Petition to Remove Site from Local Plan Reaches Parliament

Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee presented a petition in the House of Commons calling for the removal of Site Allocation AB2 from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's Local Plan.

The petition, signed by local residents and supported by more than 800 signatures online, raises concerns about proposals to release Green Belt land to the south east of Junction 16 of the M6 for development – arguing that the plans would have a significant impact on the character of Audley Parish, increase traffic pressures on local roads, and harm the local environment.

Adam has been working closely with local residents campaigning against the plans and has repeatedly raised concerns about the site through the Local Plan process.

The petition calls on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to remove Site Allocation AB2 from the Local Plan.

Reading the petition in the House of Commons, Adam Jogee said:

"The petition of residents of the constituency of Newcastle-under-Lyme declares that the land to the southeast of Junction 16 of the M6 should not be released from its green belt status for development, as this would have a significantly detrimental impact on the residents of Audley.

Further declares that the proposed employment site represents a loss of 6% of the parish's green belt, which would devastate the rural character of this wonderful area and its conservation area.

Further declares that the proposed development would likely favour commuters over local people, increasing pressure on the A500 M6 roundabout and disrupting nearby rural lanes used by local people.

Further declares the development is expected to cause poor air quality, noise, litter, 24-hour illumination, and loss of habitat, whilst at the same time severely impacting the views across the Cheshire Plains and North Staffordshire.

And further declares, as the local planning authority tasked with producing the local plan, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has a responsibility, Madam Deputy Speaker, to listen to the overwhelming concerns of our people and ensure that the long-term protection of the green belt by removing site allocation AB2. 

I should also like to draw to the House’s attention the declaration of interest from the new council Leader at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council at the cabinet meeting yesterday. The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the government to encourage Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to remove site allocation AB2 from its local plan and not to permit the release of green belt land for this development. And the petitioners remain, etc.”