Cheshire East Local Plan ‘scoping consultation’ launches

21 July 2026

Residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to help shape the future of Cheshire East as the council launches a consultation on its new Local Plan.

The new Local Plan will guide planning decisions across the borough, shaping how Cheshire East grows and develops into the 2040s.

It’s an investment framework that will set out how and where new homes, jobs and infrastructure are delivered, while helping to protect the borough’s countryside, green spaces and heritage.

A ‘scoping consultation’, which launched today (21 July), marks the first key stage in preparing the new Local Plan since work officially got underway last month. It gives people the opportunity to share their views on the key issues, challenges and opportunities that should shape the plan.

The council is seeking feedback on a range of topics, including housing, employment, transport, community infrastructure, climate change, the natural environment, heritage, health and wellbeing.

People are also invited to comment on the vision and priorities for the new plan, and how they would like to be involved in future consultation and engagement activities.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for planning, housing and regeneration, said: “Cheshire East is a great place to live, work and visit, and it is important that we plan carefully for the future.

“The new Local Plan will influence where new homes and jobs are located and how we respond to challenges such as climate change, and ensure new development is supported by the right infrastructure and services our communities need, like schools, roads and health facilities.

“The decisions we make now will have a lasting impact on future generations, which is why it is so important that local people have their say from the very beginning of the process.

“Whether you are a resident, business owner, community organisation or another stakeholder interested in the future of our borough, I would encourage you to get involved and help us create a plan that reflects the needs and ambitions of Cheshire East."

The council previously consulted in 2024 on issues a new Local Plan should address. Responses from that consultation will continue to inform the process. However, significant changes to national planning policy mean it is important to gather fresh views as work begins on the new Local Plan.

The current consultation is focused on the scope of the new Local Plan and is not inviting the submission of sites for development. There will be future opportunities for sites to be submitted and considered as the plan progresses.

The consultation runs until 5pm on Tuesday 1 September 2026.

The consultation can be responded to online, via email, or by writing to: Cheshire East Council (Strategic Planning Team), Delamere House, Delamere Street, Crewe, CW1 2LL.