Conservative councillor for Wybunbury, Janet Clowes, who seconded the deferral motion, said the authority had a responsibility to ensure the future safety of the residents, but added that she felt “somewhat anxious and perturbed that there is such a variance in the data”.
Macclesfield West and Ivy Labour councillor, Mary Brooks, said she could not support the application, highlighting it was contrary to 22 of the council’s own policies.
Conservative councillor Lesley Smeatham, who represents Gawsworth, said she had seen a lot of flooding in her ward in recent years, and she felt “something is really needed in this area”.
Heather Seddon, Labour councillor for Congleton West, said the authority had a statutory duty to protect the public, adding: “I don’t think we should defer, we are just kicking the can down the road.”
Eight councillors voted for the plans to be deferred, with three abstaining.
