Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 2576

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2729
The “showstopper” constraints appear sensible but, as already set out above, whilst not a permanent constraint , adequate infrastructure capacity provision (including water management and sewerage infrastructure) must be an imperative requirement alongside any new development in both rural and urban settings and this should be noted as a key constraint that must be addressed (rather than a “showstopper”).  

Comment

Representation ID: 2577

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2730
We refer to our previous comments under SS14 in relation to the Green Belt.  We do not consider there should be a different policy for the Green Belt versus the countryside.  We are surprised there is no reference to the LNRS nature recovery objectives in this section on Countryside policy despite the statutory footing on which it has been prepared. We urge the Council to fully integrate the LRNS objectives into the Local Plan development, including (but not exclusively) for the countryside and Green Belt.

Comment

Representation ID: 2578

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2731
We refer to our previous comments under SS14 in relation to the Green Belt.  We do not consider there should be a different policy for the Green Belt versus the countryside.  We are surprised there is no reference to the LNRS nature recovery objectives in this section on Countryside policy despite the statutory footing on which it has been prepared. We urge the Council to fully integrate the LRNS objectives into the Local Plan development, including (but not exclusively) for the countryside and Green Belt.

Comment

Representation ID: 2579

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2732
We broadly agree with the policy approach.   We would like to also see consideration of making sure transport development is sustainable in respect of flood risk and water quality, in particular sustainable drainage and water pollution control measures (including nature-based solutions such as wetlands where possible).  Transport is one of several reasons why our rivers do not meet good ecological status under the Water Framework Directive due to highways runoff and runoff from railway lines.

Comment

Representation ID: 2580

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2733
We agree with the proposed policy approach.  As set out earlier, ensuring adequate infrastructure capacity provision is essential to support sustainable development, including water management and sewerage infrastructure to protect our rivers and estuaries.  

Comment

Representation ID: 2581

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2734
We agree with the proposed policy approach.  As set out earlier, ensuring adequate infrastructure capacity provision is essential to support sustainable development, including water management and sewerage infrastructure to protect our rivers and estuaries.  

Comment

Representation ID: 2582

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2735
We agree with the proposed policy approach.  As set out earlier, ensuring adequate infrastructure capacity provision is essential to support sustainable development, including water management and sewerage infrastructure to protect our rivers and estuaries.  

Comment

Representation ID: 2586

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2739
Spending time by water (rivers, canals, estuaries) is well known to improve health and wellbeing, so we would wish to see inclusion of “blue” spaces alongside “green” spaces in this policy, and ensuring blue space is protected and enhanced through sustainable development.

Comment

Representation ID: 2587

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2740
Open space for recreation should also include rivers, lakes, canals and estuaries which are used for water-based sport and recreation (angling, boating, paddle sports) and informal recreation (walking, cycling and riding by waterways).

Comment

Representation ID: 2588

Received: 14/08/2025

Respondent: Mersey Rivers Trust

I&O_2741
Yes we agree with the policy but that it should go further in requiring water neutrality such that the runoff from the new development is no greater than the existing runoff (as per GLA policy in London) rather than “ do your best” approach to reduce runoff.  It should also require high standards of water efficiency for new development.