Penningtons Lane, Macclesfield
Welcome
Welcome to Richborough Residential’s public consultation on the draft proposals for residential development of up to 250 dwellings at Penningtons Lane, Macclesfield.
Feedback from the local community and key stakeholders is important to Richborough and all comments will be carefully considered as we develop and shape our proposals.
Once we have considered the feedback from this consultation, Richborough’s intention is to submit an Outline planning application for residential development with access off Penningtons Lane to Cheshire East Council. Details on the layout, landscaping, scale and appearance of the proposal will be submitted to the Council for consideration at a later stage.
We would be grateful if you could take the time to review the information on this webpage and let us know your views.
Note that this consultation exercise is in addition to the Statutory Consultation the Council will undertake following the submission of any formal planning application.
Site Context ⭢
The Site extends to approximately 10.8 hectares and comprises a number of irregularly shaped vacant agricultural fields, occasionally used for grazing.
Vehicular access to the site would be taken from Penningtons Lane to the east.
There are solid hedgerows and good vegetation cover at the southern and western boundaries; existing residential development lies along part of the northern and eastern boundaries; and to the west the land adjoins Big Bailey Riddings Farm, beyond which lies open countryside.
Emerging Proposals
Richborough is proposing a residential-led development, which will assist the Council in meeting its need to deliver sufficient homes to meet identified demand.
The proposals will include:
Up to 250 dwellings at Penningtons Lane, Macclesfield. Macclesfield is classified by the Council as a 'Principal Town' and is therefore a focus for future growth in the Borough.
Housing in a sustainable and accessible location within walking distance of local services and facilities, well related to the existing settlement and ensuring efficient use of land.
The retention of existing trees and hedgerows on the site; water meadows and ponds providing sustainable drainage; and extensive landscaping, planting and public open space within the site.
Substantial areas of public open space and structural planting, particularly to the west and south-west, forming a landscape buffer and a soft edge to the adjoining countryside.
Housing to reflect the local character and vernacular of the surrounding area.
Vehicular access off Penningtons Lane to the east.
Pedestrian and cycle access through the site, linking to existing routes and improving connectivity to the surrounding area.
A minimum of 30% affordable housing; for sale or rent at reduced values.
Large areas of Public Open Space, including equipped children's play, with a larger play space towards the north-west.
Enhanced pedestrian connectivity.
A net increase in Biodiversity of at least 10% when compared with the current ecological value of the site.
Peat
Ground surveys undertaken at the Site have identified small, isolated pockets of peat deposits to be present within the Site. Peat deposits are partially decayed plant materials that have been built up in very wet ground over thousands of years.
Natural England regards peat as a highly valuable and sensitive environmental resource due to its importance for carbon storage, biodiversity and water management.
A Hydrological Impact Assessment has been undertaken to determine whether any hydrological connectivity exists between the localised peat deposits identified within the Site and the more extensive peat bodies associated with Danes Moss. The assessment concluded that there is no direct hydrological connection between the Site peat deposits and these adjacent peatland systems. Accordingly, the proposed development is not anticipated to adversely affect the hydrological regime, function or condition of the surrounding peatland habitats.
In consultation with peat specialists, the development proposals have been designed to retain and protect the identified peat deposits by designating these areas as green habitat space. This approach will preserve the peat in its current condition, avoiding disturbance and maintaining its ecological and carbon storage functions. As such, the proposed development is not anticipated to result in adverse effects on the peat resource, the Site, or the surrounding environment.
Have your say
To provide your feedback on the proposals, you are welcome to complete the consultation questionnaire below or you can submit comments via:
Completing
The online feedback form
Emailing us at
penningtonslane@asteerplanning.com
You can also write to us at: Penningtons Lane, Asteer Planning, 55 Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3HQ
Please provide your comments by the 21st September 2026.
Next Steps
Thank you for your time in participating in this community consultation. Your feedback is important to Richborough and all comments received will be taken into consideration.
As part of the outline planning application, a Statement of Community Involvement will be prepared, which will detail the feedback received and how it has been considered.
Richborough is aiming to submit a planning application to Cheshire East Council later this year.
Once the application is registered by Cheshire East Council, there will be further opportunity to comment on the final proposals through the Council’s own formal consultation process.