Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 15256

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Chester Zoo

Agent: Cassidy & Ashton Group Ltd

I&O_15815
Whilst Chester Zoo consider that the most suitable spatial strategy is Option B (in varied form with allowance for small scale release of Green Belt), the suggestion to retain policy GBC1.A is welcomed to allow the Zoo to continue to evolve and develop throughout the plan period. The Zoo would welcome an update to local policy to reflect the change in national policy relating to grey belt development. This would allow for the development of land which does not contribute to the purposes of the Green Belt. Whilst the entirety of the Chester Zoo site is washed over by Green Belt designation, there is a boundary established on the Policies Map for the commercial site in the Green Belt (Policy GBC 1.A), it is not representative of the full extent of what is strictly speaking operational land. Chester Zoo would suggest that a review of the Policies Map is undertaken to reflect a policy boundary that correctly reflects operational land, which is subject to a variety of uses under the control of the Zoo. The policy will continue to allow for development where it is for zoological purposes or the operational improvements or the enhancement of visitor attractions and ancillary facilities.

Comment

Representation ID: 15259

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Chester Zoo

Agent: Cassidy & Ashton Group Ltd

I&O_15818
Chester Zoo will welcome updating Green Belt policy to reflect the change in national policy including the approach to development on grey belt land.  In consideration of support for Option B (in varied form with allowance for small scale release of Green Belt), they would also welcome a Green Belt review which indicates areas which are washed over by Green Belt designation, but do not contribute to the purposes of the Green Belt or the surrounding area., to be considered for small scale releases.

Comment

Representation ID: 15260

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Chester Zoo

Agent: Cassidy & Ashton Group Ltd

I&O_15819
It is considered that there should be separate policies for the countryside and Green Belt in light of the changes to national policy and the updated exceptions to development within designated Green Belt areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 15263

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Chester Zoo

Agent: Cassidy & Ashton Group Ltd

I&O_15822
Chester Zoo would welcome a specific policy in relation to the visitor economy and tourism opportunities that it delivers. In line with the Green Belt and Chester policies, the Zoo would welcome a review of the boundary against which Policy GBC1.A is considered – as per representation made to Question CH1. The Zoo has a long-term strategic development plan, aligned with which are sizeable financial commitments. Notwithstanding site-specific development management criteria, preliminary support in principle through the Local Plan strategic policies is paramount.

Comment

Representation ID: 15264

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Chester Zoo

Agent: Cassidy & Ashton Group Ltd

I&O_15823
It is considered that Chester Zoo would be in support of Option B (in varied form with allowance for small scale release of Green Belt) as a spatial strategy for Cheshire West and Chester. 7.2 Chester Zoo are in favour of the retention of Green Belt land per se, whilst recognising that some small-scale release of Green Belt is likely to be required in strategic locations to support the new housing target. Large urban extensions are not necessary and are not supported. 7.3 In order to meet the new housing targets and contribute to boosting the supply of homes, Chester Zoo would consider that areas of the Green Belt which met the Grey Belt definition should be the priority for release from Green Belt designation. 7.4 What is required is an updated Green Belt Study, comparable to that undertaken for the last Local Plan review.

Option B - Follow current Local Plan level and distribution of development

Comment

Representation ID: 15269

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Chester Zoo

Agent: Cassidy & Ashton Group Ltd

I&O_15828
Chester Zoo would welcome the updating of Green Belt policy to reflect the changes in national planning policy, including reference to grey belt land and its exception to inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

Comment

Representation ID: 15270

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Chester Zoo

Agent: Cassidy & Ashton Group Ltd

I&O_15829
Additionally, the Zoo welcome the inclusion of Policy GBC 1.A within the new local plan which recognises the need for Chester Zoo to continue to grow and develop. Chester Zoo would welcome this policy being applied to a bounded area of their land ownership to provide comfort to the local authority as to the extent of their development plans and to provide certainty to Chester Zoo on the acceptability of development within the Green Belt on their land.