Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 13124

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

I&O_13643
It is noted that the new Local Plan will create a single local plan document that updates and replaces all policies in the current Local Plan (Part One) and Local Plan (Part Two) for the area. It is also identified that Cheshire West and Chester, along with Cheshire East and Warrington Councils, has been confirmed as part of the government's devolution priority programme. This means outline plans to set up a Combined Authority and hold mayoral elections in May 2026 have been accepted by government. A final decision will be made by the three councils later this year. While a combined authority would hold devolved powers related to strategic planning and have a duty to produce Spatial Development Strategy (“SDS”), the SDS will take several years to produce and cannot make allocations. Therefore, it will be important to continue to progress the new Local Plan for Cheshire West and Chester. Network Rail will engage in future consultations on the SDS as appropriate, together with subsequent consultations on the local plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 13125

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

I&O_13644
In addition to the existing / in progress evidence base documents listed above, Network Rail requests that the draft Local Plan should also identify and consider the North West and Central Regional Strategic Plan (February 2021) as part of the Plan’s evidence base. This Regional Strategic Plan, and associated delivery plans, have been developed by Network Rail to set out a strategic view of how to enhance the area’s rail network up to 2029. A copy of the Strategic Plan is provided with this consultation response. It should also be noted that more localised studies will be undertaken by Network Rail, working with others in the rail industry to develop long term service proposals as well as infrastructure priorities for the area.

Comment

Representation ID: 13126

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

I&O_13645
The Local Plan vision, and particularly the need for the provision of appropriate infrastructure in suitable locations, is supported by Network Rail. Future growth in the area needs to be supported by appropriate investment in the area’s rail network, including from new development.

Comment

Representation ID: 13127

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

I&O_13646
Local Plan OB 1 (Objectives) notes the following two alternative options for the new Local Plan: • Option A – Take forward the current Local Plan objectives; or • Option B – Use the Sustainability Appraisal objectives. In relation to Option A, Local Plan objective SO4 notes the importance of reliable and efficient transport networks that support growth and accessibility to jobs. Local Plan objective S05 goes on to require that all development should be supported by or contribute towards improvements in infrastructure. With regards to Option B, criterion 22 from the Sustainability Appraisal is of most direct relevance to transport networks and railway infrastructure. This requires that development makes the best use of existing transport infrastructure and ensure everyone has access to high quality and affordable public transport, cycling and walking infrastructure. Draft Policy SD 1 sets out the various sustainable development elements that new development must provide for in relation to mitigating climate change, adapting to climate change and additional environmental and social requirements. Under the heading of mitigating climate change, criterion 3 requires that new development must, where relevant: “Be designed to make walking, wheeling and cycling as safe and easy as possible. Providing for sustainable transport choices to create healthy and inclusive communities, whilst reducing the need to travel. Incorporating electric vehicle (EV) charging points in every new home with off-street parking, and outside new commercial developments, village halls, community facilities and services.” Network Rail supports the above Strategic Objectives (SO4, SO5, and 22) and Policy SD1 but also requests that specific recognition is given in these to the importance of the railway transport system as part of sustainable growth, including the provision of necessary improvements through private sector investment alongside investment by bodies such as Network Rail. There will be circumstances where transport infrastructure requires enhancements, improvements, and new additions to support sustainable growth.

Comment

Representation ID: 13128

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

I&O_13647
Local Plan OB 1 (Objectives) notes the following two alternative options for the new Local Plan: • Option A – Take forward the current Local Plan objectives; or • Option B – Use the Sustainability Appraisal objectives. In relation to Option A, Local Plan objective SO4 notes the importance of reliable and efficient transport networks that support growth and accessibility to jobs. Local Plan objective S05 goes on to require that all development should be supported by or contribute towards improvements in infrastructure. With regards to Option B, criterion 22 from the Sustainability Appraisal is of most direct relevance to transport networks and railway infrastructure. This requires that development makes the best use of existing transport infrastructure and ensure everyone has access to high quality and affordable public transport, cycling and walking infrastructure. Draft Policy SD 1 sets out the various sustainable development elements that new development must provide for in relation to mitigating climate change, adapting to climate change and additional environmental and social requirements. Under the heading of mitigating climate change, criterion 3 requires that new development must, where relevant: “Be designed to make walking, wheeling and cycling as safe and easy as possible. Providing for sustainable transport choices to create healthy and inclusive communities, whilst reducing the need to travel. Incorporating electric vehicle (EV) charging points in every new home with off-street parking, and outside new commercial developments, village halls, community facilities and services.” Network Rail supports the above Strategic Objectives (SO4, SO5, and 22) and Policy SD1 but also requests that specific recognition is given in these to the importance of the railway transport system as part of sustainable growth, including the provision of necessary improvements through private sector investment alongside investment by bodies such as Network Rail. There will be circumstances where transport infrastructure requires enhancements, improvements, and new additions to support sustainable growth.

Comment

Representation ID: 13129

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

I&O_13648
Network Rail understands that no decisions have yet been taken about where development will be finally located, and that new specific site allocations are to be finalised and agreed upon, pending further technical work to assess the suitability and appropriateness of locations and sites to determine the most suitable spatial strategy. That said, it is noted that any spatial strategy option will likely require upgrades to existing rail infrastructure / the provision of new stations. Network Rail reserves the right to make further comments on spatial strategy options and associated allocations etc., as further work is undertaken to define these, and would welcome the opportunity to work with the Council in this regard, including with the identification of any key rail infrastructure implications and requirements. At this early stage however, Network Rail would make the following general comments in relation to any future spatial strategy and associated development allocations that may emerge: That new residential (and other) development close to railway infrastructure should be sited and designed to not restrict existing or likely future operational rail requirements. This would accord with the ‘agent of change’ principle established in the National Planning Policy Framework (“NPPF”); That developers should enter into an ‘Asset Protection Agreement’ where necessary to ensure future protection of railway infrastructure; and That relevant policies for growth areas and site-specific allocations identify any necessary rail upgrades in consultation with Network Rail.

Comment

Representation ID: 13130

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

I&O_13649
Policy CH1 for Chester includes the identification of Chester Gateway, proposing the allocation of land for mixed uses, including residential, where compatible with protecting employment uses and linking in development requirements for provision of infrastructure. The draft policy also identifies supporting capacity improvements at Chester Station as a key transport priority for Chester. Network Rail is supportive of the Chester Gateway Scheme and supporting capacity improvements at Chester Station. An integral part of Chester Gateway is to deliver an enhanced Chester station experience through a range of improvements to the station and its environs. An important part of the proposals include the need to consolidate existing parking around the station into a new MSCP and Network Rail would recommend the addition of explicit reference to this in the draft Policy. Network Rail supports the aspiration of the Plan to preserve the historic importance of Chester and that development should respect historic context. This objective should also be appropriately balanced in any future policy with the need to facilitate the development and change required at and around the station to deliver Chester Gateway and the substantial transportation and regeneration benefits it will bring to the area.

Comment

Representation ID: 13131

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

I&O_13650
Policy CH1 for Chester includes the identification of Chester Gateway, proposing the allocation of land for mixed uses, including residential, where compatible with protecting employment uses and linking in development requirements for provision of infrastructure. The draft policy also identifies supporting capacity improvements at Chester Station as a key transport priority for Chester. Network Rail is supportive of the Chester Gateway Scheme and supporting capacity improvements at Chester Station. An integral part of Chester Gateway is to deliver an enhanced Chester station experience through a range of improvements to the station and its environs. An important part of the proposals include the need to consolidate existing parking around the station into a new MSCP and Network Rail would recommend the addition of explicit reference to this in the draft Policy. Network Rail supports the aspiration of the Plan to preserve the historic importance of Chester and that development should respect historic context. This objective should also be appropriately balanced in any future policy with the need to facilitate the development and change required at and around the station to deliver Chester Gateway and the substantial transportation and regeneration benefits it will bring to the area.

Comment

Representation ID: 13132

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

I&O_13651
Policy CH1 for Chester includes the identification of Chester Gateway, proposing the allocation of land for mixed uses, including residential, where compatible with protecting employment uses and linking in development requirements for provision of infrastructure. The draft policy also identifies supporting capacity improvements at Chester Station as a key transport priority for Chester. Network Rail is supportive of the Chester Gateway Scheme and supporting capacity improvements at Chester Station. An integral part of Chester Gateway is to deliver an enhanced Chester station experience through a range of improvements to the station and its environs. An important part of the proposals include the need to consolidate existing parking around the station into a new MSCP and Network Rail would recommend the addition of explicit reference to this in the draft Policy. Network Rail supports the aspiration of the Plan to preserve the historic importance of Chester and that development should respect historic context. This objective should also be appropriately balanced in any future policy with the need to facilitate the development and change required at and around the station to deliver Chester Gateway and the substantial transportation and regeneration benefits it will bring to the area.

Comment

Representation ID: 13133

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Network Rail

I&O_13652
Draft Policy TA1 is concerned with Transport and Accessibility and, seeks to ensure that development is located and designed to promote sustainable travel choices, including use of public transport. With specific regard to rail, the draft Policy states that: Current and disused transport corridors and infrastructure, including roads, railway lines, sidings and stations, will be safeguarded from development which would preclude their future transport use; and Proposals for new, re-opening or the enhancement of railway stations, including the expansion and/or improvement of facilities, the provision of cycle and car parking, and the provision of interchange or rail freight facilities will be supported. Network Rail supports the principle of the policy which seeks to direct development to locations well served by public transport, safeguard current and disused rail infrastructure and support proposals for new, re-opening and the enhancement of stations and other rail infrastructure. Draft Policy ID1 is concerned with infrastructure and development contributions, and confirms that the policy approach will clarify that where infrastructure is needed to sustain a new development, that off-site contributions may not be acceptable and that the Council will not be expected to fund any shortfall in provision In line with comments to V1 above it is recommended that draft Policy TA1 and ID1 be expanded to reference the need for new development to make provision for any required associated infrastructure, including rail, through various appropriate means, including through s106 contributions. Alongside Network Rail’s own investment, Private sector investment is an important part of ensuring future required improvements to the area’s rail network.