Cheshire East gives nod of approval to updated Alderley Park plans

The cabinet of Cheshire East Council has given its approval to a revised plan to develop the Alderley Park area into a hub for life science businesses.

The main changes to the Alderley Park Development Framework came about after a six-week public consultation period, during which residents expressed mixed views over new housing. The alterations to the plans include a greater emphasis being placed on the historic parkland setting and the quality of the designs.

Some residents were likewise concerned over the impact the development would have on the area’s nature, heritage and local services like highways

The plans were set in motion following the withdrawal of AstraZeneca, the 400-acre site’s previous owner, and its acquisition by a consortium headed by Manchester Science Partnerships in 2014. Cheshire East Council has taken a 10% stake in the site.

The council’s deputy leader, Councillor David Brown, said of AstraZeneca’s withdrawal: “It seemed like a disaster but now the situation has been successfully turned around.”

He added: “There are 121 different companies there, £1.1m from the Regional Growth Fund is being invested and Bruntwood and Manchester Science Partnerships are looking at investing £30m to develop 7,500 jobs.”

Speaking to the cabinet, Councillor Les Gilbert said: “There is a need for a hotel on the site to support the international standard conference centre. I hope the hotel industry will see the potential and come and talk to us about it.”

As part of the changes, the mereside car park will no longer be considered suitable for housing due to expired planning permission. Additionally, the area to the south of the main cricket pitch, adjacent to Congleton Road, will likewise no longer be considered for housing.