South Macclesfield Development Area (‘Danes Moss’)

The Macclesfield Labour Party including our councillors and members has consistently opposed the development of the Danes Moss Area (The South Macclesfield Development Area) for over 20 years now.

Earlier this week Macclesfield South Ward Labour Councillors met with Cheshire East Council Officers and also with the Leader of Cheshire East Council, Sam Corcoran, to raise their concerns, and to seek further information about the proposals.

We are committed to a greener and healthier, place to live for all, and the impact upon the environment and the potential damage to the peatland and wildlife at Danes Moss SSSI is of great concern.

Therefore, we demand that up-to-date evidence regarding the assertions that the peat which underlays much of the SMDA is ‘dead’, and is thus emitting carbon. It is also very clear that this development would have not received outline planning permission today given the much-strengthened environmental protection policies introduced by the current Labour-led administration at Cheshire East Council since May 2019.

Another major concern is the proposed new ‘relief’ road that joins Moss Lane at a new roundabout opposite Moorhill Road. Moss Lane is already at full capacity for the whole of its length, and more traffic will create congestion and air quality issues. Major pre-development improvements to the junctions at both ends would be required if the proposal goes ahead, especially now the football club is generating more vehicle movements seven days a week and into the evenings.

We also have questions about the proposed additional retail unit(s) and their impact on our struggling town centre and the existing shops at Thornton Square, Moss Lane and London Road.

Therefore, this week the Macclesfield Labour Party formally called upon Cheshire East Council to work with Officers to stop this unacceptable development.

Cllr Brian Puddicombe, Labour Cheshire East Councillor for Macclesfield South, said ’Since the outline planning permission was granted in 2017, the knowledge and expectations of our residents regarding the environment and the importance of peatlands has become some much greater. This development cannot be allowed to go ahead.’

Cllr Fiona Wilson, Labour Macclesfield Town Councillor for Macclesfield South, said

‘Danes Moss has been crucial to many people’s mental health during the pandemic. Local children have written to tell us how important areas like this are to prevent global warning and protect their future. I will continue to oppose development on this site.’

Pictured - Leader of Cheshire East Council, Sam Corcoran.