Campaigners fight to stop 225 homes being built on Longridge nature reserve

Residents say the land in Longridge has become a re-wilded meadow after not being farmed for 50 years and is now home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, birds and insects.

Emery Planning, on behalf of Dewscope Ltd, is seeking permission to build a mix of two to five bedroom properties, including 67 affordable homes.

The company, owned by the Horrocks family, plans to sell the site between Booth Mere and Birkin Brook to a developer if outline planning permission is granted.

The proposed site in Longridge was removed from the Green Belt in 2017 as part of the Cheshire East Local Plan.

The proposed development site at Longridge

Residents from Knutsford Over ward have formed an action group, Save Longridge Greenbelt and have collected 600 signatures protesting about the plans.

A demonstration was mounted when draft proposals were published in 2019.

Campaigner John Finnan said: “We are totally against this development. This land has not been been farmed for decades and has returned to nature.

“It is surrounded by three ancient woodlands and two of the oldest monuments in Knutsford.

“Three generations of families have been able to use it as a recreation space. It is a magical place that changes with the seasons.

“So many people walk there it is very important for our mental health and wellbeing.

“I want it kept as a wildlife nature reserve.

“If people in town can have the heath and the moor, why can’t we have these re-wilded fields at Longridge.”

Wildlife specialist Jay Knight said: “I am a conservation biologist and wildlife guide and there is a lot to be lost if this goes ahead.

“This land has rewilded into a stunning nature reserve with over 70 species of bird, including protected species as well as tawny owls,foxes, badgers, hedgehogs and a whole host of butterflies and insects.

“It is a real diverse habitat with meadows and ponds.

Campaigners say the proposed development site has now re-wilded into a nature reserve

“The land also includes ancient woodland, flower meadows and a vitally important wetland for newts and wintering birds.

“If you remove one stepping stone from the countryside it is a massive loss.”

Many residents have lodged objections saying they enjoy walking in the open space with their children and appreciate all the wildlife.

One family with three disabled children regularly fly kites in the meadow.

Adam Keppel-Green, town clerk of Knutsford Town Council, said: “This is an important application and the final strategic development site from the Local Plan to come forward for outline permission.

“Councillors are currently reviewing the detail of the application and the council will formally determine its view at the July 14 planning meeting.

“We encourage residents to submit their own views to Cheshire East Council and welcome them attending the virtual meeting where time will be allocated for public speaking.”

Cheshire East Council has decided to sell the adjoining playing field they own to provide access as the site had been landlocked due to a complex covenant.

When Manchester City Council sold the land a covenant was put in place barring access to vehicles and utilities.

In a report, Emery Planning, on behalf of Dewscope, states :“The development of the site would result in a number of benefits - an increase in footfall and business for the existing retail units and public house adjacent to the site and securing the effective management of a site which has previously been trespassed and used for anti-social behaviour such as off-road motorbiking.”

The company has pledged major investment including a new community building and contributions towards sports and health facilities, education and allotments.

The proposed development would be screened by the retained woodland belt.

A report says: “It is considered that the new housing may be glimpsed through the trees but this visual impact will be reduced by the housing being set behind the retained permitter of trees.

“The eastern end of the Longridge site adjacent to the Birkin Brook is to remain undeveloped and used as open space with woodland areas retained.

“This will have a positive effect on the setting of the park as views to the north east of the site will retain their openness and rural character.”

The proposals are open for consultation until July 22.