix of uses, including new homes, enhanced community sports and recreation, green space and the relocation of the existing businesses on the site. The site is a priority for Cheshire East Council and is an emerging allocation in the Council s final amended version of the new Local Plan. The Local Plan was submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for examination in late 2014. However, the examination was suspended by the independent Inspector to allow the Council to undertake some additional work on the Plan. The amended Local Plan was submitted to the Inspector. The examinations in public reconvened in September and will continue through October.
CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES There are a number of things that need to be carefully considered when putting forward a site for development. All aspects of the site are considered, from habitat and wildlife to access and public rights of way. The plan below shows the constraints and opportunities for this site. Opportunities include: Opportunity to create link road between Congleton Road and London Road Enhanced community playing fields and changing facilities Ability to relocate the existing reclamation and waste operations into new premises, away from existing residents Open green space accessible to the local community KEY
THE PROPOSALS The plans include: Up to 950 much needed, high-quality new homes New shops A new school Improved and enhanced sports facilities Local squares and play areas Community open space, woodland footpaths and parks
NEW HOMES The site could accommodate up to 950 new homes, helping to address Cheshire East s housing need. There would be a mix of housing types and sizes and the housing density across the site would vary. There would be a proportion of affordable housing on the site. We would like to know what type of housing you think is required in the area. Please stick a sticker in the corresponding box below. Family homes Starter homes Bungalows Plots for self-build Apartments A mix of housing types Other Please write your thoughts on a post-it note
COMMUNITY SPORTS AND RECREATION Trees and woodland planting in the southern section of the site will be retained and enhanced. Woodland paths would be created and formalised through this section of the site. The woodland planting to the south of the site would be retained and enhanced and the footpaths and public right of way through this area of the site would be improved and routes formalised. The proposals would provide much enhanced sports facilities for local sports clubs, groups and the community. This includes improved pitches, including all-weather 4G pitch, training and changing facilities alongside a new pavilion. The pavilion could have a viewing balcony, multifunctional community space and changing facilities. The pavilion would be sensitively located using the existing topography of the site to minimise any impact of the building on Congleton Road.
COMMUNITY SPORTS AND RECREATION Indicative sketch of proposed park/play area Indicative sketch of proposed pavilion Indicative sketch of proposed park/play area What do you think of the sport and recreation provision? Are there any other community sport and recreation facilities you would like to see? Please add your thoughts to a post-it note and stick it below.
TRANSPORT AND CONNECTIVITY To ensure that the development integrates well with the wider area, there will be two access points on Moss Lane and one on Congleton Road. A new road through the site would directly connect Congleton Road and London Road, which could reduce traffic on Moss Lane and Park Lane. It would also provide the opportunity to relocate the reclamation operations away from existing residents and therefore reduce the number of HGVs using Moss Lane. Pedestrian access would be created onto Congleton Road, connecting to the bus stops here.
MOSS LANE/ LONDON ROAD AREA We have considered a number of options for the Moss Lane/London Road area and we welcome your thoughts. Option 1 All of the options include: Star Lane to be made one way northbound towards Moss Lane whilst maintaining two-way access for properties on Star Lane to the north of the railway line A mini roundabout at the Rutland Road/Moss Lane junction A no through route created on Mayfield Avenue with a turning head Option 1 Option 2 Left in/left out junction arrangement at Belgrave Road and Moorhill Road with central islands to prevent right turn movements in and out of these junctions All movements junction at Cornbrook Road to be maintained Option 2 Belgrave Road and Moorhill Road to be made one way southbound towards Moss Lane i.e. no entry from Moss Lane Cornbrook Road to be made one-way northbound from Moss Lane i.e. no exit to Moss Lane from Cornbrook Road Kerb build-outs at Belgrave Road, Moorhill Road and Cornbrook Road to formalise on street parking on Moss Lane Raised entry treatments at Belgrave Road, Moorhill Road and Cornbrook Road to improve the pedestrian environment Provision of a zebra crossing to replace the existing informal central refuge crossings Option 3 Option 3 Belgrave Road and Moorhill Road to be made one way southbound towards Moss Lane i.e. no entry from Moss Lane Cornbrook Road to be made one-way northbound from Moss Lane i.e. no exit to Moss Lane from Cornbrook Road Raised entry treatments at Belgrave Road, Moorhill Road and Cornbrook Road to improve the pedestrian environment On carriageway marked on street parking bays
BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSALS The site is not within the Green Belt and presents the opportunity to provide much needed new homes and community infrastructure, whilst preventing development on Green Belt elsewhere in Macclesfield. The development will support local jobs. New employment and training opportunities will be created in the new retail development and during construction, providing a boost to the local economy. By bringing forward a larger scale development, we can ensure major investment into infrastructure, health and education. Piecemeal development cannot deliver the infrastructure required. The new homes will generate New Homes Bonus and Council Tax revenue that can be re-invested in local services. A new road linking London Road and Congleton Road will ensure that the development integrates well with the wider area and will reduce the number of HGVs using Moss Lane.
SMDA NEXT STEPS Your views can help to shape the future development for SMDA. Please let us know what you think by completing a feedback questionnaire. All comments will be considered and incorporated into the plans where possible and appropriate. An outline planning application will be submitted to Cheshire East Council in the coming weeks. For more information, you can contact us: 0800 089 0362 info@southmacclesfield.co.uk You can also view the proposals and have your say online at www.southmacclesfield.co.uk