Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 6471

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6886
The framework must measure not only housing delivery but also: - Infrastructure delivery milestones (schools, GP surgeries, roads) legally tied to housing completions. - Settlement identity protections, ensuring gaps and buffers are maintained. - Cumulative impact monitoring, factoring in other major schemes (Hynet, Winnington Solar Development) during the plan period. - Climate and food security outcomes, ensuring development supports net zero, biodiversity, and local food resilience.

Comment

Representation ID: 6472

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6887
A 15-year plan period is acceptable provided it is realistic and deliverable. However: - For large-scale development, the plan must commit to longer-term infrastructure solutions (e.g. replacement for Winnington Bridge). - The plan period must be phased with clear delivery milestones, to avoid frontloading housing without matching infrastructure.

Comment

Representation ID: 6473

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6888
The initial SA/SEA is too high-level. It must explicitly test: - The loss of agricultural land for both housing and solar farms (food security). - The impact of cumulative major projects on transport and air quality in Northwich/Marbury. - Settlement coalescence risks, including landscape and identity impacts. - Whether infrastructure can realistically be delivered in parallel with housing.

Comment

Representation ID: 6474

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6889
The HRA must consider cumulative pressures from large schemes (housing, Hynet, Winnington Solar Farm / Tata & industrial expansion) on designated sites, especially: - The Weaver Valley habitats and waterways, already sensitive to air and water quality issues. - The role of Green Belt and open land in supporting ecological connectivity. Without this, the plan risks underestimating environmental harm.

Comment

Representation ID: 6475

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6890
Neighbourhood Plans are vital for shaping growth locally. However: - They must not be overridden by arbitrary housing numbers. - Parish-led Neighbourhood Plans should be empowered to define settlement boundaries, local connection tests, and settlement gaps. - The Local Plan should ensure new strategic allocations respect Neighbourhood Plan objectives, especially around distinct community identity and character.

Comment

Representation ID: 6476

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6891
I broadly support the suggested vision but it must be strengthened to emphasise protecting the Green Belt, ensuring infrastructure comes first, safeguarding food security, and maintaining village identity.

Comment

Representation ID: 6477

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6892
The four overarching principles are sensible but should add food security/agricultural land protection and transport resilience as explicit priorities.

Comment

Representation ID: 6478

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6893
Concise visions for places are important. For Northwich/Marbury, the vision must acknowledge cumulative pressures (Hynet, Winnington Solar Development, existing traffic congestion) and ensure growth only follows infrastructure delivery.

Comment

Representation ID: 6479

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6894
Support Option A – current Local Plan objectives, but with stronger focus on infrastructure and settlement identity.

Comment

Representation ID: 6480

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6895
Alternative objective: 'Brownfield First, Infrastructure First' – requiring firm, funded infrastructure delivery.