Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 3101

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3275
Suggested Policy Approach The proposed Middlewich Eastern Bypass (MEB) and associated development could significantly influence traffic patterns near the A533 and its junctions with the SRN. We recommend coordination with National Highways to ensure that future growth in Middlewich aligns with SRN capacity and resilience objectives, particularly any impact at M6 Junction 18. Policy MI1: Middlewich Facilitating development in Middlewich through cross-boundary cooperation may increase pressure on the M6. We recommend that early engagement with National Highways occurs to help ensure that any resulting transport impacts are effectively managed and integrated into wider infrastructure planning.

Comment

Representation ID: 3102

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3276
Suggested Policy Approach The provision of clearer policies on the housing mix, tenure, and location will enable a mixed-profile of developments to come forward within the Borough and is supported by National Highways. It demonstrates the potential for a reduction in vehicular trips as more mixed-density developments, located in town centres and through Neighbourhood Plans, are provided with active mode and public transport links. Policy HO1: Housing By promoting a diverse housing mix in accessible locations and discouraging isolated rural development, Policy HO1 may help reduce car dependency and support more sustainable travel patterns. This may ease pressure on the SRN by encouraging housing growth in areas better served by public transport and active travel infrastructure. This aligns with proposed transport policies identified within the Local Plan document, and also the strategic goals of Circular 01/2022. We are supportive of this approach.

Comment

Representation ID: 3103

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3277
We are supportive of this approach to varied-tenure type affordable housing provision, particularly those located within wider developments as these may decrease the overall vehicle trip rates and therefore impact on the highway network.

Comment

Representation ID: 3104

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3278
National Highways have no further comments on this aspect of the proposed Local Plan policy.

Comment

Representation ID: 3105

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3279
We are supportive of this proposed Local Plan policy and have no further comments.

Comment

Representation ID: 3106

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3280
By managing the concentration and location of HMOs, Policy HO6 helps maintain balanced communities and reduces the risk of overburdening local infrastructure. This can indirectly support the SRN by limiting high-turnover or transient occupancy patterns that may increase localised car use and parking pressure near key commuter routes. We are therefore supportive of this proposed policy.

Comment

Representation ID: 3107

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3281
Suggested Policy Approach By focusing future provision on small, privately managed sites and integrating traveller pitches into larger developments, the policy approach helps distribute demand in a planned and sustainable way. This reduces the likelihood of unplanned or isolated encampments that could place pressure on rural roads or junctions near the SRN. Policy GT1: Gypsy, Traveller, and Travelling Showperson’s Accommodation As the GTANA is still forthcoming, an updated list of sites selected has not been published within the Regulation 18 document. Once published, for any sites in the vicinity of, or having direct access to the SRN, issues surrounding the capacity, demand, or impact should be understood as part of the criteria to assess the suitability of each site and whether the identified sites are sustainable for transportation access. Without clarity on the potential impacts of the sites on these access routes, the potential challenges may not be fully understood. We recommend that, upon publication of the GTANA, the Council engage with National Highways with regards to any site which may impact the operation of the SRN.

Comment

Representation ID: 3108

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3282
Suggested Policy Approach The consolidation of the presented existing policies into a comprehensive one is appreciated for clarity and ease of understanding and is supported by National Highways with regard to harm reduction policies. Policy HW1: Health and Wellbeing By requiring health impact assessments and protecting residential amenity, Policy HW1 helps ensure that new development does not contribute to environmental or health-related pressures near key transport corridors. This supports the SRN by promoting well-planned, healthier communities that reduce the risk of cumulative impacts from noise, air pollution, and land instability adjacent to strategic routes.

Comment

Representation ID: 3109

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3283
Suggested Policy Approach By safeguarding and enhancing recreational spaces and routeways, this policy approach supports active travel and healthier lifestyles. Well-integrated green infrastructure and recreational corridors can also reduce localised car use, helping to ease pressure on the SRN by encouraging walking and cycling for short trips and leisure activities. This approach is cohesive with National Highways’ policies on reducing car use on the SRN whilst allowing developments to be brought forward and mitigating impacts both within the SRN and holistically. Policy OS1: Open Space, Sport, and Recreation By promoting accessible green infrastructure and safeguarding recreational routeways, Policy OS1 encourages active travel and reduces reliance on car-based trips for leisure. This can help alleviate localised pressure on the SRN, particularly where recreational corridors intersect with, or run parallel to, the SRN.

Comment

Representation ID: 3110

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3284
National Highways have no further comment on this aspect of the Local Plan.