Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 3122

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3296
Suggested Policy Approach By directing tourism development to town centres primarily and managing rural accommodation growth, the policy seeks to concentrate visitor traffic in accessible locations. It is noted that site-specific policies for major destinations will be retained. This approach aligns with National Highways signage policies to guide tourism traffic along specific routes to manage congestion via the use of brown signage, in line with traffic signage design. Policy VE1: Visitor Economy By concentrating major tourism developments in accessible town centres and managing rural site impacts, Policy VE1 helps reduce car dependency and supports sustainable access. This approach can ease pressure on the SRN, particularly near high-traffic destinations like Chester Zoo and Oulton Park, by encouraging modal shift and coordinated transport planning, which is supported by National Highways. If further interventions are required to assist in traffic management for large-scale tourist sites both within the borough and adjacent boroughs, we recommend this be coordinated with National Highways to ensure minimal impact to the SRN is mitigated.

Comment

Representation ID: 3123

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3297
National Highways is supportive of this approach and has no further comments on this aspect of the Local Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 3124

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3298
National Highways is supportive of this approach and has no further comments on this aspect of the Local Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 3127

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3301
National Highways notes that appropriate glint and glare assessments should be undertaken where there may be a visual impact of proposed solar facilities in the vicinity of the SRN.

Comment

Representation ID: 3128

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3302
National Highways is supportive of this approach and has no further comments on this aspect of the Local Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 3129

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3303
National Highways is supportive of this approach, as the reduction in transport usage in favour of sustainable transport methods may reduce the impact of usage on the SRN.

Comment

Representation ID: 3131

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3305
The commitment to sustainable and high-quality design, following national design policies, aligns with National Highways objectives for creating a safe, accessible network, as per the Circular 01/2022.

Comment

Representation ID: 3132

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3306
The emphasis on energy hierarchy, embodied carbon, and water efficiency aligns with National Highways’ goals for reducing environmental impact and enhancing climate resilience across the transport network.

Comment

Representation ID: 3133

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3307
The Policy has a proactive approach to climate adaptation, particularly its emphasis on integrated green/blue infrastructure and sustainable building design. These measures align with National Highways’ objectives to ensure that transport infrastructure and surrounding developments are resilient to climate impacts such as extreme heat and flooding. The requirement for technical modelling and future-proofing would also be seen as essential for safeguarding long-term operational performance and user safety. National Highways is supportive of this Policy approach.

Comment

Representation ID: 3135

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: National Highways

I&O_3309
We are supportive of the proposed policy approach to managing waste, particularly where it promotes sustainable transport modes for waste movement. Where waste sites are located near the SRN or generate significant HGV movements, we recommend early engagement with National Highways to assess cumulative impacts and ensure appropriate mitigation is in place. Proposals should demonstrate how waste transport will be managed to avoid congestion and safety risks on the SRN.