Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 2556

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2709
Additional evidence should include the LNRS for Cheshire & Warrington and the River Basin Management Plan/local catchment plans for the Weaver Gowy, Lower Mersey and Tidal Dee catchments, which set out key objectives for nature recovery and water management.  Reference should also be made to the emerging Cheshire and Warrington Sustainable & Inclusive Economic Strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 2557

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2710
The monitoring framework should include impact of development of Water Framework Directive (WFD) status of designated water bodies, on LNRS nature recovery objectives, and the contribution that measures such as sustainable drainage schemes (SuDS) and natural flood management measures (as set out in the LNRS) make to reducing flood risk where these can be incorporated into planning conditions for new development.

Comment

Representation ID: 2558

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2711
Overall, the SA/SEA has identified the key issues and risks associated with water management.  The more important element will be the measures proposed in the Local Plan to address the identified issues so that development proceeds in tandem with sustainable water management and pollution prevention principles.  We would be happy to discuss these issues further with the council.

Comment

Representation ID: 2559

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2712
The HRA screening appears to screen in the key water-dependent European sites that may be impacted by the Local Plan.  As well as the European sites, mobile Annex 2 fish species (Atlantic salmon and lamprey species) need to be considered in respect of their migratory routes from the sea up the Mersey Estuary (and Dee Estuary) into the freshwater river systems which are not themselves designated as European sites but which are key habitat for these Annex 2 fish species.

Comment

Representation ID: 2560

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2713
The vision does not appear to recognise the need for nature recovery outwith climate change impacts within a sustainable development vision.  Irrespective of climate change, nature in Cheshire West and Chester has been very adversely affected by industrial, urban and agricultural pressures over the past 200 years and there is a imperative need to address these issues and deliver nature recovery, including water quality and river habitat improvements as part of any future sustainable development vision.

Comment

Representation ID: 2561

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2714
The vision does not appear to recognise the need for nature recovery outwith climate change impacts within a sustainable development vision.  Irrespective of climate change, nature in Cheshire West and Chester has been very adversely affected by industrial, urban and agricultural pressures over the past 200 years and there is a imperative need to address these issues and deliver nature recovery, including water quality and river habitat improvements as part of any future sustainable development vision.

Comment

Representation ID: 2562

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2715
On balance, we have a preference for Option B.
Option B - use the Sustainability Appraisal objectives

Comment

Representation ID: 2563

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2716
If Option A is taken forward, we consider the objectives should include stronger reference to Nature Recovery as set out in the LNRS objectives, recognising the poor state of nature currently and that recovery measures need to be included as Local Plan objectives. 

Comment

Representation ID: 2564

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2717
Objective SO3: we would like to see reference to sustainable farming recognising the relative impact of farming practices on the water environment in Cheshire West. Objective SO10: we would like to see explicit reference to the LNRS nature recovery objectives as part of this objective.

Comment

Representation ID: 2565

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2718
As above, we would like to see explicit reference to the LNRS nature recovery objectives.  Given the time and effort with multiple partners involved in preparing the LNRS (which is a very robust strategy for Cheshire & Warrington), and given its statutory footing, it is surprising that the proposals for the new Local Plan are not referencing the LNRS.