Major development plan goes before planners

Plans to develop 135 acres to the south of Macclesfield look set to be approved  by Cheshire East’s strategic planning board.

The project, proposed by the council’s development company Engine of the North and landowner TG, includes 950 homes, a primary school, 40,000 sq ft of neighbourhood retail, 5,,380 sq ft of offices and 100,000 sq ft of warehousing.

Outline consent is being ought for two areas: the main body being a tract of land around Star Lane, to the south of Macclesfield Town FC and north of Lyme Green Business Park (owned by Orbit Developments).

The main site lies between Congleton Road and the Macclesfield to London railway line.

Other elements of the plan relate to highway improvements around the London Road and Moss Lane junction.

The application includes a £19.5m link road between Congleton Road and London Road – partially using Moss Lane.

The main development area is mostly taken up by scrub, demolition of some existing structures including a reclamation yard – and their relocation will be required.

The application accounts for the bulk of development within the South Macclesfield Development Area, which forms a key part of Cheshire East’s Local Plan.

In time, this could include the relocation of the football club and the development of a 50,000 sq ft supermarket, a further 12,000 sq ft of employment space and more retail and leisure space.

The application was submitted by PJ Planning. Consultants on the scheme also include WYG and PSD Agronomy.