Four councillors who represent an area containing the proposed Danes Moss housing development have shared their thoughts on the plans.

As we reported earlier in the week, 950 new homes are being considered on the boundaries of the Danes Moss Nature Reserve.

Two Cheshire East Councillors which represent Macclesfield South, have joined forces with the pair of Macclesfield Town Councillors which represent the same ward, to issue a joint opinion on the new-builds.

The joint statement reads as follows:

"Labour Councillors and activists in Macclesfield South Ward have opposed the development of the Danes Moss Area (The South Macclesfield Development Area) for over 20 years (see reports on 'Macclesfield Danegate').

"Regarding the latest proposals, we spoke against the outline planning permission at the Strategic Planning Board in 2017, regularly listened to residents, organised an open meeting regarding the proposed 'relief' road in February 2019 and our Town Councillors have also raised their concerns via the MTC Planning Committee which is a statutory consultee on planning applications.

"Most recently, we have all commented on the reserved matters planning applications, opposing the development and raising the concerns of ourselves and the local residents whom we represent.

"Macclesfield South Ward Councillors are opposed to this development and have met with Cheshire East Council Officers to raise our concerns and seek further information. We have all made our views known on the planning portal and via Macclesfield Town Council Planning Committee.

"We are committed to a greener, healthier, place to live and the impact on the environment and the damage to the peatland and wildlife on Danes Moss is of great concern and we are demanding evidence regarding the assertions that the peat is dead.

"It is clear that this development would not have received outline planning permission under the much-strengthened environmental protection policies introduced by the current administration at Cheshire East.

"Following a resident's meeting we organised in early 2019 it was clear that the major fault with the proposed new 'relief' road is that it joins Moss Lane at a new roundabout opposite Moorhill Road.

"Moss Lane is at full capacity and major improvements to the junctions at both ends will be needed if the proposal goes ahead, especially now the football club is generating more vehicle movements.

"The current designs for the road, houses, school, retail and commercial areas are not acceptable.

"We will be attending the public meeting on Sunday, 27 February 2022.

"Signed: Cllr Laura Jeuda and Cllr Brian Puddicombe, Cheshire East Council. Cllr Neil Puttick and Cllr Fiona Wilson, Macclesfield Town Council."

Only Puddicombe and Jeuda are members of the council that will vote on the matter. Cheshire East Council will decide the future of the site in April.

'SAVE DANES MOSS' campaign group organiser Tom Eccles has arranged a public meeting on Danes Moss at SK11 7XE this Sunday February 27.

"Come see Danes Moss for yourself, speak with others about what is at stake here, and invite your local councillor," he said.

Concerns over peat bog destruction, habitat degradation, and the owners were raised in this Macclesfield Nub News article on Tuesday.

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