Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 15130

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15689
Views are supportive of the concept of shorter local plan periods which ensure that policies and supporting evidence within Development Plans are kept up-to-date and remain relevant. Policies in the plan should reflect current and short-term future growth in the area in order to better guide and inform planning proposals and planning decisions. A shorter plan period will allow for more frequent reviews and updates, ensuring that the policies and data reflect the changing economic, environmental and social positions of the borough. By creating shorter plan period, the new Local Plan will further align with the Government’s intentions at reducing local plan review periods. Under regulation 10A of The Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (as amended) local planning authorities must review local plans at least once every 5 years from their adoption date to ensure that policies remain relevant and effectively address the needs of the local community. Most plans are likely to require updating in whole or in part at least every 5 years1. A shorter plan period will allow for more realistic targets to be set within the document, ensuring more accurate monitoring in the progress and success of the Local Plan policies.

Comment

Representation ID: 15131

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15690
It is recognised that Neighbourhood Plans can play a useful role in guiding development and design matters in certain locations however, their role in meeting broader development needs should be limited. Neighbourhood Plans should not be used to constrain housing delivery or introduce restrictive policies outside of the adopted Local Plan. Neighbourhood Plans should be advisory in nature and confined to matters of local character, design preferences etc. Planning Practice Guidance (Paragraph: 044 Reference ID: 41-044-20190509) confirms that neighbourhood plans must be in general conformity with strategic policies.

Comment

Representation ID: 15132

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15691
Views recognises that to achieve sustainable visions of the Local Plan, spatial strategies must be established, such as the strategic identification of Northwich to meet development needs. Views supports the inclusion of Northwich within the spatial strategy, as it represents a strategically important area for both new development and regeneration.

Comment

Representation ID: 15133

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15692
The vision of the Local Plan should include a set of principles and priorities to allow for sustainable development to be established. Views broadly supports the draft visions as set out in section VI 1 ‘Visions’ and welcomes the scope of the principles identified. However, it is considered by Views that additional principles should be included within the vision to allow for Cheshire West and Chester to be a desirable and attractive place to live, work and visit, and to allow for future policies to accurately address these visions. Views put forward the following principles to be considered at the next stage of the Local Plan process: Delivering Sustainable Growth: Ensure development is distributed appropriately across housing and employment land to  meet the needs of communities and businesses, while delivering positive social outcomes and addressing environmental sustainability. Meeting a Specific Housing Need : Meet identified housing needs by delivering a mix of affordable, high-quality, and energy-efficient homes, tailored to support diverse households and changing demographic demands. Ensuring that current and future housing and employment needs are met is a crucial objective and accords with Paragraphs 61 and 85 of the NPPF which seek to ‘’boost the supply of homes’’ in accordance with the Government’s objectives and help to create conditions for economic growth and productivity.

Comment

Representation ID: 15134

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15693
Providing established visions for major settlements such as Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich, Winsford, Frodsham, and Neston/Parkgate allows the plan to reflect the distinct identities, opportunities, and challenges each area faces. This approach helps ensure that future development is not only sustainable and aligned with borough-wide principles but also grounded in the specific context of each place. Northwich's capacity for development, combined with its connectivity advantages, positions it as an ideal location for future development. Villages within the settlement boundary, such as Davenham, should accommodate growth at a scale that is proportionate to their size and role, ensuring that development supports local services without overwhelming existing infrastructure or altering settlement character. In these cases, the considered allocation of land currently outside of the settlement boundary may be justified where it delivers logical extensions that integrate seamlessly with the village and wider transport network. This is the case for Views’ interests at Land off London Road, Davenham. The Site lies c. 2.8km south of Northwich, an approximate 8-minute drive to the Town Centre. The site is strategically located in proximity to a number of shops and services, as well as located close to schools and colleges, making it a sustainable location for housing delivery.

Comment

Representation ID: 15135

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15694
Views supports the objectives taken from the Local Plan Update 2023: Sustainability Appraisal Report which provide a comprehensive framework for bringing forward sustainable development. They support a balanced approach to environmental protection, social wellbeing, and economic growth. Views believes that Land off London Road, Davenham complies with each of the relevant objectives outlined within Option ‘B’, as detailed below. [See attached site appraisal against SA objectives] 
Option B - use the Sustainability Appraisal objectives

Comment

Representation ID: 15136

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15695
An alternative approach to delivering appropriate growth within the borough would be to designate established residential areas yet also identify undeveloped sites with potential for expansion. For example, Land off London Road represents an opportunity to deliver housing at a scale appropriate to the village’s role in the hierarchy, close to local amenities and existing infrastructure. This approach ensures smaller settlements remain vibrant while avoiding excessive growth in less sustainable rural locations.

Comment

Representation ID: 15137

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15696
The Local Plan objectives as outlined in Option A relate well to Views’ land interest off London Road. As demonstrated below, the objectives largely relate to the characteristics and qualities of the land: [See attached site appraisal against Local Plan strategic objectives] We believe the current Local Plan objectives (Option A) remain broadly relevant but are not sufficiently flexible to respond to evolving planning challenges, particularly in light of updated national policy and increased housing and employment land requirements. For example, areas like Land off London Road that are adjacent to existing villages may present sustainable opportunities for allocation, which the existing objectives may not fully accommodate.

Comment

Representation ID: 15138

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15697
SO1 should be updated to acknowledge the potential for sustainable growth in areas adjacent to towns, even if within current Open Countryside boundaries, especially around key towns such as Northwich. SO9 should be updated to recognise the limited availability of previously developed land, and support well-located edge-of-settlement sites, starting with Open Countryside and then Green Belt sites. SO10 should allow for flexibility in Open Countryside / Green Belt boundaries where robust evidence demonstrates that the release would deliver sustainable development outcomes without compromising the integrity of the wider countryside and Green Belt.

Comment

Representation ID: 15139

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15698
Yes, Views believes that Option B offers a more robust and future-proofed approach to plan-making. The SA objectives provide clear criteria for assessing the long-term sustainability and resilience of proposed development sites.