Macclesfield's MP wants to see new homes built 'in the right places'.

Tim Roca has announced his formal objection to the proposed Bloor Homes development on the green belt land at Prestbury Road.

However, he emphasises the importance of meeting Macclesfield's housing targets and revitalising the town centre by redeveloping underused spaces and vacant buildings into homes.

Mr Roca said: "I am not against development, in fact, I am fully supportive of building more homes that meet the needs of our community.

"However, these homes need to be built in the right places.

"Developing on green belt land should always be a last resort – which is in line with the new National Planning Policy Framework Instead, we have a tremendous opportunity to breathe new life into Macclesfield Town Centre by repurposing empty buildings and underused sites.

"This approach will provide much-needed affordable housing while supporting our fantastic local businesses."

Mr. Roca added: "Macclesfield has a rich heritage and architecture that deserves to be celebrated.

"By focusing on town centre development, we can create a sustainable and balanced model for growth, one that boosts our high street, provides affordable homes for local families, and preserves the character of our town for future generations."

ALSO READ: Residents set out to stop plan for 200 new homes on Macclesfield greenbelt

Signs opposing the plans have been put up along Prestbury Road (Credit: Nub News)

In a letter to Cheshire East Council's chief executive, Rob Polkinghorne, Mr Roca advocated for a proactive 'town centre living' strategy, encouraging developers to shift their focus from Green Belt land to the heart of Macclesfield.

This approach would transform under-utilised car parks, empty offices, and redevelop heritage buildings into residential spaces that supporting the local economy and boost footfall for independent businesses.

The MP has called on Cheshire East Council to engage with developers and stakeholders, including Macclesfield Town Council, to promote this vision and adopt supportive planning policies that encourage mixed-use developments.

Mr Roca said: "It's vital that we maintain the balance between meeting housing needs and protecting our precious green belt.

"The council must be given the time to identify appropriate Brownfield sites before developers rush to exploit gaps in policy.

"I will continue to champion a plan-led approach that reflects the needs and wishes of our community."

Mr Roca wants to revitalise the town centre by redeveloping underused spaces and vacant buildings (Credit: Nub News)

Toby Hudson, strategic land director at Bloor Homes, says the proposed development off Prestbury Road would deliver 'significant benefits', including 100 affordable homes and newly accessible green spaces.

Mr Hudson added: "Although Cheshire East has a good housing delivery record, the Local Plan is no longer consistent with national planning policy.

"The land available for housing across Cheshire East now falls short of the minimum required.

"To help meet such a shortfall the government has identified circumstances under which low-performing Green Belt land could be developed."

He continued: "In Macclesfield specifically, there are several sites which had previously been allocated and permitted for development, but they are unlikely to be built out in the foreseeable future due to the discovery of significant peat deposits.

"Government has made it clear it wants to see a fast increase in the delivery of new homes, especially affordable homes, in sustainable locations.

"This application adheres to the new planning policy which has been put in place to support that housing growth."

The application, number 25/0210/OUT, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council's website.