Cheshire East approves new planning power to develop brownfield sites

Cheshire East Council has approved a new planning power for two main areas in Macclesfield that will see brownfield sites become residential and commercial areas.

The ‘local development order’ (LDO), which was agreed at a meeting of the cabinet last week, covers the areas known as North Side and Whalley Hayes.

The decision to accept it means the LDO will effectively grant planning consent for a combination of residential and commercial development – provided it meets the terms of the order.

The order promotes additional housing close by the town centre and the re-use of brownfield land and follows an extensive period of preparation and engagement.

Cllr Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration, said: “This local development order represents an innovative and proactive use of the council’s planning powers.

“These areas of Macclesfield have been under-developed and under-used for many years and this decision means we can bring the area back into use.

“The use of brownfield sites supports our overall strategy of regenerating Macclesfield by promoting new homes on under-utilised land.”

The Macclesfield LDO will begin today (February 13) and will be in place for the next five years.