Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 11060

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tata Chemicals Europe Limited

I&O_11558
TCEL do not disagree with the evidence referenced at Paragraph 1.19 of the I&O; however, it is considered that further evidence will be necessary prior to Regulation 19 and adoption. This should include a Landscape Character Assessment and a review of both existing and potential Conservation Areas within the plan area. This will help provide an appropriate baseline for assessment, demonstrate the Council’s justifications in terms of designations and allocations, and ensure consistency of approach in decision making. In addition, Paragraph 165(b) of the National Planning Policy Framework 2024 (NPPF) highlights that plans should identify suitable areas for renewable and low-carbon energy sources. Accordingly, it is recommended that the evidence base for the new Local Plan also includes an assessment of potential sites for renewable energy development to ensure that opportunities to support the transition to net zero are fully considered.

Comment

Representation ID: 11061

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tata Chemicals Europe Limited

I&O_11559
The purpose of the plan monitoring is to ensure that a plan remains relevant, consistent and compliant throughout its life. Consequently, the framework will need to set out how monitoring would be undertaken, by whom and over what period. The monitoring framework will need to set out the criteria used for measuring compliance, and the points at which a partial or full review of the plan is required. Question IN 6 Do you have any comments on what role Neighbourhood Plans should play in terms of meeting Cheshire West’s development needs and other suggested policy approaches for the new Local Plan? This could include things like meeting housing needs, local connection tests or design etc. Neighbourhood Plans play an important role in shaping local development, particularly in rural areas, by reflecting the specific needs, character, and priorities of local communities. TCEL support the preparation and use of Neighbourhood Plans in principle; however, it is essential that they do not undermine or contradict the strategic policies, site allocations, and overarching objectives set out in the new Local Plan. Neighbourhood Plans should complement the Local Plan by providing detailed guidance on local design, housing mix, and community infrastructure, while ensuring that the CWAC’s overall development needs and spatial strategy are fully met.

Comment

Representation ID: 11062

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tata Chemicals Europe Limited

I&O_11560
TCEL do not disagree with the overarching principles of the Council’s vision; however, they could be amended to provide a clearer and more comprehensive direction for the new Local Plan. As currently drafted, the principle on ‘Tackling Climate Change’ primarily addresses adaptation and mitigation of the effects of climate change. This element should be reworded to also support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the promotion of renewable energy development as part of climate change mitigation. None of the overarching principles under Policy VI 1 specifically reference strengthening the local economy. It is considered that the principle on ‘Providing Infrastructure’ should explicitly include infrastructure that supports existing and new employment opportunities, helping to ensure that Cheshire West and Chester remains a prosperous and attractive place to live and work. It is also suggested that the principle on ‘Protecting Character’ be amended to reference the protection of the special character of towns in addition to villages, ensuring that the distinctive identity of urban as well as rural areas is safeguarded.

Comment

Representation ID: 11064

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tata Chemicals Europe Limited

I&O_11562
There is currently no reference to specific priorities under Policy VI 1, and as such, no detailed comment or suggestions can be provided regarding priorities at this stage. The vision should collectively address the three pillars of sustainable development (economic; social; environmental). As noted above, the current vision does not make reference to strengthening the local economy, and therefore, it does not fully reflect the economic pillar of sustainable development.

Comment

Representation ID: 11065

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tata Chemicals Europe Limited

I&O_11563
The approach of establishing concise visions for each place is considered appropriate. Any vision for Northwich should present the town as a location that transforms its industrial legacy into mixed-use residential developments, renewable energy infrastructure, and biodiversity enhancements, while maintaining its strategic role in waste management. The vision should also ensure that previously developed and underutilised land is repurposed effectively, achieving a balance between economic, social, and environmental objectives.

Comment

Representation ID: 11066

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tata Chemicals Europe Limited

I&O_11564
TCEL consider Option A to be the most appropriate approach for the new Local Plan. The objectives under Option A provides a clear framework to deliver the purpose of the plan and can be examined and influenced at a local level. Option A better addresses the three pillars of sustainable development (when compared to Option B), as it explicitly considers economic, social, and environmental outcomes. Option A ensures that the new Local Plan can support local economic growth and the provision of jobs more effectively than Option B. In addition, it would be more challenging to effectively assess or ‘test’ development proposals against the objectives set out in the Sustainability Appraisal, as these are not as directly applicable to local planning decisions than the objectives set out under Option A.
Option A - take forward current Local Plan Objectives

Comment

Representation ID: 11069

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tata Chemicals Europe Limited

I&O_11567
Option A is considered an appropriate approach for the new Local Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 11073

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tata Chemicals Europe Limited

I&O_11571
TCEL support the inclusion of Northwich within Objective SO1 and the reference to previously developed land in Objective SO9, and do not consider that these objectives require amendment. Objective SO3 is not relevant to this representation. Objective SO10 should be amended to take account of the introduction of grey belt land within the NPPF, ensuring that the objective reflects current national policy and its implications for land release and development.

Comment

Representation ID: 11074

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tata Chemicals Europe Limited

I&O_11572
TCEL are generally supportive of the suggested policy approach set out in Policy SD 1. However, the policy could be strengthened to more closely reflect national policy regarding energy infrastructure and emissions targets. Part 1 should be amended to explicitly reference the use of carbon capture technologies and the aim of achieving net zero emissions. Part 2 should be updated to include the generation of energy from renewable and low-carbon sources, ensuring that new developments actively contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy while supporting the wider national and local energy strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 11076

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tata Chemicals Europe Limited

I&O_11574
The implementation of district heat networks at existing strategic sites would require significant changes to existing infrastructure, including retrofitting buildings, connecting energy supply and demand points, as well as integrating with local heat users. These challenges mean that delivering district heat networks at many existing strategic sites could be technically complex, costly, and potentially unviable within current development timelines. Additionally, the feasibility of connecting multiple heat sources and users depends on site-specific constraints, including the layout of buildings, proximity of heat demand, and availability of land for energy infrastructure. TCEL therefore believe that any policy regarding district heat networks should not make their implementation mandatory at strategic sites. However, policies could require that strategic sites actively consider the potential for district heat networks and incorporate necessary infrastructure to enable future connections where feasible. This approach would encourage sustainable heating solutions while ensuring flexibility and avoiding unnecessary constraints on the delivery and operation of strategic sites.