As Britain swelters in record-breaking heat, Macclesfield's MP has highlighted how the development on Macclesfield peatlands could worsen the effects of climate change.

Speaking in a two-minute clip on social media, David Rutley MP spoke out for the second time this year against the potential housing developments on the fringes of the Danes Moss Nature Reserve.

"I have very strong concerns about the proposed development on the extensive peatland here at Danes Moss, like many other local residents," he said.

"The planned development of 950 houses in this South Macclesfield Development Area, will have a clear impact on much-valued peatland and lead to significant losses in biodiversity. 

Mr Rutley connected the potential destruction of the Macclesfield site to climate change. (Image - David Rutley MP)

"We are all increasingly aware of the vital role peat plays in tackling climate change - it is a very valuable source of carbon storage. 

"That's why I am calling on Cheshire East Council to suspend any further steps that could progress the developmental plans, until after fully important environmental studies have been fully completed and considered. 

"There needs to be an up to date Environmental Impact Assessment, with particular focus on the proposed link road which would cut across some of the deepest link areas of peat. 

"[There also needs to be] a hydrology study highlighting impacts on ground water conditions and a review of the impact on insect life at the site also needs to be completed. 

You can read on the proposals by searching 19/1796M on the Cheshire East Council planning website. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"It is vital that these studies are based on the most up-to-date information. And there is proper time for officials, councillors, key stakeholders and the public to review these documents so that they can be fully taken into account before any consideration is given to the development proposals. 

"The SAVE DANES MOSS campaign is doing important work to highlight the development, and further information can be found online.

"Peatland is undoubtedly a major contributor to reducing carbon emissions and the fight against climate change. 

"We need to do all that we can to properly safeguard it for future generations."

Peatlands contain about 25% of global soil carbon, which could be devastating if released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, according to The Conservationist.com. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

In February, Mr Rutley had called on the council - who own part of the site - to'review and reconsider' the plans, in addition to emphasising the long-awaited biodiversity reports.

He also mentioned the term 'climate change' once in his previous comments on the matter, but mentioned it a second time here.

If the peat on the SMDA site at Danes Moss is excavated, it will release up to 220,000 tonnes of CO2, which 'SAVE DANES MOSS' campaigners describe as a 'carbon bomb', and would further contribute to the greenhouse effect.

About 70 councillors are set to vote on the future of the site later this year, which is opposed by at least 18,000 people. Work has already begun making pathways on the site, which is popular with dog walkers.

Campaigners claim Cheshire East Council are choosing the £18 million gain of the site over meeting their net zero targets. Cheshire East Council have been contacted for comment.

Macclesfield MP of 12 years has long-valued peat's properties to naturally store carbon.

In 2020, Mr Rutley took his Conservative colleague Esther McVey MP to visit the Danes Moss Nature Reserve.

David Rutley's chosen leader of the Conservative Leadership race - Rishi Sunak - affirmed his commitment to national net zero targets earlier this week.

Campaigners protesting against the plans set for the fringes of the nature reserve, at a Cheshire East Council meeting in Macclesfield. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

This latest piece of Danes Moss housing news comes in the same month that t-shirts opposing the development went on sale at a Macclesfield zero waste shop.

Please click here to read that article.

See Also: Crowdfunder launched to mount legal challenge against Danes Moss homes

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