Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones has today called for a renewal of the 'Brownfield First Policy' to protect the borough's green fields and announced that if enough brownfield sites can be found then the Council will support no development in green spaces.
He said: "Cheshire East is a green and pleasant land and I understand and fully support the strong community desire to keep it this way. However, it is for this very reason that developers see Cheshire East as the most desirable place to build and sell houses.
"However development is a necessary reality if we are to keep Cheshire East a desirable and economically-vibrant place to live and work. It is heartening to note that a common trend emerging through the Draft Development Strategy is that residents recognise too that we must grow in order to thrive.
"However, by far the main theme developing in the comments we have received is that people want to see redevelopment of brownfield sites. I agree and wholly support this view, which is why I am calling for a renewal of this policy and for all brownfield sites that can be developed on, be brought forward as quickly as possible.
"This ongoing consultation has been very successful and has given us a clear view of what the people of Cheshire East want for the future. They have made their views plain and the Council is listening, which is why I am calling for the renewal of our Brownfield First policy.
"For every 12 houses built on brownfield land, one acre of greenfield is saved. That is a clear fact and one we must – and will - bear in mind at all times.
"Developing greenfield sites can be seen by developers as the easy option. Cheshire East does not support this approach, and our draft development strategy proposes greenfield swaps and a wider green space strategy underlining our commitment to greenfield development.
"Time and time again I hear from residents that there is more brownfield land available, and I want to make it very clear that we support the development of these brownfield sites. This is land which has previously been used for any purpose but is no longer in use or is underused. If people can find enough brownfield sites, Cheshire East will support no development in green spaces
"This is a collective responsibility, for all of us to look for opportunities for developing on brownfield first. I know this isn't always easy, but we are here to help. If you have sites and plans but are facing constraints in developing them - let us know. We won't always have the answer, but together we can find a way.
"To date we have identified brownfield areas that will equate to 7,000 new houses. However, we know there will be more sites out there. Whilst these figures show that we have made good progress, our area is changing all the time and we need to work together to identify more sites as they become available.
"Protecting the greenfields of Cheshire East is a number one priority for me, and I will stand by that commitment."
The draft Development Strategy document is available to view on the Cheshire East website and at local libraries.
The Local Plan consultation ends on February 26th, 2013.
For planning advice and information contact: [email protected] or call 01270 658893
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
In their latest proposals Handforth will gain a new settlement of 2,300 new homes on Green Belt land, and an additional 200 houses in and around the village itself on sites yet to be allocated. So far there has been no mention of using any brownfield sites in Handforth.
If you don't wish to hear the whole interview, go to 17mins 48secs onwards & await his often repeated word of "brownfields".
http://bbc.in/11MrV4D
He will retract this statement about the green field sites just like the others.
barthomley action group
hands off the GREEN BELT lazy planners and developers
A splendid sentiment; I am very glad to hear that but I'm not so sure that house-builders Taylor Wimpey (who reportedly own some of the Green-Belt around Wilmslow) will be.
http://bit.ly/11qAxmL
Would that be the same Taylor Wimpey that Council Leader Michael Jones holds shares in (at least £25,000 worth!)
http://bit.ly/11qAxmL
No wonder he wants to let them build 2,500 houses in Handforth
Where have the voices of our Councillors been since that meeting? Surely they should have been shouting at the tops of their voices judging by the groundswell of public opinion on this issue.
I mistakenly thought that when a Councillor was elected he represented your/our views. Or is it that once elected they tell us or bully us with threats with what to do and what to think.
At a Wilmslow Business Group meeting in 2012 just before the Draft WIlmslow Vision document was released for comment you made a statement that I challenged and offered to give you the opportunity to demonstrate that you could actually do it.
You declined. Why? Can you actually do what you say you can or not? That was exactly what my challenge was about.
My experience of life has taught me to believe actions over words.