The King's School may sell green belt land for housing and move to a new site in the south of the town.

Neighbours have objected to the idea that fields behind their homes at Fence Avenue could see up to 300 houses built.

The green belt site – part of which is home to the infants, juniors and girls’ division at King’s – is one of four preferred development sites earmarked by Cheshire East in the latest stage of the Local Plan – the Draft Development Strategy.

The council needs to build 3,500 homes in Macclesfield in the next 20 years and says it must use green belt to do so. The Fence Avenue site has been identified for up to 300 homes, but its development relies on King’s  moving because it owns a large proportion of the land.

The school apparently bought a large field there three years ago.

It is thought that access would need to taken from Fence Avenue, leaving residents questioning what will happen to the three-storey school building. It is understood the school approached Cheshire East to say its land may become available for development if it moves to a new purpose-built school, which would include the boys’ division too, currently based at Cumberland Street.

Coun David Neilson, ward councillor and a school governor, said there is no plan for a new site yet. But an area has been allocated for a new school on land between Congleton Road and Chelford Road – another preferred development spot  in the Local Plan.

Residents say they do not want the land at Fence Avenue – subject to refused planning applications in the past – to be built on. They say it will destroy the green space and its wildlife, ruin views stretching to the hills and increase traffic.

Eileen Furr, known as Marnie, a Fence Avenue resident for 40 years, said:  “We’re concerned the proposal is wholly unsustainable. I urge everyone to make their opposition known.”

 Coun Neilson said: “The plan is to take the land out of the green belt so it could be developed in future.

“The school has indicated to Cheshire East that their site would become available for change of use.

“There is no plan about exactly where the school will go and it will not be in the next five years, but they are looking to move and there are sites allocated in the south for schools.

“This is an issue for the people of Fence Avenue and as a councillor I’ve campaigned hard to keep that land green, it’s a major amenity.”

It’s hoped there will be a public meeting soon with the school and council.

A King’s spokesman said the Local Plan presents a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity and King’s is exploring options for a single-site school.

Headmaster Dr Simon Hyde said: “A single site would deliver improved educational opportunities, new facilities, enhanced teaching and learning and greater flexibility for the school.

“We will continue to work with Cheshire East council to explore a number of options. 

“We will be communicating directly with parents in the New Year on the options available and will support our neighbours in discussing their concerns and putting forward their views as part of the council’s consultation which opens in January.”