Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 5552

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_5924
A number of these sites have not, or are not, supported by the direct land owners (for example, sites in NOR06 were not put forward by the landowners and none would support prospective developments in the area). There are also few considerations into sustainability on edge of settlement sites or the facilities and infrastruture needed to support them.

Comment

Representation ID: 5553

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_5925
CH01 and CH03.

Comment

Representation ID: 5554

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_5926
All are suitable.

Comment

Representation ID: 5557

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_5929
I consider NOR02, NOR03 and NOR01 most suitable for development in Northwich.   NOR05 and NOR04 could be further considered for "Mixed" use rather than pure employment sites, given the proximity to both rail and road connections (including a site for a potential railway station).

Comment

Representation ID: 5560

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_5932
Within the potential growth areas, there is significant encroachment and growth in existing villages (Davenham, Hartford, Weaverham) which have seen large development within the previous 20 years. There are also significant challenges in accesibilty to public transport and other facilities which must be supported during any plan. Overall, the plans for Northwich do not support any of the Council's Local Plan objectives in regards to respecting boundaries and local feel of Cheshire villages, nor does it support the demands for these locations in regards to infrastructure. NOR07 and NOR08 would constitute an unreasonable coalescence of Davenham and Hartford, where NOR05 and NOR04 could be considered suitable locations for Rudheath's expansion based on existing provisions for schooling and shops. I believe there should be better focus to keep the specific village feels of Davenham, Moulton and Hartford. Furthermore, I would like to see the retention of the Settlement Gaps in Northwich between those villages, plus the settlement gap in Mere Heath towards Davenham and Moulton. Ultimately, Northwich is inequably targeted by housing increases and development in this plan and a wider, Borough-wide approach MUST be taken to give fairer development in other locations. Northwich should be a focus, but not a high target like it is in these plans.

Comment

Representation ID: 5561

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_5933
There are significant contraints that must be considered in these areas. For example, the A556 is an extremely busy corridor between the M6, Northwich and Chester. During disruption, local roads already cannot cope with the diverted traffic and is a significant barrier to safety and local growth. As previously mentioned, there is an outline site for a new railway station at Gadbrook Park and Rudheath which should be a primary focus of any development in the area. Also, in regards to NOR07 and NOR08, the primary entrances would be off the A556 which would require significant investment and remdial works in order to provide access which would be highly distruptive in the event of any building. As pointed out by Davenham Parish Council in regards to NOR06, 07 and 08: - NOR06 - NOR07  Davenham is a historic village with a strong sense of identity and a designated Conservation Area. The proposed developments would dramatically alter the rural character of the village, and risk encroachment on heritage assets and open spaces valued by the community. The scale of development proposed is entirely disproportionate to the village’s size and setting Davenham’s existing infrastructure is already operating at or near capacity. The road network,particularly the A556, Hartford Road, and London Road, suffers from heavy congestion, and further development would exacerbate traffic, air quality, and safety concerns. Public transport provision is minimal, and additional residents would place unsustainable pressure on limited local bus services. The sites identified include areas at risk of flooding or on land that serves an important function in mitigating local flood risk. Any development here would increase surface water run-off and impact local watercourses. Furthermore, there would be a loss of biodiversity and greenfield land, contrary to sustainability objectives. There is no Doctors or Dentists surgery in the village and the primary school is operating at capacity. The bus service is limited and there is no access to a railway station without driving at least 15 mins to Hartford, Northwich or Plumley   - NOR06 - Land to the rear of Church Street and London Road Lack of adequate infrastructure is already known to CWAC Highways. This area would require access via two of the three busiest streets in the village! These roads operate at capacity at peak times A known and designated conservation area is situated in the centre of NOR06 NOR06 is home to two working farms and both of these landowners (either side of the Conservation area) have publicly stated they have no intention of selling their farms We are aware of a 72 Bed Dementia care nursing home currently working its way through the planning process - When approved, it will take land in NOR06 and increase traffic via staff visitors and suppliers There is a long established footpath here that would need to be protected A large sewage pipe runs across this land The land falls steeply down to Elderbriar brook. This would be overwhelmed with substantial surface water.  It feeds into the River Dane near the old stone bridge and this area has seen a broad area of flooded farmland in recent years. The area is known for its diverse fauna and flora with ancient trees that are home to a variety of birds The grass areas are homes to foxes hedgehogs bees etc and should be protected under existing wildlife and conservation requirements/regulations - NOR07 - Land off Eaton lane - currently down a single track lane Another Infrastructure hotspot known to CWAC Highways, as all current traffic from Eaton Lane, Eaton Crescent & Pritchard Drive, have to use Hartford road (The third known busiest road in the village) to access the A556 There has been serious flooding around the junction of Eaton Land and Hartford – below the site where NOR07 is proposed. Increased areas of tarmac and concrete will magnify this problem. A development of 440 houses would easily equate to over 800 cars - and Eaton Lane could not cope with this volume of traffic Eaton Lane (post cattle grid) is home to a ground works business, a working farm and a small residential site plus a Caravan Club recognised Camp site. These businesses would be severely impacted by any housing development   NORO7 has been identified by Cadent as a proposed route for a future Hydrogen pipeline. This introduces a significant future infrastructure constraint and raises potential safety and planning concerns. The presence of such a pipeline would almost certainly reduce the developable area and adds a further layer of risk that has not been adequately accounted for in the site assessment process Eaton Lane -the actual farm land is considered to be in the top 10 in the UK re it’s condition for growing crops. It is currently used to grow crops such as Maze & Cheshire new potatoes The Land is also home to numerous butterflies, bees, foxes, wood pigeons, buzzards and Bats, (we believe there could be a Roost in the trees near to the railway line) There is also Owls are nesting there and there are multiple Badger sets (which are now protected by the current Government) Cheshire Wildlife Trust are also in the process of identifying more wildlife corridors and Vale Royal Locks and the surrounding fields are in scope for this!

Comment

Representation ID: 5565

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_5937
I would consider WIN02, WIN03, WIN04, WIN05 and WIN06 the most suitable locations for development. I would not support WIN01 given it would require much more infrastrure development to others and would be an unacceptable encroachment into the Moulton and Bostock boundaries.

Comment

Representation ID: 5567

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_5939
WIN01 is sited in between and around a major road (A533). Given the roads are the primary route between Northwich, Middlewich and Crewe, this trunk route could not sustain additional employment traffic due to existing congestion.

Comment

Representation ID: 5569

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_5941
CUD01 would be considered the only suitable site.

Comment

Representation ID: 5570

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_5942
CUD02 and CUD03 are directly attached to the A533 and a very busy junction with the A49. Careful design works and diversionary routes will need to be considered to not materially impact the localities.