Congleton link road gets green light from planners

The £90m Congleton link road has been given the green light by planners.

Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet has already approved, in principle, a recommendation to underwrite a proportion of the estimated cost of the 5.7km route, which is set to unlock delivery of new homes and jobs in the town.

With half the cost coming from central government and a target of £23m from developers, the Council will be left to meet a shortfall of up to £22m.

The link road is seen as a major economic driver for the town, with the potential to create 3,400 jobs as well as attract new businesses.

The route runs to the north of the town, south of Eaton. It will link the A534 Sandbach Road, near its junction with Sandy Lane, to the A536 Macclesfield Road, near its junction with Moss Lane and provide a new village crossing at the river Dane.

It will create the potential for improved road connections to both Congleton Business Park and Radnor Park Trading Estate.

It will also significantly boost connectivity to other major towns and the motorway network, while improving the quality of life for Congleton residents through reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality.

Councillor David Brown, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “I am pleased that both Cabinet and the strategic planning board have reached these decisions.

“This is the biggest road infrastructure scheme undertaken by this Council and I know it will be of enormous relief to many people in Congleton to know that it is proceeding.

“The link road will relieve traffic congestion in Congleton and, as a result, will boost the local economy by opening up new sites for development and create new opportunities for businesses and workers.”

The scheme will now be referred to the Secretary of State for communities and local government for a final decision on the planning application.

This will allow the Council to take the next steps of land acquisition and the appointment of a contractor for the scheme.