Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 6764

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Sat-Plan Planning and Development

I&O_7191
These representations have been prepared on SATPLAN Strategic Land in response to the Cheshire West & Chester Council (CWAC) Local Plan – Issues & Options (Regulation 18) Representations – July 2025.   The representations relate specifically to Land at Wood Lane, Parkgate.  These representations seek to provide specific comments in relation to the suggested policy approach towards Neston and Parkgate, as set out in  NP 1 ‘Neston and Parkgate’ and particularly the benefits of directing further growth to Parkgate.   The Site   The Site is identified within the consultation document in Table B.11 as within the growth area of Neston & Parkgate ( NEP01) and also in the 2025 Land Availability Assessment as site ref: 2164.   The Site extends to approximately 28.61 Gross Acres and is capable of delivering approximately 350 -365 dwellings with public open space and Biodiversity Net Gain opportunities.   Deliverability   The National Planning Policy Framework requires that to be considered deliverable, sites should be available now, offer a suitable location for development now, and be achievable with a realistic prospect that housing will be delivered on the site within five years and that development of the site is viable.   The Site is available now and offers the opportunity for the early delivery of a high-quality residential development that will provide both market and affordable housing and would make a valuable contribution to addressing housing land supply in Cheshire West and Chester within the next 5 years.   The level of affordable housing for this Site and elsewhere in the borough should be determined further to a borough-wide viability assessment with a strong focus directed towards realistic rates that can be delivered.   The Site is within a sustainable location where there is good access to services and facilities. A public footpath also runs between the site and the adjacent Council owned playing fields, providing pedestrian and cycle access to Parkgate and Parkgate Primary School (circa 80m from the site). The footpath also provides access to the Wirral Way which is a dedicated cycle and walking route (running from West Kirby through to Hooton) this would also be the main pedestrian and cycle routes to Neston centre (1.44km).   Several detailed technical investigations have already been undertaken which demonstrate the suitability and deliverability of the site for residential development. There are no technical impediments to development. All matters including landscape, access, drainage, ecology, amenity, and infrastructure have been addressed through a landscape-led and technically robust design.   The Site very clearly meets the key tests in terms of suitability, achievability and availability and therefore is deliverable. In terms of the deliverability, there are no constraints that would prevent this site from coming forward. The Site is arguably a “Grey Belt” candidate Site as set out in the NPPF.   In summary, the Site at Wood Lane, Parkgate can accommodate future growth through carefully planned proposals in this location.  These representations demonstrate that it is possible to deliver much-needed housing in a way that protects village identity, meets infrastructure demands, and secures long-term benefits for both current and future residents.