DAVID RUTLEY MP'S VISIT TO THE LAND EAST OF FENCE AVENUE.

Residents angered by the proposed loss of precious Green Belt to the east of Fence Avenue were pleased to accompany MP David Rutley on a recent tour of this beautiful rolling countryside. The walk included a pleasant stroll along the canal from Buxton Road towards the bridge at Higher Fence Road. 

This is an Area of Special County Value for Landscape and the views across the canal did not disappoint.  There was very little spring sunshine but the wildlife was much in evidence:  mallards cruised by in the canal waters, sheep bleated and lambs gamboled in the fields and there was even a fly-past by a pair of Canada Geese. It was easy to believe we were in the heart of the Peak District. The dog walkers and joggers we encountered looked surprised to meet their local MP, still in his business suit, on the canal towpath. But this is a man who likes to know what is of concern to his constituents.

What residents cannot understand is why such a site should be chosen as a preferred option for housing development: it is sandwiched between two Conservation Areas, and is, as already mentioned (it bears repeating), an Area of Special County Value for Landscape. Nothing has changed since this status was conferred. Peter Yates, ex-chief Planning Officer of Macclesfield Borough Council, has identified sufficient Brownfield sites to eliminate the need to roll back the Green Belt and according to doorstep pronouncements in Hurdsfield by Michael Jones, he appears to agree.

All this land is Green Belt, owned in the main by the King’s School. Their wish is for CEC to remove it from its protected status so they can sell it to a housing developer; the considerable proceeds would then be used to build a new school and playing fields on another Green Belt site in southwest Macclesfield. 

David Rutley MP said, “I was pleased to have the opportunity to learn more about the views of local residents concerning the Fence Avenue site.  Strong concerns were expressed about the proposed option for development on Green Belt land on this site.  Having seen the site, it is also apparent that the topography is not the easiest for large scale house building away from the existing school site.  I have registered these concerns with the Leader of Cheshire East Council and will continue to follow up on these issues in the months ahead."

EILEEN FURR