Welcome
to our consultation website for Ryleys Lane, Alderley Edge.
Welcome
Thank you for visiting our consultation website for Ryleys Lane, Alderley Edge.
Story Homes’ is presenting proposals for a new sustainable community with up to 130 much-needed homes designed to meet the needs of local people across two parcels of land, one of which has previously been Safeguarded for residential development. A third parcel connected to the site will be utilised for biodiversity net gain.
Our emerging masterplan includes a high-quality residential development across two parcels of land, including landscaped open spaces and pedestrian routes.
We understand the challenge of finding a suitable home, whether you’re a young family or someone looking to downsize. This development will offer a variety of housing options, including affordable homes, giving residents the opportunity to stay in the community they love.
Why your input matters
We are committed to delivering a development that reflects the aspirations and priorities of the local community.
This consultation has now closed. However, please take the time to explore the plans for Ryleys Lane and if you have any questions, please use the contact details in the ‘Get in Touch’ section below.
The site
The site at Ryleys Lane lies on the south-western edge of Alderley Edge, with the A34 bypass providing a clear western boundary. Covering 9.11 hectares on three parcels of land, the site fronts Ryleys Lane and Chelford Road to the south.
The site benefits from strong accessibility and is well connected to local services. Alderley Edge’s village centre and railway station are both within a ten-minute walk, offering direct links to Manchester, Crewe, and beyond. Road access is strong via the A34 and the wider highway network. The village’s compact and walkable nature, combined with the site’s containment by existing development and infrastructure, makes this a logical and sustainable location for a modest residential extension.
We are committed to working with officers at Cheshire East Council, and hearing from local residents, to shape a proposal that provides a well-balanced mix of new homes and delivers enhancements to local infrastructure and connectivity where needed.
Our masterplan
The proposals include three parcels of land, two of which are allocated for housing (Parcel A and B) and one for biodiversity net gain
(Parcel C). Parcel A, bordered in blue in the map below, has already been Safeguarded for residential development.
The site will be transformed into a modern high-quality community, serving as a sustainable extension to Alderley Edge and delivering significant benefits, including:
An attractive new neighbourhood with generous landscaping through the site.
Each house type carefully designed to reflect and enhance the character of Alderley Edge.
Job creation during construction phases providing a boost to the local economy.
Off-site financial contributions to Cheshire East Council towards local education, transport and other initiatives.
Inclusion of 37.5% affordable housing across both the parcels of the development.
Additional provision of play areas.
Wider site benefits
A Mix of Homes for All Ages
The development will provide a range of homes to suit different needs - from young families and first-time buyers to older residents looking to downsize. All homes will be built to a high standard and designed to meet local demand.
A Greener, More Sustainable Community
A commitment to environmental responsibility through significant biodiversity enhancements and sustainability measures that contribute to a greener, more resilient community.
Better Local Connections
The layout will make it easy to walk or cycle around, with new paths linking to nearby streets and public transport. This means fewer car journeys and better access to local shops, schools, and services.
A Boost for the Local Economy
Building the homes will create local jobs during construction, and once complete, the new community will bring more customers to nearby businesses, helping Alderley Edge thrive.
Considerations
The community consultation provides an overview of the overall vision for this new development. As further applications are submitted, we will ensure that surveys and management plans are made available alongside those planning applications.
Housing need
There is a pressing need for new housing in Alderley Edge as the town faces significant challenges in meeting local housing demand. Recent adjustments to local authorities’ housing targets introduced by the Government in December 2024 require an increase of 40% in housing delivery across Cheshire East to deliver 1.5m new homes within five years.
Younger generations and families are finding it increasingly difficult to find housing close to their family networks due to high property costs. Similarly, older residents who wish to downsize are struggling to find suitable homes that allow them to remain within the community they’ve called home for years.
In response to these challenges, Story Homes is aiming to deliver 130 homes that cater to a broader demographic, including 37.5% affordable. They will help ensure that working families, young professionals, and individuals at varying income levels have access to quality living spaces.
Access and movement
The site has the potential to introduce multi-modal access points via Sutton Road, which currently terminates with the boundary of Parcel A, and a new access point from Ryleys Lane.
Parcel B has a long boundary with the adopted highway of Ryleys Lane/Chelford Road providing the opportunity for a new access point to serve the full site.
There is an opportunity to create a network of pedestrian and cycle links through the site including connecting to the existing Public Right of Way crossing the site.
Traffic impact assessment work has shown that residential development of the site would not have a material impact in highways terms with the existing road network expected to accommodate traffic from the development without the need for off-site mitigation.
Protecting and enhancing nature
The site has a semi-rural feel and is closely linked to both the historic heart of Alderley Edge and the surrounding countryside. It also sits near several listed buildings, including Chorley Old Hall, The Barn & The Cobbles, and Ryleys Farmhouse Barns.
We’re taking a landscape-led approach, utilising important trees and hedgerows, especially along Ryleys Lane and the southern edge of the site, while adding more greenery throughout to create a softer, more natural feel.
Key features include:
- Keeping mature trees and planting new ones
- Adding sustainable drainage (SuDS) to manage rainwater
- Creating green corridors to support local wildlife
- Designing energy-efficient homes that go beyond current building standards
This development also aims to be climate-friendly, with walkable streets and less need for cars.
Flooding
There will be no increased risk of flooding associated with the development. A thorough study has been conducted, and a drainage strategy is being prepared to ensure the necessary management of water on site. This will be published and available to read with the planning application. When submitted this strategy will include features designed to facilitate natural and safe drainage, effectively reducing any potential risk of flooding.
FAQ's
Q: What is being proposed at Ryleys Lane, Alderley Edge?
A: Story Homes is proposing a high-quality residential development of up to 130 homes on land off Ryleys Lane. The proposals include a range of house types, landscaped open spaces, new pedestrian and cycle routes, and a proportion of affordable homes to meet local housing needs.
Housing will be delivered across two parcels of land, one of which is Safeguarded for residential development and one that is classified as Grey Belt under the new definition.
Q: Why is this development needed?
A: Alderley Edge, like much of Cheshire East, faces significant housing pressures. Government changes to housing targets in December 2024 require a 40% increase in delivery. This scheme aims to address the growing demand, particularly from young families and older residents looking to downsize, by offering a variety of homes, including affordable options.
Q: Where is the site located?
A: The site is on the south-western edge of Alderley Edge, bounded to the west by the A34 bypass. It consists of three parcels of land, fronting Ryleys Lane and Chelford Road, and is well connected to the village centre and railway station, both within a 10-minute walk.
Q: How will this development benefit the local area?
A: Key benefits include:
- A mix of housing to suit different needs and income levels.
- Attractive, landscape-led design that complements the character of Alderley Edge.
- New pedestrian and cycle routes.
- Contributions to local infrastructure, including education and transport.
- Employment opportunities during construction.
- Enhanced green spaces and biodiversity measures.
Q: Will there be a Section 106 agreement as part of the planning process?
A: Yes, a Section 106 agreement will be part of the planning process, and the specific contributions will be determined as the plans progress. A Section 106 agreement is a legal agreement between the developer and the local authority that sets out the financial contributions and other key commitments from the developer that are directly linked to the development and are necessary to make the development acceptable.
Q: Will affordable housing be included?
A: Yes. 37.5% of the homes will be designated as affordable, helping ensure both policy compliance, and enabling a broader demographic to live in Alderley Edge, including younger people, key workers, and those on lower incomes.
Q: How will the development affect traffic and access?
A: Traffic assessments indicate that the local road network can accommodate the development without the need for off-site mitigation. Access will be provided via Ryleys Lane and potentially through Sutton Road, with new connections for pedestrians and cyclists.
Q: What steps are being taken to protect the environment and heritage?
A: The masterplan adopts a landscape-led approach, retaining mature trees and enhancing biodiversity through new planting, green corridors, and ecological mitigation. Careful attention has been given to nearby heritage assets, including Chorley Old Hall.
Q: Will the development increase flood risk?
A: No. A detailed drainage strategy is being prepared to manage surface water on site using sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). The strategy will ensure there is no increased risk of flooding and will be available to view as part of the planning application.
Q: What sustainability features are planned?
A: Homes will be energy-efficient and designed to exceed building regulation standards. The site layout encourages walkability and reduces reliance on private vehicles, aligning with climate resilience and sustainability goals.
Q: How can I share my views?
A: The consultation is open from Friday 27 June to Sunday 13 July 2025. You can submit feedback via this website or email the team at ryleyslane@havingyoursay.co.uk. All feedback will help shape the final proposals before they are submitted to Cheshire East Council.
Have your say
This consultation has now closed. Please do contact a member of the team if you have any questions. Contact details can be found in the ‘Get in Touch’ section below.
Get in touch
- Emailing us with your comments, questions or feedback at: email: ryleyslane@havingyoursay.co.uk
- Calling the team on 0161 711 0293 (lines open Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm)
- Writing to us at Ryleys Lane, c/o Lexington, Third Floor, Queens House, Queen St, Manchester M2 5HT
All feedback received will be summarised in a Statement of Community Involvement which will be submitted to Cheshire East Council alongside the planning application later this year.
About us
Founded by Fred Story in 1987, Story Homes has a long and successful reputation of building high quality and high specification homes. Our passion for quality and excellence has seen us become a multi award winning UK property developer, delivering exciting schemes and inspiring buyers.
For over 35 years we have been the name most often associated with aspirational homes for sale throughout Cumbria, the North East, the North West and Scotland. Our family owned business has grown in size and status over the years but remains grounded, built on our original ethos of ‘doing the right thing,’ and creating a brand synonymous with quality.
Our Head Office and business roots are based in Carlisle with a well-established regional office in Chorley, set on continuing the success as we expand further in the North West region.