Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 10240

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Agent: Avison Young

I&O_10737
Based on the evidence available to date, it appears that Option C could also be an appropriate strategy for the new Local Plan as it ensures that the plan meets the new standard housing requirement figures and focus development within sustainable transport corridors and PDL sites which also accords with national policy.

Comment

Representation ID: 10241

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Agent: Avison Young

LAA ref 1403
I&O_10738
Our response to Question SS23 and SS24 relates to the DIO’s land interest at Dale Barracks which falls within the proposed growth allocation CH01. The DIO are fully supportive of the potential removal of the site from the Green Belt and allocation as part of a wider allocation under CH01. Policy GBC1.C of the Cheshire West and Chester Council Local Plan (Part Two) currently identifies most of Dale Barracks as a development opportunity. The whole site represents a highly sustainable location that offers an opportunity for sensitive land release from the Green Belt and allocation for housing development on a PDL site. The DIO and their technical team have prepared a Development Statement for the site (enclosed with theses representations), which seeks to clearly articulate the opportunity that exists at the site for release from the Green Belt and allocation for residential development, by providing; an analysis of the site and its surroundings; setting out the case for the removal of the site from the Green Belt; analysing the sustainability of the site, including a review of key technical considerations and demonstrating that the site is suitable, available and achievable. On the basis of the information contained within the Development Statement, it is the DIO position that growth area CH01 is the most suitable growth area for Chester.

Comment

Representation ID: 10242

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Agent: Avison Young

LAA ref 1403
I&O_10739
Our response to Question SS23 and SS24 relates to the DIO’s land interest at Dale Barracks which falls within the proposed growth allocation CH01. The DIO are fully supportive of the potential removal of the site from the Green Belt and allocation as part of a wider allocation under CH01. Policy GBC1.C of the Cheshire West and Chester Council Local Plan (Part Two) currently identifies most of Dale Barracks as a development opportunity. The whole site represents a highly sustainable location that offers an opportunity for sensitive land release from the Green Belt and allocation for housing development on a PDL site. The DIO and their technical team have prepared a Development Statement for the site (enclosed with theses representations), which seeks to clearly articulate the opportunity that exists at the site for release from the Green Belt and allocation for residential development, by providing; an analysis of the site and its surroundings; setting out the case for the removal of the site from the Green Belt; analysing the sustainability of the site, including a review of key technical considerations and demonstrating that the site is suitable, available and achievable. On the basis of the information contained within the Development Statement, it is the DIO position that growth area CH01 is the most suitable growth area for Chester.

Comment

Representation ID: 10243

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Agent: Avison Young

LAA ref 1403
I&O_10740
CH1 sets out the overall vision for Chester and its function as a city centre, which is generally supported by the DIO. However, with reference to Dale Barracks, it is noted that the DIO have confirmed that it will become surplus to requirements by 2030 and as such, it is our position that the draft approach to Policy CH1 should be amended to ensure that the site is identified for removal from the Green Belt and reallocated for residential led development. As set out in our response to Question SS23, the site is located in a highly sustainable location and is a deliverable site to deliver much needed housing on a PDL site. Whilst it is noted that Dale Barracks is one of several sites identified within the Upton Triangle (CH01), for delivery purposes, it would be necessary for the site to have its own policy allocation.

Comment

Representation ID: 10244

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Agent: Avison Young

LAA ref 1403
I&O_10741
CH1 sets out the overall vision for Chester and its function as a city centre, which is generally supported by the DIO. However, with reference to Dale Barracks, it is noted that the DIO have confirmed that it will become surplus to requirements by 2030 and as such, it is our position that the draft approach to Policy CH1 should be amended to ensure that the site is identified for removal from the Green Belt and reallocated for residential led development. As set out in our response to Question SS23, the site is located in a highly sustainable location and is a deliverable site to deliver much needed housing on a PDL site. Whilst it is noted that Dale Barracks is one of several sites identified within the Upton Triangle (CH01), for delivery purposes, it would be necessary for the site to have its own policy allocation.

Comment

Representation ID: 10245

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Defence Infrastructure Organisation

Agent: Avison Young

LAA ref 1403
I&O_10742
In summary it is the DIO position that the Council should proceed with either Option B or Option C, as the most suitable growth options over the course of the Local Plan period, as these options will ensure that an effective and justified level of development is delivered for the Borough. With reference to the DIO land interests at Dale barracks, it is clear, as demonstrated by the enclosed Development Statement, that the site represents an opportunity for the Council to allocate a site for development, which would contribute positively towards meeting housing targets across the Borough, in a sensitive manner that would have limited impacts to the purposes of the Green Belt, whilst making the most effective use of PDL. The site demonstrates a sustainable, deliverable, and available option for a residential-led strategic development, which could be delivered in a co-ordinated fashion, whilst also delivering social, environmental and economic benefits including but not limited to: • Creation of jobs during the construction phase of any subsequent development on site; • Creation of a number of other off-site employment opportunities in the building trade ranging from suppliers of building materials to architects; • An increase in expenditure in the local economy through both construction workers and from new residents will help to support Chester and surrounding businesses; • Delivery of a range and type of housing to meet local needs, including affordable housing and where market demands indicate specialist housing to be suitable; • Provision of public open space throughout the site for the benefit of existing and future residents; • Delivery of a sustainable, co-ordinated development which will have good access to jobs, shops, services and transport links; • Delivery of a scheme which ensures efficient use of land by maximising its development whilst taking into account key site opportunities and constraints, delivering a viable scheme; and, • Following a full technical review, not result in any significant adverse/unacceptable environmental impacts such as flood risk, land contamination, ecology, heritage and landscape. The DIO welcomes the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Council and other key stakeholders as the Local Plan progresses and would welcome an ongoing dialogue about the site prospects and contribution it can make to meeting future development needs in the Borough. These representations have highlighted a number of key issues that need to be considered during the production of the Cheshire and West and Chester Local Plan Review, to ensure that the Local Plan meets the test of soundness. We would be grateful if you could confirm safe receipt of this letter, and we respectfully request that these representations are considered by the Council in the preparation of the Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan Review.