RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on the future of open space in Knutsford.

The two parcels of land at Longridge could create access to housing development, and Cheshire East Council has undertaken a statutory process to advertise the proposal.

Part of the land is subject to a covenant restricting the use of the land.

The ‘Green’ land is 0.9 acres, consisting of a thin strip of overgrown land running parallel to Longridge.

The ‘Blue’ land is 6.6 acres of land, consisting of grassland and hedges.

It is proposed that only a small piece of this ‘Blue’ land would be disposed of.

Land adjacent to the ‘Green’ and ‘Blue’ land has been allocated for new housing under the Local Plan adopted in 2017.

A council spokesman said: “Should the disposal proceed it would facilitate access to a potential development site earmarked for housing, subject to planning.

“Due consideration will be given to all representations made in response to the advertised intention to dispose of both parcels of land.

“These have been collated and a full report prepared for consideration by the relevant portfolio holder. In addition, further work has been undertaken in respect of the covenant.

“In the event that a housing scheme goes ahead on neighbouring land, any public open space lost as a result of disposal for access to the development site would be replaced within the development site.

“Cheshire East Council is undertaking a further period of public engagement to allow residents to comment on the recommended decision outlined in the portfolio holder’s report.”

The period for comments runs for 28 days from July 17. This will enable the community to comment on the recommended decision, and the council will consider all responses received.

Knutsford Residents in Over Ward is considering the report.

All documents relating to the proposal can be found on the council’s website via the link - moderngov.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ecminutes/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=48369&Opt=0

Further comments on the plans can be emailed to the council at proposeddisposalofpublicopenspace@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Alternatively people can write to the decision-maker, Councillor Ainsley Arnold, portfolio holder for housing, planning and regeneration, at Cheshire East Council, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach.