Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 14785

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: TATA Chemicals Europe Limited and Inovyn Enterprises Limited

Agent: Gladman Developments Ltd

I&O_15336
We are in broad agreement with the proposed policy approach to Northwich as detailed within chapter 8 of the consultation document which confirms, amongst other matters, that the town will be a strategic focus across the plan-period for new development and regeneration. Northwich and its adjoining settlements combine to form the third largest urban area in the authority. It has many services, community infrastructure and employment opportunities together with good accessibility to public transport. For that reason, it undoubtedly remains a sustainable location capable of absorbing a considerable proportion of both residential and employment growth. Accordingly, its position as a ‘main town’ in the settlement hierarchy is supported (Policy SS4 – Settlement Hierarchy). Furthermore, and as the Council rightly acknowledge, the town has significant potential for the regeneration and reuse of previously developed land. Redevelopment of brownfield sites at Northwich is supported in national policy by NPPF paragraphs 11, 124 and notably 125(c) which states planning policies should “give substantial weight to the value of using suitable brownfield land within settlements for homes and other identified needs”. Given the noteworthy increase in housing need it is inevitable, however, that expansion to the settlement utilising sustainable greenfield sites will also be required, complementary to the redevelopment of previously developed land, to ensure housing and economic development needs are met in full. The suggested rationalisation of adopted policies STRAT5 and N1 to create an individual place-based policy is supported. The policy should be succinct, establish a positive vision and clearly articulate the strategy for the scale and location of growth at the town across the plan-period.

Comment

Representation ID: 14786

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: TATA Chemicals Europe Limited and Inovyn Enterprises Limited

Agent: Gladman Developments Ltd

I&O_15337
The Council’s identification of Winnington Works (TATA) as a key allocation is endorsed and builds on its identification as a ‘key regeneration area’ in Policy N2.B of the LPP2 in addition to Policy HOU4 of the Northwich Neighbourhood Plan. In order to provide certainty Gladman request that Winnington Works is henceforth identified as a major housing led mixed-use allocation in subsequent versions of the new Local Plan, rather than a ‘regeneration area’ as currently identified in the adopted development plan. It is crucial that any future allocation is sufficiently flexible and not overly prescriptive and, on this basis, Gladman welcome engagement with Council officers to agree the wording of the allocation policy. As the Council are aware, Gladman submitted a planning application on the site (ref: 21/05070/OUT) supported by considerable technical documentation which validates that the site can deliver a comprehensive mixed-use redevelopment including residential, employment and community infrastructure. Key parameters from the submitted planning application are detailed below and should form the framework for the allocation policy: Up to 1,550 much needed new homes Mixed use local centre comprising retail, health, nursery and community uses Land for a two-form entry Primary School Up to 2,960 sqm of flexible employment space Up to 950 sqm of café, restaurant and / or public house floorspace Significant landscaping, public realm and amenity space Given the parameters of the submitted planning application, which demonstrates the site as being a deliverable solution to meeting the development needs of Northwich, the following corrections are required to the Land Availability Assessment (LAA) (2025): [see table, page 3 of attached document] Summary We are grateful for the opportunity to respond to the Issues & Options consultation on the emerging Local Plan for Cheshire West and Chester. In summary, Gladman welcome the identification of Winnington Works as a key allocation and consider it will form a critical component of an updated and sound development plan for the authority. Gladman and the landowners remain committed to working with the Council and key stakeholders to bring forward a vibrant, residential-led, mixed use neighbourhood on this strategically located brownfield site.