Work to begin on Cheshire East Local Plan

Work is set to formally commence this month on Cheshire East's new Local Plan, providing a blueprint for the borough's growth into the 2040s.

The Local Plan will determine where new homes, jobs, and infrastructure are built, safeguard green spaces and heritage, address climate challenges, and foster healthier environments.

Influencing transport links, town centre regeneration, affordable housing, and business opportunities, the Local Plan plays a critical role in improving quality of life, health, and wellbeing.

From July, a ‘scoping consultation’ will gather views on Cheshire East’s future vision, proposed policy development approach, the emerging evidence base, and engagement strategies with residents and stakeholders.

Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, emphasised the importance of having a robust plan, saying, “Without a strong, up-to-date plan, homes and development can happen in the wrong places and without the schools, roads, health services and other facilities that our communities need and rely on.”

The plan is anticipated to be finished and adopted by early 2029. The scoping consultation will be the first in a series of required consultations during the plan's evolution.

Cllr Gorman added: “While the council awaited information from the Government about changes to the way local plans must now be prepared, as part of its reforms to the planning system, our strategic planning team has carried out significant preparatory work so that we could hit the ground running.

“There will be ample opportunity for local communities to have their say, and I encourage everyone to take part. What we decide through the Local Plan will affect how Cheshire East looks for many years to come – so your views really do matter.”

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