Congleton link road inquiry begins tomorrow

A public inquiry into the £90m Congleton Link Road is to begin tomorrow, 16 May, at Congleton Town Hall before planning inspector Stephen Roscoe.

Cheshire East Council, which proposes to construct a 5.5km highway, is seeking to acquire land and carry out various highway works to deliver the project.

The link road will link the A534 Sandbach Road west of Congleton to the A536 Macclesfield Road north of the town, alleviating congestion in the town centre.

According to an economic impact assessment published in March this year, outlining the business case, the road is to have roundabouts at the AM54 Holmes Chapel Road and A34 Congleton Road, along with two further roundabouts to open up further development sites.

The report adds that jobs – up to 3,000 by 2035 – are likely to be created at the Back Lane and Radnor sites, while Congleton Business Park could also be extended.

An important developer in the area is Ainscough Strategic Land, which in March obtained consent for its Somerford Green scheme, comprising 275 homes and 15.5 acres of employment land.

The firm has submitted a letter to the inquiry stating support for the link road’s preferred route, and warning of its concerns if a mooted alternative route is used.

The inquiry is expected to close on 24 May, and will hear representations from remaining objectors, statutory objectors and any other persons with an interest in land subject to compulsory purchase orders.

Individuals that have not registered an interest may be heard at the discretion of the inspector.