Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 2849

Received: 21/08/2025

Respondent: The Woodland Trust

I&O_3019
Yes, the Woodland Trust agrees with the suggested Local Plan vision, and is pleased to see a focus on tackling climate change and increasing biodiversity. Perhaps this could be expanded/improved by including a reference to nature recovery.

Comment

Representation ID: 2851

Received: 21/08/2025

Respondent: The Woodland Trust

I&O_3022
A set of priorities underneath the existing set of principles may be beneficial to help set out what the principles will mean for the local plan and where it will be focused. For the Climate Change and Biodiversity principle, this could include setting out what priorities the local plan will adhere to to tackle climate change and restore biodiversity, such as ensuring sustainability is at the heart of new developments, ensuring habitats and the environment are both protected in new developments and ensuring Biodiversity Net Gain is utilised effectively within the council area.

Comment

Representation ID: 2852

Received: 21/08/2025

Respondent: The Woodland Trust

I&O_3023
I feel there is an objective around enhancing biodiversity, supporting nature recovery and protecting the environment missing from these objectives. I would advocate including a new objective that commits the local plan to ensuring biodiversity is improved, links the local plan to the Cheshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy and enshrines protections for habitats and the environment in the local plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 2853

Received: 21/08/2025

Respondent: The Woodland Trust

I&O_3024
Yes

Comment

Representation ID: 2854

Received: 21/08/2025

Respondent: The Woodland Trust

I&O_3025
Yes - the only improvement I would suggest is by ensuring that sustainable development protects existing habitats and features, such as long-established and ancient woodland. 

Comment

Representation ID: 2855

Received: 21/08/2025

Respondent: The Woodland Trust

I&O_3026
Yes, in addition it should be ensured that development in rural areas and smaller communities does not compromise local habitats and the local environment.

Comment

Representation ID: 2856

Received: 21/08/2025

Respondent: The Woodland Trust

I&O_3027
Long-established woodland, ancient woodland and veteran trees must remain protected if any green belt land is released for development.

Comment

Representation ID: 2857

Received: 21/08/2025

Respondent: The Woodland Trust

I&O_3028
Option A - this would do the most to ensure that the environment and important woodland habitats are protected.

Comment

Representation ID: 2858

Received: 21/08/2025

Respondent: The Woodland Trust

I&O_3029
Yes

Comment

Representation ID: 2859

Received: 21/08/2025

Respondent: The Woodland Trust

I&O_3030
I would also propose excluding development that will harm or impact veteran trees.