Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 6730

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7153
Yes, provided strict criteria are applied. Small-scale rural retail and leisure should: - Be linked to local land-based businesses (e.g. farm diversification - we have one now providing indoor swimming & sports facilitie to the community and local school). - Avoid undermining nearby village or local centres. - Respect rural character and landscape.

Comment

Representation ID: 6732

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7155
Yes - but it must be strengthened to: - Encourage tourism linked to arts, culture and waterways in towns like Northwich, boosting local distinctiveness. - Ensure all visitor economy growth is infrastructure-supported and does not harm the character of the countryside.

Comment

Representation ID: 6734

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7157
Yes - visitor attractions and accommodation should support town centre vitality wherever possible. However, town centre priorities must not dilute rural protections – town centre first for major hotels and leisure, with smaller-scale, low-impact tourism supported in rural settings.

Comment

Representation ID: 6740

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7165
Yes, subject to strict controls to manage scale and local nuisance/ASB. Rural visitor accommodation (caravan and camping) should: - Be small-scale, well-screened and tied to existing buildings or landscapes. Linking to local pubs brings in visitors and supports our struggling hospitality trade with an additional income stream/wider catchment area. - Avoid large static caravan/chalet developments which cause lasting landscape harm. - Avoid areas with no local infrastructure – shops/transport - Support diversification of farm businesses in a way that maintains rural character.

Comment

Representation ID: 6744

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7170
Yes – consideration could be given to significant heritage/tourism assets in CWaC - in Marbury, these include the Lion Salt Works, Marbury Park and the Anderton Boat Lift, which are of national significance and could benefit from site-specific recognition to safeguard their role in the visitor economy.

Comment

Representation ID: 6747

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7174
Yes - provided policies prioritise scale, design and location controls. Tourism can bring jobs and vitality to rural areas but must not be at the expense of agricultural land, tranquility, or settlement identity. The local authority must be resourced to enforce policy with rigour and timeliness.

Comment

Representation ID: 6754

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7181
Broadly support the approach, but it must be strongly evidence-led. The Housing Needs Assessment should drive policy, ensuring housing mix reflects real local demand, not just national templates. Amendments could include: - Clear percentage targets for different unit sizes reviewed regularly. - Specific provision for older persons, accessible homes, and those with disabilities. (this could also facilitie downsizing and free up larger family homes)

Comment

Representation ID: 6758

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7185
Yes - a percentage-based policy provides clarity, consistency and spark discussion over the basis for any local deviation. However, flexibility should be retained at site level to reflect local context, avoiding rigid targets that could undermine deliverability.

Comment

Representation ID: 6762

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7189
I support the principle of planned student accommodation linked to the University of Chester. Any new policy should only consider the University of Liverpool Leahurst campus if justified by robust evidence of need and transport access.

Comment

Representation ID: 6775

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_7202
I support the principle however - Affordable housing should always be provided on-site and integrated. - Could the lower (3+ dwellings) thesholds in rural areas make smaller developments unviable? This seems onerous.  - Green Belt schemes requiring 50% affordable housing must be exceptional. - Agree, affordability must be secured in perpetuity with robust legal agreements.