Independent planning inspector backs Council’s proposals for strengthening policies

Cheshire East Council’s plans to strengthen its development framework for the borough has been declared ‘sound’ by an independent planning inspector.

The draft site allocation and development policy document (SADPD) has already undergone four rounds of consultation and will support the wider Local Plan Strategy for housing, employment and other key infrastructure up to 2030.

The Council is now expected to approve the document in December 2022, with its contents impacting future planning decisions across Cheshire East. The document strengthens environmental standards and protects green belt sites previously earmarked for development, as well as identifying additional small sites for future housing and employment omitted from the original Local Plan.

Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, told yesterday’s meeting of full council:

“I am pleased to say that the planning inspector has concluded in his report that the SADPD is ‘sound’ and capable of adoption, subject to some amendments, known as ‘main modifications’. 

“The receipt of the inspector’s report marks the end of the examination stage and enables the council to adopt the plan. This will be considered at the next meeting of full council, on 14 December. 

“Upon adoption, the SADPD would replace all of the remaining ‘saved’ policies in the local plans prepared by the three former borough councils. In their place would be an up-to-date suite of planning policies covering the whole borough, more closely aligned with our corporate priorities – policies that support the wellbeing of our residents and protect our environment, including measures to mitigate and adapt to climate change.” 

Cllr Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said:

“The site allocations and development policy document will have a pivotal role in guiding planning application decisions and thus help shape and protect the quality of the places in which we live in our beautiful borough.”

The examination of the SADPD by the independent planning inspector assessed whether the plan had been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements and if it is sound, well prepared, effective and consistent with national policy. The inspector considered evidence provided by the council to support the plan and representations put forward by local people and other interested parties.