Councillors are fighting to stop big housing developments being built in and around Handforth – and are urging residents to do the same.
A public consultation is being held for householders to have a look at Cheshire East Council’s local development framework document.
The plans set out possible future planning options for the next 15-20 years. But there are concerns there will be a significant increase in housing on unspoilt greenbelt.
Handforth Ratepayer councillors Barry Burkhill and Dennis Mahon say the area should not be used to overcome the council’s housing shortage and are urging residents to oppose any development on the protected land.
Coun Barry Burkhill said: "We understand there are plans to roll back the green belt here in Handforth to build houses on greenfield council land across the bypass.
"It is common sense to use every available and suitable brownfield site and ex-industrial land scattered all over Cheshire East before touching any safeguarded or greenfield land.
"Cheshire East Council must be given a strong message from us all that we will defend our environment. There must be no short cuts in this process. Handforth must not be the easy option for planning officers or the council to overcome their housing problems."
Under the framework document residents and councillors are also keen to see land between Coppice Way and Hall Road returned to greenbelt status after 25 years, following a lengthy battle to stop developers building a care village on the site.
Coun Burkhill added: "We won a very important appeal recently on this safeguarded land and have formally asked the council to return it to the green belt in this updated plan."
The council’s consultation will be at Handforth library on September 13 between 10am and 4pm.
There will also be an open meeting, organised by Coun Burkhill, at the Handforth Youth Centre on Tuesday, September 20, at 7pm to discuss the LDF and Handforth’s future. Cheshire East officers will be there to answer questions.
