Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 9134

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Alvanley Parish Council

I&O_9627
Helsby has already seen a large number of dwellings built as land is released on the old Helsby cable factory site (Mere’s Edge) since the factory closed in 2002.  At least another 350 homes are currently under construction or have been granted planning permission and several other large-scale applications are awaiting decision by the planning authority including a 75-bed dementia care home and another planning proposal for 160 that will be submitted by developers shortly. We would support Helsby and ask that planning carefully consider these figures for the new Local Plan, especially in relation to the proposed numbers set out in Table B.8 of between 250 and 1,046 additional new homes – (all within the green belt).  The figures shown in the above paragraph, set out that Helsby has already far exceeded its housing allocation to 2030. We do have reservation with regards to limited   local amenities and service providers available.  As Helsby has grown so has the need for supporting infrastructure been required as a whole (e.g. NHS dentist and doctor provision).  Any large-scale development in this area will undoubtedly have an impact on the use of local services within Helsby that Alvanley residents rely on.  We know that local primary schools and Helsby High School have been oversubscribed.  Planning permission should not be granted until provision of adequate school places has been addressed. Alvanley residents are also aware that it is currently difficult to make medical appointments at the health centres in both Helsby & Frodsham.  In addition, there are shortages of NHS dentists in the area and residents have complained of the difficulties they have experienced in getting dental treatment. 

Comment

Representation ID: 9138

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Alvanley Parish Council

I&O_9631
Helsby Railway Station and the Helsby/Mouldsworth rail corridor should be retained.

Comment

Representation ID: 9139

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Alvanley Parish Council

I&O_9632
We feel that the public arts element in this policy could be reviewed.  Public arts monies are more suited to urban spaces.  Smaller and more rural settlements are likely to have difficulties identifying appropriate projects.

Comment

Representation ID: 9141

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Alvanley Parish Council

I&O_9634
This should be done in conjunction with the local town and parish council.

Comment

Representation ID: 9143

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Alvanley Parish Council

I&O_9636
We feel that each local community should have a balanced proportion of both new affordable and full market value homes.  When considering affordable housing applications, we suggest that the level of affordable housing already in the community should be considered.  The neighbouring village of Helsby already has a substantial allocation of affordable housing on the Mere’s Edge site and the estate opposite Helsby High School and more are planned in current and proposed planning applications.  We feel this could be spread out more proportionately across the borough.

Comment

Representation ID: 9144

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Alvanley Parish Council

I&O_9637
We support the policies within the existing Local Plan in particularly housing proposals coming forward within large residential gardens.  We would ask the planning authority to consider any ‘front garden’ applications in the same manner as that of backland development.

Comment

Representation ID: 9146

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Alvanley Parish Council

I&O_9639
Yes, Alvanley agrees with its neighbour Helsby that key settlement gaps need to be reviewed, and new ones added within Green Belt areas to ensure the concept of “grey belt” development does not impact the character of individual settlements.  The area between Helsby and Alvanley should be identified as a settlement gap.

Comment

Representation ID: 9149

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Alvanley Parish Council

I&O_9642
Yes

Comment

Representation ID: 9150

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Alvanley Parish Council

I&O_9643
Yes

Comment

Representation ID: 9151

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Alvanley Parish Council

I&O_9644
Yes