Campaigners, who have been protesting for years about trees being chopped down at a beauty spot, are now working with the council on how to carry out the safety works needed.
A new proposal, drawn up by the Friends of Poynton Pool and Cheshire East Council, follows the current footpath and is designed to “avoid as many trees as possible”.
The campaign group and the authority said they had “agreed a preferred way forward” and the new proposals included “relatively minor engineering works”.
Cheshire East Council first outlined plans to remove trees at the ornament pond, which dates back to 1750, in 2023, sparking demonstrations outside Macclesfield Town Hall.
Because of its size, Poynton Pool is legally classed as a reservoir.
As a result, the council said it was required to do safety works on the site.