Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 10012

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Horizon Crematorium (Hooton) Ltd

I&O_10509
Horizon are supportive of the concept of shorter local plan periods which ensure that policies and supporting evidence within Development Plans are kept up-todate and remain relevant. Policies in the plan should reflect current and short-term future growth in the area in order to better guide and inform planning proposals and planning decisions. A shorter plan period will allow for more frequent reviews and updates, ensuring that the policies and data reflect the changing economic, environmental and social positions of the borough. By creating shorter plan period, the new Local Plan will further align with the Government’s intentions at reducing local plan review periods. Under regulation 10A of The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended) local planning authorities must review local plans at least once every 5 years from their adoption date to ensure that policies remain relevant and effectively address the needs of the local community. Most plans are likely to require updating in whole or in part at least every 5 years1. A shorter plan period will allow for more realistic targets to be set within the document, ensuring more accurate monitoring in the progress and success of the Local Plan policies. 

Comment

Representation ID: 10013

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Horizon Crematorium (Hooton) Ltd

I&O_10510
It is recognised that Neighbourhood Plans can play a useful role in guiding development and design matters in certain locations however, their role in meeting broader development needs should be limited. Neighbourhood Plans should not be used to constrain delivery of development or introduce restrictive policies outside of the adopted Local Plan. Neighbourhood Plans should be advisory in nature and confined to matters of local character, design preferences etc. Planning Practice Guidance (Paragraph: 044 Reference ID: 41-044-20190509) confirms that neighbourhood plans must be in general conformity with strategic policies. 

Comment

Representation ID: 10014

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Horizon Crematorium (Hooton) Ltd

I&O_10511
Horizon recognises that to achieve sustainable visions of the Local Plan, spatial strategies must be established, such as the strategic identification of Ellesmere Port to meet development needs. Horizon supports the inclusion of Ellesmere Port within the spatial strategy, as it represents a strategically important area for both new development and regeneration. In addition to the identification of key locations within the strategy, the Local Plan must also recognise areas outside of the locations identified which will be capable of delivering development that is not appropriate to provide within built-up areas. Areas located outside of the settlements identified, yet within sustainable locations, can be utilised to reduce spatial pressures of these areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 10015

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Horizon Crematorium (Hooton) Ltd

I&O_10512
The vision of the Local Plan should include a set of principles and priorities to allow for sustainable development to be established. Horizon broadly supports the draft visions as set out in section VI 1 ‘Visions’ and welcomes the scope of the principles identified.

Comment

Representation ID: 10016

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Horizon Crematorium (Hooton) Ltd

I&O_10513
Horizon support the objectives taken from the Local Plan Update 2023: Sustainability Appraisal Report which provide a comprehensive framework for bringing forward sustainable development. They support a balanced approach to environmental protection, social wellbeing, and economic growth, which are key considerations in the release of Green Belt land. Horizon believes that their site, Land off Hooton Road, complies with each of the relevant objectives outlined within Option ‘B’, as detailed below. Protect air quality where it is of a high standard and to improve it elsewhere. The site’s location allows for sustainable travel options. Its location enables access to local services, reducing the need for long car journeys and helping to mitigate air quality impacts. Future development would incorporate measures to manage and minimise emissions during and after construction. Reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses, in particular CO2. By focusing development near an existing settlement (Hooton), the site supports a more compact settlement pattern, helping reduce car dependency. Reduce energy consumption, promote energy efficiency and increase the use of energy from renewable resources. Will it reduce energy consumption? Development will be subject to modern building regulations and could exceed energy efficiency standards where feasible. Optimise the re-use of previously developed land and buildings. While not previously developed, the site is a sustainable site, located immediately adjacent to Hooton. It is noted that, while the development of crematoria does not have a functional need for a countryside location, it is required to comply with the Cremation Act 1902. This stipulates, amongst other things, that crematoria can only be built where they would be at least 200 yards (183 metres) from any residence and 50 yards (46 metres) from any highway. In practice, this makes it difficult to build crematoria within many built-up areas and therefore previously developed land buildings are rarely available for such uses. Manage contaminated land effectively. Appropriate investigations and reports will be enclosed within any future planning application at the site to ensure that development is brought forward safely. Minimise the risk of flooding from all sources. Appropriate investigations and reports will be enclosed within any future planning application at the site to ensure that development is brought forward safely. Protect, enhance and manage the character and appearance of the landscape and townscape, maintaining and strengthening local distinctiveness and sense of place. A sensitive design approach will integrate the development into the existing landscape setting, this could include aspects such as buffers and boundary planting. Preserve and enhance historic assets, sites, features, areas and settings of archaeological, historical and cultural heritage importance. The site is not in proximity to any conservation areas or listed buildings. Protect and enhance the borough’s biodiversity and wildlife habitats. The site will deliver at least 10% BNG, as required nationally. Existing features such as hedgerows or mature trees will be retained and enhanced where possible. Create a safe environment to live in and reduce the fear of crime. Design will follow Secured by Design principles. Enable environments that promote health and wellbeing. Future development at the site will deliver connections to local services and will support active lifestyles and mental wellbeing where feasible. Protect and enhance community facilities and services. The site will integrate with the wider settlement to enhance community cohesion and access. It is available to provide a new crematoria for the area to address an unmet need, as demonstrated in the appeal decision at Appendix III. Make the best use of existing transport infrastructure and ensure everyone has access to high quality and affordable public transport, cycling and walking infrastructure. The site is well-located to utilise existing roads and public transport links, and its development would support enhancements to walking, cycling, and bus networks. Its location adjacent to Hooton reduces car dependency and supports sustainable movement patterns.

Comment

Representation ID: 10017

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Horizon Crematorium (Hooton) Ltd

I&O_10514
The Local Plan objectives as outlined in Option A relate well to Horizon’s land interest at Hooton Road, Hooton. As demonstrated below, there are a number of objectives that relate to the characteristics and qualities of the land: Economic SO2 Support a vibrant, diverse and competitive local economy that provides a range of job opportunities to support sustainable communities. The site has the potential to support job creation in a sustainable and accessible location. SO4 Provide and develop reliable, efficient transport networks that support sustainable growth and improve accessibility to jobs and services. Located adjacent to Hooton, the site benefits from proximity to existing road and public transport infrastructure. SO5 Ensure all development is supported by the necessary provision of, or improvements to infrastructure, services and facilities in an effective and timely manner to make development sustainable and minimise its effect upon existing communities. The site is ideally located to provide necessary community facilities to support development in Hooton and further afield. Social SO7 Support education and skills and ensure that deprived communities have access to services and employment. The development of the Site would allow for local skills and employment to be developed during both construction and operation. SO8 Create stronger, safer and healthier communities by enabling access to leisure, recreational and community facilities and promoting walking and cycling. The Site is capable of being developed as a community facility at a location which is accessible by sustainable modes of travel. Environmental SO11 Ensure new development does not create an unacceptable impact, either individually or cumulatively, on the amenity and health of residents. Careful design will ensure protection of residential amenity, air quality, and noise levels. SO12 Ensure new development is of sustainable and high quality design that respects heritage assets, local distinctiveness and the character and appearance of the landscape and townscape. The site is not in proximity to any conservation areas or listed buildings. SO13 Manage, expand and improve green infrastructure and waterways networks, recognising their importance in delivering local environmental, social, economic and health benefits. The site will be brought forward to deliver sustainable development with access to green infrastructure and waterway networks. SO14 Mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change by addressing flood risk and water management and support the development of new buildings and infrastructure that are resilient, resistant and adapted to the effects of climate change. Appropriate investigations and reports will be enclosed within any future planning application at the site to ensure that development is brought forward safely. SO15 Take action on climate change by promoting energy efficiency and energy generation from low carbon and renewable resources. The development will meet modern energy standards. SO16 Achieve sustainable waste management, using sustainable modes of transport and travel and the prudent use of our natural resources including water and mineral reserves. Construction and operation will follow best practices for waste minimisation and recycling. We believe the current Local Plan objectives (Option A) remain broadly relevant but are not sufficiently flexible to respond to evolving planning challenges, particularly in light of updated national policy and increased development land requirements. For example, areas like Horizon’s land interests at Hooton Road may present sustainable opportunities for Green Belt release, which the existing objectives may not fully accommodate.

Comment

Representation ID: 10018

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Horizon Crematorium (Hooton) Ltd

I&O_10515
SO1 Develop the role of Chester as a sub-regional city, promote regeneration and development in the towns of Ellesmere Port, Northwich and Winsford and enable appropriate levels of development in the key service centres to support sustainable rural communities. SO1 should be updated to acknowledge the potential for sustainable growth in areas adjacent to existing settlements, even if within current Green Belt boundaries.  SO9 Support sustainable development and urban regeneration by supporting the use of suitably located previously developed land and buildings and by locating the majority of development within and on the edge of the main urban areas and key service centres. SO9 should be updated to recognise the limited availability of previously developed land and support well-located greenfield and edge-of-settlement sites.  As set out above, there are uses such as crematoria that are required to be outside of built-up areas by other (non-planning) legislation, and this needs to be recognised within planning policy. SO10 Protect the environmental quality and character of Cheshire West and Chester through maintaining the general extent and character of the North Cheshire Green Belt and Cheshire countryside. SO10 should allow for flexibility in Green Belt boundaries where robust evidence demonstrates that the release would deliver sustainable development outcomes without compromising the integrity of the wider Green Belt.

Comment

Representation ID: 10019

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Horizon Crematorium (Hooton) Ltd

I&O_10516
Yes, we believe Option B offers a more robust and future-proofed approach to plan-making. The SA objectives provide clear criteria for assessing the long-term sustainability and resilience of proposed development sites.

Comment

Representation ID: 10020

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Horizon Crematorium (Hooton) Ltd

I&O_10517
While we support Option B, we suggest enhancements to better reflect spatial considerations and site-specific viability. For example, including objectives that recognise the role of edge-of-settlement Green Belt sites, and an emphasis of bringing forward sites with proximity to existing infrastructure. In addition to the objectives listed in either Option B, it is vital to recognise the need for adequate community facilities, both in quality and quantity. Whilst existing community facilities and services should be “protected and enhanced”, it is also important for new facilities to be provided where there is a demonstrable need.
Neither of these
None of these

Comment

Representation ID: 10021

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Horizon Crematorium (Hooton) Ltd

I&O_10518
Yes, we broadly agree with the suggested policy approach towards sustainable development. The proposed criteria strike a strong balance between environmental responsibility, resilience to climate change, and social inclusion. However, we recommend that the policy also explicitly recognises that sustainable development can occur on well-located Green Belt sites, particularly where they are adjacent to existing settlements, such as Land off Hooton Road. Sustainable development may, in some cases, include land currently within the Green Belt where clear evidence demonstrates that such development would meet long-term requirements, and climate objectives in a manner consistent with national and local sustainability principles.