Macclesfield MP David Rutley has called on Cheshire East Council to think twice about the hundreds of homes homes planned near a Macclesfield nature reserve.

As we reported earlier in the week, a school, supermarket and 950 new homes are earmarked near the fringes of the Danes Moss Nature Reserve.

Now, Macclesfield's Conservative MP of 12 years has joined calls for decision-makers to understand the environmental value of proposed site, in particular, regarding the peat that the plans suggest to remove.

Mr Rutley has joined the voices of local campaigners and South Ward councillors in expressing strong concerns about the impact latest development plans would have on the extensive peatland at Danes Moss.

Peat is a natural carbon sink, which traps carbon dioxide, preventing it from being released into our atmosphere in the fight against climate change.

Countless constituents have written to David setting out their major concerns, many of which he shares, about the planned development relating to the significant loss of biodiversity and concerns about the impact on much-valued peatland.

A spokesperson for the long-serving MP said: "David recognises that the Danes Moss site was allocated in the Local Plan Strategy in 2017 and that outline planning permission was granted in 2019.

"However, before any further steps are taken with this development, he believes it is vital that an Environmental Impact Assessment of the reserved matters is completed by Cheshire East Council (with particular focus on the link road which would extend across some of the deepest areas of peat) and that a hydrology study takes place to determine how the development would impact the neighbouring Danes Moss Special Site of Scientific Interest.

"Furthermore, it would also be important for the Council to complete an entomology report to more fully understand the ecological impact on insects at the site."

A Macclesfield Nub News article on Tuesday revealed the entomology survey was conducted on a wet day in November, where you are naturally expected to find less insects.

A spokesperson for Macclesfield's MP continued: "David feels that it is essential to set out how development plans for the site fit with the England Peat Action Plan.

"Taking these steps will then enable Cheshire East Council to review and reconsider the development in light of the most up to date and relevant information.

"David raised these points and constituents' concerns at a recent meeting with Cheshire East Council officers about the South Macclesfield Development Area, and urged the Council to take forward these actions as a clear priority, given how environmentally sensitive the site is. David has also written to Dr Lorraine O'Donnell, Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council, on behalf of constituents to ensure that their views are fully considered."

Speaking after the meeting with Cheshire East Council, David said, "Peatland remains a significant contributor to reducing carbon emissions, as well as having other benefits for water quality, nature and flood mitigation.

"As set out in the England Peat Action Plan, peat is a valuable tool in tackling climate change. That is why I am calling on Cheshire East Council to review and reconsider the planned development at Danes Moss - we need to do all we can to protect this important local store of carbon."

On Monday, Cheshire East Council rebutted concerns over peat regarding the South Macclesfield development/

Cheshire East's leader Sam Corcoran previously stated: "The council remains committed to protecting and renewing peatland and the creation of new wetland areas across the borough, and we have an ambitious carbon neutral action plan, working together to combat climate change across the borough.

"But it is important to be clear that this is also a hugely complex site because of its long-standing planning history, ownership and uses."

Now with Mr Rutley's intervention, Cheshire East may reconsider or revise the plans when they have their final say on it this April.

David Rutley has previously praised preservation of peat in the Macclesfield area.

There is the possibility that Mr Rutley could contact the Housing Minister and Conservative colleague Michael Gove, should he feel intervention be needed.

'SAVE DANES MOSS' campaigners would like to send their petition to Mr Gove, so it is not out of the question that Mr Rutley will be the only MP to be involved with the complex Danes Moss debate.

See Also: Macclesfield: Danes Moss petition against housing passes 6,000 signature milestone

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