Handforth - Appropriation of Open Space Land

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPROPRIATE

OPEN SPACE LAND Section 122 Local Government Act 1972

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Cheshire East Borough Council intends to appropriate land in accordance with section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972. Appropriation is the process by which the Council formally changes the statutory purpose for which land is held, where it is satisfied that the land is no longer required for its existing purpose, so that it may be used for another lawful purpose.

Description of the Land

The land comprises approximately 120 hectares of open farmland and recreational land at Garden Village, Handforth as shown edged red on the plan available for inspection (the "Land").

The Land has been assembled over time by predecessor authorities and is currently used for agricultural (grazing), informal recreation and leisure purposes. The Land is open space.

Proposed Appropriation

The Council considers that the Land is no longer required for the purposes for which it is currently held. The Council therefore proposes to appropriate the Land for planning purposes to facilitate the development of a new garden village, comprising housing (including affordable housing), employment and community uses, a school, and areas of public open space and green infrastructure.

Inspection of Documents

A plan identifying the Land and a Statement of Reasons may be inspected:

• At: Handforth Library, The Green, Wilmslow Road, Handforth, SK9 3ES and Wilmslow Library, South Drive, Wilmslow, SK9 1NW during normal opening hours;
• Online  at: http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/public_notices/open-space-disposal/open_space_disposal.aspx from 18 June 2026 until the end of the representation period, 10th July 2026.

Representations/Objections

Any person wishing to object to the proposed appropriation should do so in writing, stating the grounds of objection, to: Head of Legal Services at Cheshire East Borough Council, Legal Services, c/o Delamere House, Delamere Street, Crewe, CW1 2LL

Or to proposeddisposalofpublic.openspace@cheshireeast.gov.uk  will also be accepted, no later than 10th July 2026.

Dated: 9th June 2026

Hilary Irving, Interim Head of Legal Services (Place)