MAJOR proposals have been released for the future of the South Macclesfield Development Area.

The council has launched a public exhibition and consultation on draft proposals for the 63-hectare site.

It would see a planning application to move and upgrade playing fields, the first section of a link road connecting to Congleton Road, a supermarket and up to 400 homes.

The continuation of the link road, up to a further 600 homes and sports and leisure facilities, are possible proposals for a second phase.

Earlier drafts have included a new stadium for Macclesfield Town Football Club.

The proposals would deliver a new junction on Congleton Road, said to be a key connection point in the proposed Macclesfield Relief Road, which will ultimately link to London Road.

The document follows a council decision earlier this year to buy up land it does not currently own.

Councillor Michael Jones, Cheshire East leader, said:  “Bringing jobs, businesses and housing to this site has been mooted for around 20 years and there have been many false starts.

“These SMDA phase-one proposals are key to unlocking the potential of the wider 63-hectare site and would complement the £100m Silk Street town centre regeneration.

“It would be a catalyst for transforming the economy in south Macclesfield and improve quality of life for local people.

“The proposals allow us to develop connectivity and reduce traffic on the Moss Rose estate and Moss Lane with the proposed new link road.”

Coun Jones said the development will reduce the pressure on the green belt, although the SMDA is included as a strategic site in the council’s latest Local Plan alongside green belt sites.

This week campaign groups have submitted responses to the draft which includes a new site at Lyme Green, named the Gaw End Lane site.

Celia Davies, chairman of Lyme Green Residents Group, said:  “Residents have come together to fight to preserve the countryside around Lyme Green.

“There has been an overwhelming response from residents of Lyme Green who strongly object to Cheshire East’s proposed dissemination of the green belt.”

The phase one SMDA proposals are available until today at the Customer Service Centre, Macclesfield Town Hall.

It is proposed that an outline planning application will be submitted on Friday, January 17.

The full proposals are on the Cheshire East website.