New supermarket and housing scheme approved – despite objections from . . . Tesco!

Despite a number of objections plans to construct a new housing estate and supermarket to the south of Macclesfield have been approved by Cheshire East Council.

Macclesfield Civic Society objected saying that that the plans were contrary to existing policy.

Ironically, Tesco objected saying that a new out-of-town supermarket would be detrimental to the town centre – which is laughable considering their history with town centre issues.

The scheme involves 220 new homes and a new 80,000 sq ft supermarket. Existing playing fields will be relocated and a new sports pavilion and play area will be built.

The plan was given the go ahead at the council planning meeting on Wednesday, October 21, at Macclesfield Town Hall with seven councillors voting in favour, one against and two abstentions.

Alexa Burns, who represents the developer, Engine of The North, said the supermarket would ‘reduce pressure on the town centre Sainsbury’s and Tesco’.

Planning officers stated that their consultants had indicated there was a pressing need for a supermarket in the area.

I’m guessing they may have been the same planning officers and consultants who had previously stated that their plans for a new Macclesfield Town Centre were exactly what the town needed. And we all know what a massive and costly failure that turned out to be.

Coun David Brown, Deputy Leader of the Council and Highways Portfolio Holder, who voted for the plans and said the sooner the link road from Congleton Road to London Road could be put in place, the better.

However, concerns were raised by Macclesfield Councillors about increased traffic – and the need for another supermarket.

Coun Laura Jeuda, Macclesfield South, said “Most people think the link road connecting the two main roads is a very good idea. My main concern is heavy traffic. Congleton Road residents already have difficulty exiting from their own road. The link road may never be complete and then we would be left with 220 houses, a superstore and not much else”.

She added, that the supermarket seemed to “go against the town centre first policy”.

Macclesfield Central ward councillor Janet Jackson welcomed the playing fields but was concerned about the impact of the supermarket on the town centre and on traffic.