A campaigner believes a proposed new development is 'an accident waiting to happen'.

Bloor Homes are looking to build 200 homes on green belt land off Prestbury road in Macclesfield, with an outline planning application due to be considered on Thursday, September 11.

The planning officers are recommending approval, designating the land as 'grey belt'.

This comes despite their report stating that of the 470 people to make representations to the council, just 13 were in support of the plans.

David Nelson, from the Macc Green Space campaign group, said: "Clearly a very controversial proposal.

"All affected local councillors have objected; the local Member of Parliament has objected; as have Macclesfield Town Council.

"There are a whole range of issues here, some 'in principle' and some site specific."

MP Tim Roca, councillors and hundreds of residents have opposed the plans (Credit: Tim Roca)

In principle

"The land is not identified for development in the existing local plan," David said.

"How many speculative applications to build on land not designated for development are 'clogging' up the system. The law of unintended consequences in play?

"What has happened to local democracy whereby a draft local plan is developed and is open to consultation before being adopted. If the current plan is to mean anything then surely it must determine planning decisions. Otherwise a 'free for all'.

"Furthermore, there are local authorities approving schemes because they are concerned about the financial implications of refusing an application and 'fighting' a subsequent appeal. Surely applications should be considered on their merits alone.

"Given the clearly controversial nature of this application the opportunity to speak at the planning meeting seems very truncated. Objectors are allocated one representative three minutes to speak; hardly enough time to introduce yourself."

The application site off Prestbury Road in Macclesfield (Credit: Turley)

Site specific

David said: "With regard to the site, a single entrance/exit is proposed. This is very close to a severe bend on a busy road.

"There are various diagrams to indicate sight lines. But diagrams do not take account of human behaviour. 200 houses, 300 cars? Queuing to leave the site during the morning rush hour; frustration building and making a dash for it - an accident waiting to happen.

"The resident's group commissioned and submitted an independent transport report which raises significant questions about a number of aspects of the transport report commissioned and submitted by Bloor Homes. This is simply referenced in the planning officers report, apparently given no weight to the issues raised there in.

"Furthermore the planning officers report suggests that congestion on Prestbury Road can be mitigated by provision of new circular bus service. As before this conclusion does not take account of how people behave. How many people will give up their cars to take a bus whose only meaningful route is into the town centre?

"A much more extensive list of objections is contained within the report, including concerns about inadequate infrastructure, damage to biodiversity, pressure on local schools and medical services and flooding risk among others

"It is expected that many objectors will attend the open planning meeting at 10.30am on September 11 at Macclesfield Town Hall."

Banners appeared near the proposed development site soon after the application was submmitted (Credit: Nub News)

Bloor Homes response

A spokesperson for Bloor Homes said: "We are committed to delivering high-quality new homes in Macclesfield, including up to 90 affordable homes, to help address the housing shortage in Cheshire East and Macclesfield.

"We have engaged extensively with local communities, stakeholders, and statutory consultees throughout the pre-application consultation process to ensure the proposals are sustainable and responsive to local needs.

"The application is recommended for approval by council officers, with all relevant considerations addressed in their committee report.

"It will be determined by Cheshire East Council next week, where it will be assessed on its merits, taking into account the planning evidence, expert reports, and the significant benefits the development will deliver, including much-needed housing and contributions to local services."

Cheshire East Council has also been contacted for response.