Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 6491

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6906
Brownfield First. Green Belt release only as a last resort with clear evidence.

Comment

Representation ID: 6492

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6907
Yes - but to reiterate, Brownfield First. Green Belt release only as a last resort with clear evidence.

Comment

Representation ID: 6493

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6908
Smaller villages and established communities should not face major housing allocations – protect identity with settlement gaps. Any development needs to reflect hyper/local need/opportunity and have the support of our communities. For example, the 1600 homes North of Barnton, muted in the consultation, has already filled our MP’s inbox. There is simply not the local infrastructure to support this including prolonged issues with flooding, highway conditions. Outsides agriculture, the greenbelt are established areas enjoyed by the residents of Barton, Anderton & Comberbach. A point to notes, this area is reported to have a Codicil in place, preventing the lands sale/development for housing.

Comment

Representation ID: 6494

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6909
Yes, absolutely - co-produced with these communities.

Comment

Representation ID: 6495

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6910
Without question. 

Comment

Representation ID: 6497

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6912
No justification for Green Belt release – particularly when the housing target has not been calculated based on local need. The introduction of 'Grey Belt' (vague and undermines), and changes to classification of greenbelt in the NPPF should also not be used as a loophole to develop on greenbelt. Green Belt is not a barrier to growth but a foundation of sustainable growth with a key role in: - Protecting Character and Preventing Sprawl - Supporting food security - Ecology & Biodiversity - Health and Wellbeing - Climate Resilience - Tourism & Economy - Quality of Place & Lifestyle for our residents This can not be overlooked.

Comment

Representation ID: 6498

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6913
Green Belt is not a barrier to growth but a foundation of sustainable growth with a key role in: - Protecting Character and Preventing Sprawl - Supporting food security - Ecology & Biodiversity - Health and Wellbeing - Climate Resilience - Tourism & Economy - Quality of Place & Lifestyle for our residents

Comment

Representation ID: 6499

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6914
Support Option A – Retain the Green Belt.

Comment

Representation ID: 6503

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6918
No large-scale new housing or commercial allocations should be permitted in smaller settlements outside of those identified in the spatial strategy. The distinct identity of Cheshire West’s villages must be protected, and inappropriate growth risks eroding local character, increasing reliance on the car, and overloading already weak rural infrastructure.   However, limited, carefully managed development could be appropriate in some smaller settlements , provided it is strictly controlled to: Infill development only within existing settlement boundaries (small-scale housing within gaps in the built-up area). Affordable or local needs housing , where there is proven demand from people with a strong local connection (e.g. through parish-level housing needs surveys). Reuse and conversion of existing buildings (e.g. redundant farm buildings, brownfield sites, upper floors of shops). Small-scale employment or community facilities , particularly where these directly support rural resilience (e.g. local shops, small workspaces, health services). Renewable energy on rooftops and brownfield land , not on productive farmland. Development outside of identified growth areas must therefore be exceptional, small in scale, and infrastructure-neutral – enhancing, rather than undermining, the sustainability of rural communities.

Comment

Representation ID: 6504

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire West and Chester Council (Councillors)

I&O_6919
Yes