Call for sites FAQs

Why is a call for sites undertaken?

We are preparing a new local plan for Cheshire East and a call for sites is often undertaken at several points during the plan making process. Decisions about which sites will or will not be taken forward will be made as part of the new local plan. It is likely that more sites could be submitted than are needed.

Any sites that are proposed for inclusion in the new local plan will be subject to public consultation at key stages of the plan-making process. This can take several years and involves independent examination by a Planning Inspector.

Does the submission of a site give it any additional status in terms of planning application decision making?

No, the call for sites process is entirely separate to the planning application process. The submission of a site to the council does not necessarily mean that it will be brought forward via a planning application or approved.

What call for sites exercises have been carried out so far?

We have carried out two call for sites exercises so far, the first ran between April and July 2024 and the second; between February and March 2026.

Can I submit a site now?

We are not inviting site submissions as part of the current scoping consultation but there will be further opportunities to submit sites as the new local plan progresses, most likely at the plan content and evidence stage. If you wish to be notified when the call for sites window re-opens, please register to receive email notifications.

Can I see what sites have been submitted so far?

Yes, we have published basic information about the broad extent of the housing and employment sites submitted on the call for sites map. Please note: the map currently shows only the sites submitted in 2024. We will add the sites submitted in 2026 once we have finished cataloguing and mapping them.

All housing and employment sites submitted via the call for sites process will be assessed for their suitability, availability and achievability for development in line with published national planning guidance and this information will be made available in due course as the local plan progresses.

The site submissions map shows that a site boundary crosses into my land. What can I do?

Boundaries are based on submitted information and may contain some inaccuracies at this stage. Final boundaries will be confirmed if a site progresses.

Are the submitted uses on the site submissions map fixed?

No. Uses shown reflect what was submitted, not council decisions. These may change following further detailed assessment and may also be updated by site promoters as the plan progresses.

Why are the boundaries of sites drawn in different colours on the site submissions map?

Sites are colour-coded by theme following national planning policy guidance. Some sites have been submitted for a variety of uses and further information about the uses can be found by clicking on the relevant site. Submitted uses and themes may change once sites are subject to further detailed assessment and may also be updated by site promoters as the plan progresses.

Why has my submitted site been split or merged on the submissions map?

Where multiple submissions overlap, we’ve applied professional judgement to avoid double-counting, Submitted site boundaries may have been changed to create logical site parcels which show the broad extent of land submitted for the purposes of the online map. These boundaries may be subject to further adjustment once they are subject to detailed assessment in the land availability assessment and/or updated by site promoters.

What are the HE and CFS26 prefixes show in the search results?

The HE prefix refers to a 2024 submission reference and CFS26 a 2026 submission reference. Some sites have been submitted twice, either in whole or part and others submitted only in 2024 or 2026. The site submission references for each broad area of land can be found in the search results when you click on the site parcel. 

Can I comment on sites now?

Not yet. Sites are shown for information only. Further consultation will take place at the ‘plan content and evidence’ stage where views will be sought on options for accommodating development needs, and also at the 'draft plan' stage of the plan-making process.