Massive housing development for Danes Moss

Danes Moss, off Congleton Road in Macclesfield, is under threat from a massive housing and retail development – and some critics say “it stinks”.

In an effort to halt the development a change.org petition has been launched at https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-destruction-of-danes-moss-peatland-for-housing-and-retail-development.

One of the critics, Ian Coppack, says “the development is on peatland, and will completely contradict Government’s policy to protect peat to tackle climate change – promoted by Michael Gove when he was environment minister.

“It’s key to Britain’s commitment made at the international climate summit COP26.”Peatlands are massively important for absorbing carbon dioxide – twice as effective as a rainforest.

“They are also really wildlife rich. Danes Moss is packed with rare birds, animals and plants. The 960 new houses, retail sheds and link road proposed could dry out and kill off the nationally important Danes Moss SSSI nature reserve. https://www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves/danes-moss

“It’s madness. Just above in the Peak District the government is trying to restore damaged peatlands!

“This act of wanton destruction is being promoted by Cheshire East Council – which says its committed to making the area carbon neutral! It’s rank hypocrisy.

“It’s all about big profit now for big financial interests – with funders behind the project registered overseas. But it’s all at the expense of nature, the needs of local people and the stability of the world’s climate.

“We are calling on Cheshire East Councillors and the Government (Michael Gove) to call a halt to this tide of destruction. There’s no point meeting housebuilding targets now by destroying our most vital resources in the battle to protect future generations.

“The plans have already been given outline planning permission and are in the Local Plan. But that doesn’t mean we should bury our vital and more systemic commitments to the future of our planet.

“It makes absolutely no sense to smother this much loved and wildlife rich place in a concrete coffin. If old planning laws undermine our commitments to future generations then Government must over-ride those archaic planning systems. We have to adapt our legislation to meet the challenges of the future.”

We’re advised the development will go before Macclesfield Town Council planning committee for discussion on Friday 4th February. Anyone wishing to speak must advise the clerk but members of the public are free to attend and listen to the debate.

For details of the planning application log into the Cheshire East Planning portal http://planning.cheshireeast.gov.uk and search for planning applications 22/00054M, 21/6421/M, 21/6422M and 21/6427M – or “Congleton Road, Macclesfield”.