Cheshire East Council has launched a consultation asking for views on a proposed vision for the local transport network which will form the basis of a new Local Transport Plan.
The plan will set out the authority's framework for future transport investment to grow the economy, improve the wellbeing of our community, reduce environmental impacts and improve connections for all.
Plans have been developed for the two principal towns (Crewe and Macclesfield) and 9 key service centres (Alsager, Congleton, Handforth, Middlewich, Nantwich Knutsford, Poynton, Sandbach, Wilmslow).
The Wilmslow Local Transport Development Plan also covers the surrounding area, including: Alderley Edge, Nether Alderley, Mottram St Andrew and Styal with a separate plan for Handforth.
It includes a set of five local transport objectives with 64 identified and assessed schemes designed to support the development and vitality of Wilmslow over the life of the current Local Transport Plan.
The local transport objectives for Wilmslow are:
- Improving access to Wilmslow and Alderley Edge centres to support a thriving economy;
- Supporting access from Alderley Edge and rural communities to key services and employment;
- Improve transport connections along key corridors to and from Handforth, Manchester Airport, Macclesfield, Knutsford, and Greater Manchester, including access to key services such as Macclesfield District Hospital;
- Supporting access to education and employment sites including Alderley Park, Waters, the Royal London Campus, and Manchester Airport
- Strengthening the transport network to accommodate development sites such as the Royal London Campus in the Local Plan.
A set of five local transport objectives for Handforth have been developed along with 39 individual transport schemes.
The local transport objectives for Handforth are:
- Strengthening the transport network to accommodate the Handforth Garden Village and other development sites included within the Local Plan;
- Improve transport connections along key corridors to and from Wilmslow, Macclesfield and wider Cheshire East and Greater Manchester, including access to key services such as hospitals;
- Improving access to Handforth to protect and enhance the village centre;
- Supporting access to education and employment sites including Wilmslow High School, Manchester Airport, Stanley Green Business Park and Handforth Dean
- Supporting access from Styal and other rural communities to key services and employment.
Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council's highways and transport committee, said: "Transport and travel play a crucial role in our everyday lives. We need to plan a transport network that is fit for the future – one that connects to jobs, education, healthcare, and leisure facilities, while supporting a healthier and more sustainable environment.
"Our current plan was adopted in 2019 and since then, there has been considerable change in transport movements and how we all travel. Now is the right time to update our plan to ensure that the council maintains a policy framework that is robust and relevant to the needs of Cheshire East.
"We have developed a vision and a set of aims and priorities, but we really want to know what you think. Getting an early insight from residents now will help us refine our vision and create a transport strategy that reflects local needs and aspirations.
The consultation runs for eight weeks, closing on Monday 21 April.
Feedback on the draft consultation can be at provided https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/media_hub/media_releases/council-launches-consultation-on-local-transport-plan.aspx
