Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 11848

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Hargrave & Huxley Parish Council

I&O_12347
We support the three bullets that describe the Borough which includes a desirable place to work, live and learn; vibrant towns and village; and a place where development happens in sustainable locations. The four guiding principles we also endorse with some minor edits, which are highlighted with underlining. The principles include tackling climate change, providing sustainable social and physical infrastructure and protecting the historic and contemporary character and promoting health and wellbeing.

Comment

Representation ID: 11849

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Hargrave & Huxley Parish Council

I&O_12348
We recommend that the Plan seeks to naturally connect people with jobs, through locating employment areas in naturally sustainable locations within easy travel distance of homes and local facilities.

Comment

Representation ID: 11850

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Hargrave & Huxley Parish Council

I&O_12349
Whilst we agree that those settlements identified have facilities and service that can meet the needs of residents; should development come forward, additional pressure will be placed on these locations, and so developers should contribute and oer enhancements to the local facilities. Whilst smaller settlements can accommodate infill development and small previously developed sites, the definition of the scale of permitted development should be provided. Given the relatively poor accessibility of these areas, development should be restricted and focused upon brownfield land and conversions.

Comment

Representation ID: 11852

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Hargrave & Huxley Parish Council

I&O_12351
We support the proposed policy regarding developer contributions and all developments should be required to contribute. Currently, in rural settings the scale of development is typically smaller and therefore would not require contributions, but the cumulative impact of development can be significant. Small scale development should be required to make contributions and indeed these contributions should be higher when in locations that are not as accessible as other locations such as towns and service centres.

Comment

Representation ID: 11853

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Hargrave & Huxley Parish Council

I&O_12352
We support the important principle of high quality design. In particular, focus should be on the conversion of properties in a rural setting. There is significant variability in the quality and sustainability credentials of sites, this should be carefully considered, with clearer guidance on the need for good quality design that is in harmony with the historic and or rural setting.

Comment

Representation ID: 11854

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Hargrave & Huxley Parish Council

I&O_12353
In rural locations, green energy solutions should be mandated to ensure that any prospective development significantly mitigates the environmental impacts.

Comment

Representation ID: 11855

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Hargrave & Huxley Parish Council

I&O_12354
As the majority of the green belt is situated in the northern section of the Local Plan area, retaining it would disproportionately concentrate future growth in terms of employment and housing in the southern part of the Borough. The principal towns— Ellesmere Port, Chester, and Northwich—are located in the northern region and offer enhanced public accessibility and local facilities compared to the rural south. Consequently, this option risks fostering densification in areas lacking natural sustainable travel options, potentially increasing reliance on personal vehicles for commuting and accessing local amenities. This approach may exacerbate issues identified earlier in the consultation stages, including the need for sustainable development and climate change mitigation.

Comment

Representation ID: 11857

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Hargrave & Huxley Parish Council

I&O_12356
It is supported to focus large urban extensions around the centres of Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Winsford. A brownfield first approach should be taken to maximise development on previously developed land, and it is recognised that greenbelt release may be required to achieve the growth set out. However, if it can be demonstrated that sustainable growth can be achieved in these locations, with high quality design principles, this form of development could be supported subject to higher levels of financial contributions being paid by developers.

Comment

Representation ID: 11858

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Hargrave & Huxley Parish Council

I&O_12357
The key difference with this option is that new homes would be focused in and around settlements on the rail network and main bus route corridors. The principle of this approach makes sense but needs to be done in a considered manner adopting a brownfield first approach that ensures that the local facilities can support the nature of development.

Comment

Representation ID: 11859

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Hargrave & Huxley Parish Council

I&O_12358
The Parish Council does not support Option A. However, we advocate for a blend of Option B and C with an increased emphasis on development at transportation nodes within the Borough to capitalize on naturally sustainable locations and to optimize the utilisation of brownfield land.