MP meets Danes Moss developer

Macclesfield MP David Rutley recently met representatives from Barratt Developments on site at Danes Moss, to discuss the South Macclesfield Development Area.

As Barratt owns a section of the site, which has outline planning permission for 950 homes, the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the impact the development would have on this designated Local Wildlife site and vital peatland. 

David met with Helen Lewis, Barratt’s Regional Operations Director and Helen Nyul Barratt’s Group Head of Diversity. During the meeting, discussions were had on a range of issues, such as the status of the environmental studies which have been carried out by Barratt over recent months, looking at both the peatland and the biodiversity of the site.  David was told that this work is still ongoing, and the results of these studies are expected in the coming months. 

The meeting also provided the opportunity for David to express his and local residents’ strong opposition to the proposed development at Danes Moss and the need for peatland restoration to be a priority. However, David welcomed Barratt’s willingness to engage with the local community and with local campaign groups, such as Save Danes Moss and the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. 

Helen Lewis, Barratt Developments Regional Operations Director said “It was good to meet Mr Rutley and explain in detail the work we have been undertaking at Danes Moss, we will be making the results of this work public in the coming months. While the principal of development on the site has been set by the outline planning permission, we recognise the concerns of local residents and as the UK’s leading sustainable housebuilder with a longstanding commitment to biodiversity including through our decade long partnership with the RSPB, we are keen to continue to work and consult with the community, as we set out any proposals for the site.” 

Speaking after the meeting, David said “I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with senior representatives from Barratt Developments at Danes Moss. This site is a much-valued community asset and is home to important peatland, which needs to be protected as a priority. It was important to learn that Barratt’s is continuing its environmental studies and will continue to actively consult with the community. I continue to strongly oppose development on this peatland, like many local residents, and it is vital that their views are listened to and taken into account.”