An application to put two stable buildings on fields at Macclesfield and change the use of the site for equestrian purposes looks set to be refused for a second time.

Ellis Mitchel has also applied for permission for associated vehicular access track and an area of hardstanding and fencing on the 14.8ha parcel of land to the north of Chelford Road.

A report from the council's planning officer to next week's meeting of the strategic planning board states: "Whilst the proposed development would be a form of outdoor sport and recreation, it is of a scale and nature that would not preserve openness and as such it would be considered to be inappropriate development in the green belt.

"Substantial weight is attached to this harm.

"The proposed development is also considered to result in a detrimental impact on the character of the site as a result of the creation of stables and hard surfacing together with significant lengths of fencing along a public right of way."

The application is a re-submission of a previous proposal which was refused in September 2024.

The officer's report states: "They key difference with this re-submission is that the proposed stable block has been moved closer to the Chelford Road access in order to reduce the length of the vehicular access track."

The officer also states insufficient information has been submitted with this application relating to great crested newts, which are a protected species, and also to ascertain the development's impact on existing high value mature trees.

advertisement

Twenty-eight residents have objected to the proposal.

The council's planners have recommended the application be refused on four grounds including it would not preserve openness and as such it would involve an inappropriate form of development in the green belt and it would have an adverse effect on the character of the site within its countryside setting.

The strategic planning board meeting takes place at Macclesfield Town Hall at 10.30am on Wednesday, March 25.