Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 6705

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7125
Settlement-level prioritisation should be based on existing capacity. Wider infrastructure delivery could sensibly be prioritised as follows:  1. Strategic transport 2. Education and health provision. 3. Utilities 4. Affordable housing. 5. Open space, leisure and cultural facilities. Although, without 1, 2, 3 project would not be viable, 4 is a pre-requisite, and 5 can not be ignored if we are to consistently create "great places to live"

Comment

Representation ID: 6711

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7131
Yes - supporting sustainable economic growth is essential. Amendments should ensure: - Brownfield regeneration is prioritised before new greenfield allocations. - Large-scale warehousing is carefully controlled to avoid excessive HGV traffic without local employment benefits. - Rural economies and small business spaces are supported alongside major employment sites.

Comment

Representation ID: 6714

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7134
Yes - Chester Business Park, Gadbrook Park, and Cheshire Oaks Business Park are rightly safeguarded. However, safeguards must ensure Gadbrook Park remains primarily employment-focused and not eroded by residential use.

Comment

Representation ID: 6715

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7135
Yes - employment areas should be clearly mapped to provide certainty. This helps prevent piecemeal loss to other uses and provides businesses with confidence for investment.

Comment

Representation ID: 6717

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7137
A balanced approach is needed. Out-of-town sites like Gadbrook Park should remain safeguarded, but the Local Plan should also prioritise town centre office development to support regeneration and reduce car dependency.

Comment

Representation ID: 6720

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7140
Yes - but it must be enforced robustly. Redevelopment for non-employment uses should only be allowed where: - Long-term vacancy and lack of market demand are proven. - It does not undermine local employment capacity. - It is necessary to enable wider employment-generating regeneration.

Comment

Representation ID: 6721

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7142
Yes - local labour and skills should be embedded in major development proposals, with developer obligations to support apprenticeships, training, and local recruitment. This ensures new economic growth benefits residents directly.

Comment

Representation ID: 6722

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7143
Broadly yes - supporting vibrant town centres is vital. However, the policy should: - Strengthen support for independent retail, arts, culture, and community uses that give each centre its distinct identity and local 'ownership'. - Recognise that national changes to Use Classes make it harder to control uses; the Local Plan must safeguard active frontages and resist excessive residential conversion at ground floor. - Ensure regeneration in centres like Northwich is comprehensive, not piecemeal, with a clear focus on making them great places to live, work and visit.

Comment

Representation ID: 6725

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7146
Yes - this is essential to a 'brownfield first' approach. Previously developed sites should always be considered before new edge-of-centre or out-of-centre allocations are approved.

Comment

Representation ID: 6726

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7147
Yes - the hierarchy provides clarity and helps to direct investment appropriately.