Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 6382

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Diocese of Chester

Agent: Fisher German LLP

I&O_6795
The proposed policy approach to protecting and enhancing cultural and community facilities is strongly supported, as these assets are essential to the long-term vibrancy and inclusivity of local communities. The policy should go further by encouraging the proactive delivery of new or enhanced facilities as part of major developments, secured through developer contributions where appropriate. In addition, promoting the flexible and multi-use operation of existing facilities will allow them to respond more effectively to evolving community needs, helping to improve social resilience. Ongoing engagement with local stakeholders and community organisations will be key to ensuring the policy remains responsive and effective.

Comment

Representation ID: 6548

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Diocese of Chester

Agent: Fisher German LLP

I&O_6965
All potential growth options for Malpas (Options A, B, and C) are essentially similar in their overall suitability, with no significant differences between them. However, within these options, land parcel MAL04 is considered the most appropriate for growth. It aligns with the current local plan’s scale and distribution of development, and benefits from proximity to sustainable transport corridors. Its location adjacent to the existing settlement edge allows for a logical, contained extension of the village, supporting sensitive integration with the established built environment. MAL04 offers the opportunity to deliver high-quality residential development consistent with the NPPF (2024) objectives, particularly those related to sustainable development, superior design, and place-making (Sections 2, 12). This site includes significant open space and landscaping that will enhance the local character and biodiversity, in line with national design guidance and local landscape policies. Importantly, MAL04 provides the ability to safeguard nearby heritage assets, including the Church and Malpas Conservation Area, ensuring development respects and reinforces Malpas’s historic and rural identity. The site’s potential to contribute positively to community infrastructure and provide accessible green space supports sustainable growth aligned with both local planning policies and national frameworks, promoting environmental, social, and economic well-being as set out in the NPPF.

Comment

Representation ID: 6550

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Diocese of Chester

Agent: Fisher German LLP

I&O_6967
It is essential that any future development around Malpas is carefully managed to preserve the village’s distinctive character, heritage, and rural setting. Of the potential growth areas identified, MAL04 is particularly well placed to deliver this. The site offers a logical, well-contained extension to the village and provides the opportunity for a sensitively designed scheme that incorporates mature landscaping, green buffers, and appropriate building scale to ensure visual separation from the wider countryside and harmony with the existing settlement edge. The presence of public rights of way crossing the site presents a further opportunity to enhance pedestrian and cycle connectivity, supporting active travel and reinforcing Malpas’s role as a sustainable rural service centre. With appropriate design, development at MAL04 can improve access to local open spaces and contribute positively to placemaking in line with the National Planning Policy Framework’s emphasis on sustainable transport, health and well-being, and high-quality design.

Comment

Representation ID: 6554

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Diocese of Chester

Agent: Fisher German LLP

I&O_6971
In preparing the new Local Plan, it is important to recognise the specific characteristics and sensitivities of Malpas while also identifying realistic, sustainable opportunities for growth. Like many rural service centres, Malpas faces infrastructure pressures. However, these are typical of villages in the wider borough and can be effectively addressed through the plan-led delivery of development, supported by coordinated infrastructure investment and developer contributions. Heritage is a key consideration for Malpas, given the presence of the Conservation Area and multiple listed buildings. However, this should not be viewed as a constraint to development, but rather as a driver of quality. The Local Plan should ensure that new housing is guided by strong place-making principles, including local character, landscape integration, and sensitive design. The land at MAL04 provides a deliverable and logical extension to the village that responds directly to these requirements. It offers the potential to accommodate new housing while maintaining the village’s historic setting, protecting important views, and delivering accessible open space. Its scale and location allow for integration with existing movement networks, enhancement of public rights of way, and support for BNG - now a mandatory requirement in the planning system. Through site-specific policies and a strong design-led framework, the Local Plan can enable sustainable residential development at Malpas that supports the village’s long-term vitality, protects its heritage assets, and delivers the infrastructure needed to accommodate modest, well-managed growth.