Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 14698

Received: 02/09/2025

Respondent: Darnhall Parish Council

I&O_15248
In examining these options, Darnhall Parish Council has referred to the attached Appendix 1 (Draft Spatial Strategy Options). These show the following: - That Option A would mean additional development in Darnhall Options B and C would mean additional development but at a lower level than Option A The distribution of new housing in the Dranhall area Having examined these options, Darnhall Parish Council wishes to support Option B for the following reasons: - The options reflect discussions at Parish Council meetings and also discussions involving members of the public Option B delivers the ambitions set out in the Local Plan in a strategic sense Housing is distributed more fairly throughout the borough as a whole The options builds on the existing Local Plan In coming to the conclusion outlined above, Darnhall Parish Council has taken into account the points set out in the Local Plan documents issued to date and has also taken soundings of public opinion.

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

Comment

Representation ID: 14699

Received: 02/09/2025

Respondent: Darnhall Parish Council

I&O_15249
The Parish Council has also noted CWAC’s comment that under all of the options, it may be necessary to identify new areas or broad locations for development if not enough land can be identified within settlements, and that these areas may be located in the Green Belt and/or countryside. In addition, Darnhall Parish Council has noted that land has been excluded where there are constraints that would act as potential ‘showstoppers’ to restrict future development for example designated habitats sites, areas of flood risk and significant hazard zones. Finally, Darnhall Parish Council notes that that approximately 100 areas have been identified for potential growth and/or future allocation in the new Local Plan. Finally, Darnhall Parish Council makes the following points: - Protection of Land – Members considered the following potential areas of protection within the parish and agreed the following: Areas of interconnected woods along the Ashbrook valley, forming wildlife corridors connecting with the River Weaver, the Flashes and Wimboldsley Woods. Buffer zones (between areas of development) across the parish containing wildlife and to protect the environment and promote biodiversity Hall Lane – to protect vistas on both sides of the road Raven site – to propose as a brownfield site • The Parish Council also makes the general point that infrastructure should be improved in the area to match additional housing.

Comment

Representation ID: 14700

Received: 02/09/2025

Respondent: Darnhall Parish Council

I&O_15250
Darnhall Parish Council notes the following regarding the development of the new Local Plan for Cheshire West. • That the “Issues and Options” document is the first formal stage in preparing the new plan, under Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning Regulations 2012. • That the Local Plan is being developed in response to several changes since the current Local Plan was adopted including new government legislation, updated national planning policy, increased housing targets, and a borough-wide commitment to tackle the climate emergency. Darnhall Parish Council further notes the Vision and Principles underpinning the Local Plan. • The proposed vision of a future where Cheshire West and Chester is: o A desirable and attractive place to live, work, learn and visit. o A borough with vibrant towns and villages. o A place where development happens in sustainable locations. • The four guiding principles for the Local Plan: o Tackling climate change o Promoting wellbeing o Providing infrastructure o Protecting character

Comment

Representation ID: 14702

Received: 02/09/2025

Respondent: Darnhall Parish Council

I&O_15252
Darnhall Parish Council notes the objectives for the Local Plan, some of which may need to be revised including changes to the national planning framework which make the protection of the North Cheshire Green Belt and Cheshire countryside more challenging, as well as the objectives set out in the Sustainability Appraisal. Darnhall Parish Council is aware that the two options set out by CWAC for the Local Plan are to use and update the current Local Plan objectives (Option A - covering economic, social, and environmental goals) or to use the objectives set out in the Sustainability Appraisal (Option B - covering areas such as air quality, energy, waste, heritage, housing, health, transport, economy). Darnhall Parish Council has no agreed view on these options.

Comment

Representation ID: 14703

Received: 02/09/2025

Respondent: Darnhall Parish Council

I&O_15253
Darnhall Parish Council notes the following areas of policy set out for the Local Plan. • Sustainable Development – Darnhall Parish Council notes that CWAC has sustainability as a core theme of the new plan and that CWAC states that all development must help reduce carbon emissions, respond to climate change, and protect environmental quality.

Comment

Representation ID: 14704

Received: 02/09/2025

Respondent: Darnhall Parish Council

I&O_15254
Darnhall Parish Council notes the following areas of policy set out for the Local Plan. Spatial Strategy (where should growth go) – Darnhall Parish Council notes that national policy states that strategic policies in Local Plans should set out an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and design quality of places and make sufficient provision for: homes, employment, retail, leisure and other commercial development. Darnhall Parish Council notes CWAC figures which show that there are undeveloped planning permissions for almost 6,000 homes and sites on previously developed land in the main settlements, with capacity for just over 5,000 homes. There is almost 77 ha of employment land with planning permission, plus 158 ha of land in established employment areas in the main settlements, that could be developed.

Comment

Representation ID: 14705

Received: 02/09/2025

Respondent: Darnhall Parish Council

I&O_15255
Darnhall Parish Council notes the following areas of policy set out for the Local Plan. Spatial Strategy (where should growth go) – Darnhall Parish Council notes that national policy states that strategic policies in Local Plans should set out an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and design quality of places and make sufficient provision for: homes, employment, retail, leisure and other commercial development. Darnhall Parish Council notes CWAC figures which show that there are undeveloped planning permissions for almost 6,000 homes and sites on previously developed land in the main settlements, with capacity for just over 5,000 homes. There is almost 77 ha of employment land with planning permission, plus 158 ha of land in established employment areas in the main settlements, that could be developed.

Comment

Representation ID: 14708

Received: 02/09/2025

Respondent: Darnhall Parish Council

I&O_15258
Darnhall Parish Council further notes the following areas of policy. • Policy Approach SS 1 – Housing Needs – Darnhall Parish Council notes that Cheshire West and Chester must plan for at least 1,914 new homes per year, nearly 29,000 homes over 15 years based on national calculations. This is much higher than the current plan’s target of 1,100 homes per year. Darnhall Parish Council notes that the new plan will need to decide how to distribute this housing across the borough in a sustainable way, and that the Local Plan must also ensure homes meet different needs e.g. affordable housing, family homes, homes for older people, and Gypsy and Travellers.

Comment

Representation ID: 14709

Received: 02/09/2025

Respondent: Darnhall Parish Council

I&O_15259
Darnhall Parish Council further notes the following areas of policy. Policy Approach SS 2 – Employment Needs – Darnhall Parish Council notes that an Economic Needs Assessment (2025) says that 149 hectares of employment land is needed over 15 years (9.9 hectares per year) and that CWAC has said that the Local Plan will support growing business sectors and protect existing employment areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 14712

Received: 02/09/2025

Respondent: Darnhall Parish Council

I&O_15262
Darnhall Parish Council further notes the following areas of policy. Policy Approach SS 3 - Spatial strategy principles – Darnhall Parish Council notes that the spatial strategy will follow the principle of directing new development and allocating land, towards previously developed sites within settlements first, as they are the most sustainable locations with best access to services and facilities. Darnhall Parish Council further notes that CWAC has said that, where there are not enough planning permissions and opportunities for redevelopment within urban areas and towns, the approach will be to develop on the edge of existing settlements in locations with the best access to public transport and existing services and infrastructure, as the next best sustainable option.