Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 14575

Received: 05/09/2025

Respondent: Churton Parish Council

I&O_15121
Neighbourhood Plan Context We are currently working on the Churton neighbourhood plan which should guide the nature of future development in our small village and we trust this will be taken into account as the local plan process progresses and/or specific development proposals are put forward. The results of 4 detailed studies are already available to view on the Churton Parish Council website http://churtonparishcouncil.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan/ These are Housing needs assessment Natural environment report Conservation Area Appraisal Churton Design Code Following current consultation with local residents, these will feed into the Neighbourhood Plan over the coming months and be used to inform our position on any formal local plan allocations in due course.  In this context, Churton Parish Council is not anti-development and would be supportive of small scale, infill and sensitive redevelopment within the village if it demonstrably addresses local needs and either reflects (or preferably enhances) the distinctive character and community of the village – the central part of which is a designated conservation area.     As an example we are currently supporting the innovative proposals put forward by the Barnston estate for a community farm and mixed use development at Churton Hall Farm – itself a sensitive redevelopment of buildings of significant historic importance.    However we do not feel that the infrastructure of the village would support all the sites currently being evaluated in/around the village or the high density of housing currently being assumed on each of them.     In considering the level of future growth in Churton and any sites put forward for inclusion in the Local Plan we would also expect the Council to have regard to the following issues: The village is highly susceptible to frequent power cuts and Scottish Power have acknowledged that the network requires investment to improve resilience Frequent losses of water pressure and water leaks Current lack of plans for any full fibre internet rollout Lack of any community facilities other than a village hall (Eaton Estate owned) and currently no dedicated play area for children The main commuter route into Chester is via the B5130 which, in some places, is too narrow for large vehicles to pass each other and is already notorious for accidents. There is a lack of safe cycling or pedestrian routes – particularly in the direction of Chester – meaning that the village is already very car dependent Relatively infrequent bus links to Chester and Wrexham.

Comment

Representation ID: 14576

Received: 05/09/2025

Respondent: Churton Parish Council

I&O_15122
A key principle for Churton PC is that a clear and obvious distinction between the settlements of Farndon and Churton should be maintained.  They are separate communities with their own distinctive characters.   Consequently, in considering potential development in Churton we clearly cannot ignore the options proposed for neighbouring Farndon.   Option A – retaining the Green Belt would put unacceptable development pressure on rural communities and could see an additional 1500 houses in Farndon over the next 15 years.  In our view that would completely overwhelm the existing village and would lead to entirely negative impacts – particularly on traffic, road safety and local services across a wide area. As a result of the recent growth in Farndon we are already experiencing much higher levels of traffic and speeding through Churton and this would only get worse under the high levels of growth proposed under Option A. Considering one of the primary roles of the green belt is “ to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment”  this option seems entirely inappropriate.   Open countryside, whilst not benefitting from the same level of protection as green belt,  should continue to be afforded more protection Option B - continuing the current local plan level and distribution of development – is Churton Parish Council’s preferred option .   Whilst this could still see significant new housing in our area we believe this option provides a more appropriate and sustainable balance of development across the main urban centres and their surrounding villages.  However we would still emphasise the need for any necessary infrastructure to be put in place in advance, or at least alongside, any new developments.    We acknowledge that some Green Belt release would be required but believe this can be achieved without fundamentally undermining the primary purposes of Green Belt policy ie. to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another; to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. For example “grey belt” sites comprising previously developed land, and any other parcels of land that make a limited contribution to the aims of the green belt, should be brought forward for consideration. Option C – focusing development around sustainable transport corridors such as railway stations and major bus routes – also has its merits and could help reduce reliance on car journeys for commuting.    We understand that following this option in its entirety would require further green belt release however we believe it could provide some alternative options worthy of consideration alongside Option B in order to achieve the required level of housing provision. 

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