Cllr Lesley Smetham (Con: Gawsworth Ward) offers important reflections on the current Cheshire East Local Plan and proposed Labour Government impositions on future planning proposals for Cheshire East Council.
“I have been a Councillor for many years, (as many people know!) Most things I let roll-over and eventually “find their level”. But the latest Government's sudden interference in the planning process has left me almost speechless.
“The Cheshire East Local Plan was a long time in renewal, taking several years, with experts, officers and Councillors who spent much time to analyse our areas and their needs.
“There were a lot of papers to read and map reading to undertake. Eventually, after a great deal of public consultation, a good Local Plan was finally approved to last until 2030, by everyone involved, including government planning inspectors.
“Since then, the Cheshire East Planning Department and Planning Committees have been gradually reviewing developers’ proposals and approving those applications for more homes - and all things necessary to provide suitable, sustainable and well-planned sites for the needs of our areas.
“Our excellent planners have worked with developers and then councillors, to ensure that whilst development is not always welcomed by those living close to new development areas, the resulting outcome is generally suitable and what is needed locally.
“The Cheshire East Plan, revised to account for more knowledge that has now emerged, (regarding peat and its depth), was good until 2030.
“This plan has now been thrown out of the window, to allow for speculative development to come forward, rather than to provide what is needed in a well-thought-out and planned fashion.
“Government proposes a series of uncontrolled “guess-work” sites for homes and their locations with none of the proper planning considerations, that are usually undertaken, with much analysis, in an organised fashion, by planning experts who know their areas, know what is required and necessary for local people.
“I despair!”
Cllr Lesley Smetham (Conservative)
Gawsworth Ward
[Source: First published in the Macclesfield Express, 29.10.2025)
