Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 15150

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15709
Option A should be amended to allow for selective Green Belt release within sustainable locations. If Option A were to be brought forward, this would raise a risk to undermining economic growth and limiting land availability. An option should be developed which promotes planned Green Belt release, having first considered Open Countryside and Grey Belt land, to meet identified housing needs.

Comment

Representation ID: 15151

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15710
Yes, Option B allows for planned growth in line with current distribution patterns, yet with targeted Green Belt release where it supports sustainable development.

Comment

Representation ID: 15152

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15711
Option C is supportable in principle however, for it to be deliverable and effective, the strategy should actively consider the selective allocation of smaller sites alongside modest urban extensions, where they are adjacent to existing development, offers strong sustainability credentials, and helps deliver wider employment and regeneration goals—as is the case with Land off London Road.

Comment

Representation ID: 15153

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15712
In the preparation of the new Local Plan, CWaC should consider the potential for sites to contribute towards the strategic objectives of sustainable settlement growth, along with further technical considerations. Views’ site is within a sustainable location, with access into Northwich, and the local services and facilities contained therein. The site provides a logical location for a residential allocation. The Plan should prioritise land that is deliverable within the plan period. Sites in proximity to existing settlements with reach of services and infrastructure should be favoured, even when they are undeveloped / in the Open Countryside. This is particularly appropriate where development can contribute to housing need, such as Cheshire West’s target of delivering 1,914 homes.

Comment

Representation ID: 15154

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15713
Out of the growth options identified, area NOR06 appears to be in the most sustainable and logical location. Views support the extent of NOR06 and importantly the inclusion of Land off London Road, Davenham within it.

Comment

Representation ID: 15156

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15715
Views broadly support the policy approach towards Northwich including the emphasis on town centre regeneration and infrastructure improvements. This growth will be important in supporting the regeneration of the Northwich Town Centre Development Framework and in the delivery of housing and employment opportunities. This is especially important in light of increasing development pressures, limited brownfield capacity, and the need to meet higher levels of housing and employment need in a sustainable manner. Views also supports the Council’s intention to identify key sites and allocations in and around Northwich as part of the plan-making process. In this context, Land off London Road represents a logical and sustainable opportunity for growth, well-suited to contribute to the delivery of the Plan’s strategic objectives.

Comment

Representation ID: 15157

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15716
Views support the suggested key sites, especially growth surrounding Northwich Town Centre. The delivery of housing and employment development within the town centre makes logical sense due to the existing built environment and proximity to existing infrastructure and services. While the objectives are broadly supported, we would encourage further emphasis is placed on the role that allocating land outside of the settlement boundary can make in meeting strategic housing and employment goals. Over reliance on development in allocations such as Northwich Town Centre may result in needs not being met. Sites outside of those highlighted should also be considered, especially where they offer logical extensions to Northwich. Views’ site offers a sustainable, well-connected and accessible location for housing or commercial use. This site will help meet local needs, support town centre regeneration through increased footfall, and its release from the Open Countryside would not undermine the value and amenity of the wider countryside.

Comment

Representation ID: 15158

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15717
Views support the policy approach towards the Green Belt and Countryside as set out in GB 1. Policies provided in the emerging Local Plan should reflect the most recent guidance relating to the Green Belt in the NPPF, including reference to Grey Belt land and provide reference to the anticipated Green Belt review evidence. In regard to wording of the policy the Local Plan should include reference to Paragraph 148 of the NPPF, which notes: Where it is necessary to release Green Belt land for development, plans should give priority to previously developed land, then consider grey belt, which is not previously developed, and then other Green Belt locations. However, when drawing up or reviewing Green Belt boundaries, the need to promote sustainable patterns of development should determine whether a site’s location is appropriate with particular reference to paragraphs 110 and 115 of this Framework. Strategic policy-making authorities should consider the consequences for sustainable development of channelling development towards urban areas inside the Green Belt boundary, towards towns and villages inset within the Green Belt or towards locations beyond the outer Green Belt boundary.

Comment

Representation ID: 15159

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15718
Yes, the Local Plan should include separate policies for countryside and Green Belt areas, as they serve distinct planning functions and are subject to different national policy frameworks and local considerations. Maintaining two distinct policies will also improve clarity for applicants, decision-makers, and communities, especially as the new Local Plan will be a single document.

Comment

Representation ID: 15160

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15719
Views support the view that new development will be encouraged in sustainable locations with access to services and facilities. Land off London Road represents a sustainable location which is well connected by active travel and public transport.