1 Scoping consultation introduction

1.1    This document sets out our approach to the scoping consultation for the preparation of the new Cheshire East Local Plan, being prepared under the new plan‑making system established by the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026.

1.2    This is the first formal stage of engagement in the preparation of the new local plan and is undertaken in accordance with Regulation 20 of the of the 2026 Regulations.

Purpose of the scoping consultation

1.3    The scoping consultation provides an opportunity for meaningful early engagement in the process of preparing a new local plan for Cheshire East, by seeking views from residents and stakeholders as to what the plan should contain and how future engagement should be carried out.

1.4    We want your views on the key issues that will shape Cheshire East. This includes your views on our current local plan and matters to consider for the vision and strategic priorities. 

1.5    We’re also asking for your thoughts on the challenges of planning for more homes, how we create well-designed, healthy communities; the infrastructure needed to support growth, how we can protect and enhance our built and natural environments, support jobs and the economy and how we can tackle climate change within the planning system. Your thoughts on these questions will help us confirm the scope and develop options for the content of the new local plan.

1.6    We previously consulted in 2024 on the issues that a new local plan should address. The responses to this previous consultation can still be considered as we start to prepare the new plan but given the significant changes to national planning policy the issues may have changed since 2024. 

1.7    Please note: We are not inviting the submission of sites as part of this scoping consultation. There will be further opportunities to submit sites for consideration for allocation to meet development needs as the plan progresses.

Consultation documents

1.8    We are consulting on issues that may, or could, be relevant to preparing the local plan and on how the council should engage with stakeholders on these. This document contains two key sections which we are seeking views on:

  • Section 1: ‘Scoping consultation’ (Chapters 2-5). This section of the document sets out information on the proposed scope of the new local plan, including the plan period, drafting a vision and objectives, considerations for the spatial distribution of development, policy themes, sustainability appraisal and the scope of the evidence base.
  • Section 2 ‘Proposed Engagement Strategy’ (Chapter 6). This section sets out how and when we propose to engage with different stakeholders throughout the production of the new plan.

1.9    In addition to this online consultation document, printed copies are also available for viewing at the council’s principal offices during normal office hours (9am-5pm Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays):

How to respond

1.10    The scoping consultation runs from Tuesday 21st July 2026 to 5pm on Tuesday 1st September 2026.

1.11    You can respond:

  • Online, using this consultation site (click on any of the blue 'Comment' buttons to submit your views)
  • By email: localplan@cheshireeast.gov.uk
  • By letter: Cheshire East Council (Strategic Planning Team), Delamere House, Delamere Street, Crewe CW1 2LL.

1.12    Responding online will capture the required information and will enable your response to be processed and considered efficiently. If responding by email or letter, please clearly identify the issue you are commenting on, explain why you think it is important and, where possible, suggest how the local plan should address the issue.