Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 3080

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3254
Overview The approach identified in streamlining the process of the updated Local Plan from the existing Part One and Part Two documents is viewed as allowing a comprehensive document which is reflective of current relevant National Policies and approaches. We are supportive of this presented approach. It is noted that the Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan is progressing ahead of the devolution of CWaC, CEC, and WBC and, as such, the forthcoming publication will stand alone outside of this process and should be considered within this view. As per the DfT Circular 01/2022, we are prescribed by the NPPF to be considered “from the earliest stages of plan-making and in development proposals so that sustainable transport can be promoted”. We consider this review of the Regulation 18 document to form part of this early engagement. National Development Management Policies The Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill, the mechanism under which the NDMPs will be implemented, is currently undergoing consultation and has not been finalised. We recognise that once this is complete, the NPPF will be updated to reflect this new approach to planning. As and when the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill comes into effect (and relevant guidance is updated), we expect the Local Plan to be updated as appropriate. Design Code The design code might influence how development proposals address matters such as access, layout and visual impact for sites near or adjacent to SRN corridors. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the design principles align with national infrastructure standards, and do not compromise the safety, efficiency or operation of the SRN. We recommend being open to consultation on both the design code and any subsequent proposals where the design of new or modified infrastructure may interact with, or be within the vicinity of, the SRN. Evidence Base As the identified supporting documents are developed and prepared in support of the forthcoming Local Plan, we expect that these will be referenced in the Regulation 19 documentation prior to publication of the full Plan. We recommend being consulted on any aspects of the evidence and documentation where impacts to the SRN may occur.

Comment

Representation ID: 3081

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3255
As the monitoring framework is currently in consultation and will be included at the Regulation 19 stage of the Local Plan process, we have no further comments on this aspect.

Comment

Representation ID: 3082

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3256
Suggested Policy Approach The approach identified will represent a comprehensive vision for the development of the Borough through the implementation of the Local Plan policies developed throughout this document. We are supportive of this approach and are open to any further consultations required as the plan develops through to Regulation 19 submission. Policy VI1: Vision As the plan is still within development to identify an appropriate spatial strategy and vision for the Local Plan area, we have no further comment at this time. However, site-specific commentary is made with regards to the identified Local Plan locations and is expanded on further within this review: Chester Ellesmere Port Northwich Winsford Frodsham Neston and Parkgate Middlewich

Comment

Representation ID: 3084

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3258
Overview Given the recent Call for Sites exercises, information on the distribution of developments and therefore their potential impact on local infrastructure within the borough and the SRN are currently not known. We recommend that Cheshire West and Chester Council engage proactively with National Highways as the Local Plan is developed to ensure that any adverse impact to the SRN is mitigated and that growth promoted through the Local Plan is brought forward in a sustainable manner. Policy OB1: Objectives (Option A) The presented approach to Option A reflects the continuation of existing Local Plan objectives. While these are broadly aligned with sustainable development principles, the lack of clarity on site distribution means the potential impacts on the SRN remain uncertain. We recommend continued engagement to assess infrastructure needs as the spatial strategy is refined. Policy OB1: Objectives (Option B) The presented approach to Option B is reflective of Cheshire West and Chester’s acknowledgement of the Climate Crisis, reflected in the wording of the stated objectives which go above and beyond those in the Option A objectives. Dependent on the approach decided upon, this may have lesser or greater impacts for National Highways with regard to developments or enhancements to the SRN through the borough boundary. We recommend that the Council engage with National Highways through the Local Plan process to ensure that the approach selected is in line with National Highways policy, particularly the Climate Change and the Strategic Road Network (ARP4) report, and the Environmental Sustainability Strategies.

Comment

Representation ID: 3085

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3259
Reflective of the declaration of a climate emergency by Cheshire West and Chester and the policy approach currently adopted by National Highways to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build in climate resilience to the SRN, we are supportive of this approach. Policy SD1: Sustainable Development In line with the approach identified through the Climate Change and the Strategic Road Network (ARP4) report, and the Environmental Sustainability Strategies, we are supportive of this policy approach to ensure appropriate resilience of the SRN and associated infrastructure to climate change and future climate resilience.

Comment

Representation ID: 3086

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3260
We are supportive of this proposed spatial strategy approach, as it adheres to both the NPPF policies regarding development provisions and will also support government-mandated housing requirements for the borough. Policy SS1: Housing Needs The presented figures will equate to a total of 28,710 new homes within the 15-year Local Plan period. We recommend that the Council work with National Highways to identify the potential impact of both individual sites where relevant in proximity to the SRN, and the cumulative impact of the development on the SRN across the Local Plan period. This will enable early identification of any areas of the SRN which may be put under undue stress through the development of new homes within the borough.

Comment

Representation ID: 3087

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3261
The presented figures will equate to 149 ha of development land over the 15-year Local Plan period, although it is noted that the Economic Needs Assessment (2025) has suggested a plan for up to 198 ha over a 20-year period, beyond the end of the Local Plan period. We recommend that the Council engage with National Highways to identify any large development sites which may impact the SRN both individually and cumulatively over both the Local Plan period and any sites beyond this period. A discussion may be required with regards to the certainty of any sites beyond the end of the Local Plan period as identified.

Comment

Representation ID: 3088

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3262
Where developments are proposed to either regenerate or infill within existing settlement patterns, this development is likely to be reflective of existing travel demand patterns of the existing settlements, with a high potential of modal shift if densities are increased through careful management. Where urban extensions are to be considered, early engagement is recommended to ensure that potential impacts are mitigated across the SRN where relevant. We recommend that the Council engage with National Highways on any areas where it is proposed that there are to be large increases in density in urban sites to assess cumulative effects or identified urban extensions.

Comment

Representation ID: 3089

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3263
We are supportive of this statement, with no further comment made.

Comment

Representation ID: 3090

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3264
As the options are developed and chosen, we recommend that the Council engage with National Highways to ensure that appropriate mitigations are identified where required regardless of the subsequent option taken forward.