After a decade-long fight, Danes Moss North could finally have the shadow of development lifted from it next week. The Council is expected to conclude that the link road, which would carve through the site, will no longer proceed and that the Council’s existing planning applications should be withdrawn.
The 55ha development site was set to destroy valuable habitats, including peatland and wildflower grassland. Not only are lowland peatlands irreplaceable habitats but the vast quantities of deep peat on the site act as a vital carbon sink.
The site is also a refuge for species which have seen dramatic declines nationally, like the common lizard, the small heath butterfly and the endangered willow tit, the UK’s most threatened species of bird. If the scheme proceeded the extensive habitat destruction could have resulted in the willow tit becoming locally extinct.
Many interventions have been made to stop the development since proposals first came forward. In 2017, Cheshire Wildlife Trust presented evidence to councillors of the site’s importance and branded it as one of the most environmentally damaging schemes in Cheshire.
In 2021, a surge in community support saw the formation of the Save Danes Moss campaign group. Their movement has seen rallies, events and placards become a common sight all over the Macclesfield area.
In 2022, the site was recognised as a Local Wildlife Site following the collection of many environmental sightings and records. And, in 2023, a 6,000-strong petition was jointly presented to Cheshire East Council by Cheshire Wildlife Trust and Save Danes Moss. Both parties made impassioned pleas for councillors to reconsider the development and safeguard the land for nature.
On news of the Council’s anticipated decision, Dr Rachel Giles from Cheshire Wildlife Trust commented:
“We've been objecting the South Macclesfield Development Area for over ten years now, so it’s fantastic that the Council have recommended that it should be scrapped. Such a recommendation is a triumph for common sense and for the local people who have campaigned for so long to have the proposals scrapped. Even more importantly, it is a step towards securing the future of this incredibly important site and the rare wildlife that depends upon it.”
“Wildlife in this country is at greater risk today than ever before, with pressures mounting to sideline environmental concerns in favour of economic development. This recommendation has demonstrated that local opinion really matters and environmental issues can’t be ignored. It is encouraging that Cheshire East Council is willing to listen and do the right thing despite being faced with enormous pressures to develop the site.”
James Melling from Cheshire Wildlife Trust added:
“Today’s decision is also a testament to the determination and hard work of Save Danes Moss campaigners. They have been a force of inspiration and people around the country could learn a lot from what they’ve done here. It’s one thing to object to a development but it is another to inspire a community and foster such love and appreciation for local wildlife.”
“Now more than ever, we need more grassroots movement groups, like Save Danes Moss, to fight nature’s corner. The Government is breaking its promise to put nature at the heart of housebuilding and are trying to introduce new planning laws that would make it easier to destroy fantastic wild spaces like Danes Moss. If they go ahead, we could see so many more rare habitats and species come under threat. I hope we can use the learnings of this well-fought campaign to help people all over the country stand up for nature.”
You can support The Wildlife Trust campaign against the Government’s planning reforms by contacting your local MP here.