Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 6562

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6980
Broadly yes, but the policy must go further to: - Guarantee that infrastructure comes first – particularly the Winnington/Barnton bridge crossing, school capacity, and GP services – before any additional large-scale housing allocations are made. - Strengthen settlement identity policies by explicitly protecting the gaps between Northwich and surrounding villages such as Anderton, Barnton, Winnington, and Hartford. - Prioritise regeneration (e.g. Weaver Square, Winnington Works) 

Comment

Representation ID: 6564

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6983
- Wincham Urban Village: Should only proceed with clear phasing linked to new infrastructure. The current road network and bridge capacity are insufficient. - Weaver Square and Town Centre sites: Strongly support regeneration and mixed-use redevelopment to revitalise Northwich’s core. -- Winnington Works (TATA): Must be planned comprehensively with infrastructure improvements; piecemeal development should not be allowed. - Gadbrook Park: Should remain employment-focused. Any proposals for residential should be resisted, as this risks undermining its role as a strategic employment hub. -Any new allocations should be strictly brownfield-first and only where infrastructure is demonstrably deliverable. 

Comment

Representation ID: 6567

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6986
Yes - the Local Plan should reinforce the Development Framework by: Embedding Northwich’s distinct character, capitalising on its waterways, heritage, and emerging artisan and cultural identity . Supporting a cohesive strategy for town centre regeneration, moving away from piecemeal schemes to a comprehensive, place-making approach . Encouraging active use of public spaces, independent retail, arts and culture, and events that strengthen Northwich’s unique offer.

Comment

Representation ID: 6568

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6987
Yes - the following are essential: Replacement of Winnington/Barnton Swing Bridge Transport improvements : better bus links to the railway station, evening bus services, improved cycling and walking routes into the town centre. Education and health provision : new school places and GP capacity must be delivered in parallel with housing growth. Mitigation of HGV traffic from major projects (Hynet, Winnington Solar) during the plan period.

Comment

Representation ID: 6571

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6990
Yes - they must be retained and their distinct identities safeguarded. Strategic gaps and green buffers are critical to prevent coalescence between Northwich, Hartford, Winnington, and Barnton...

Comment

Representation ID: 6574

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6993
Yes - protecting heritage and character should remain a core policy. This should be strengthened by ensuring new development enhances, rather than dilutes, the town’s historic fabric, waterways, and unique identity.

Comment

Representation ID: 6575

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6995
Yes

Comment

Representation ID: 6578

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6998
Absolutely - otherwise it will stunt growth opportunities for the area.

Comment

Representation ID: 6635

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7055
I support the broad approach of protecting the Green Belt and countryside. However, the policy should be strengthened to: - Explicitly rule out large-scale Green Belt release unless all brownfield options are proven to be exhausted. - Reject the vague concept of 'Grey Belt' until a clear national definition is established. - Ensure food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience are treated as core Green Belt functions alongside preventing sprawl.

Comment

Representation ID: 6636

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7056
Yes – Green Belt and wider countryside serve different purposes. Separate policies would improve clarity: - Green Belt: focus on preventing sprawl, settlement coalescence, and safeguarding open land. - Countryside: focus on intrinsic character, landscape, biodiversity, and supporting appropriate rural uses.