Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 15161

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15720
In circumstances where developer contributions are sought, the obligation needs to allow for the consideration of viability. In line with the requirements of Regulation 122 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended), planning obligations must be: • Necessary to make the application acceptable in planning terms; • Directly related to the development; and • Fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development.

Comment

Representation ID: 15162

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15721
Views broadly supports the suggested policy approach towards housing mix and type of housing as set out within HO 1 yet believe this could be strengthened to allow for greater flexibility on a site-by-site basis, particularly in strategic or edge-of-settlement locations that could accommodate a broader range of uses. In this context, Land off London Road represents a credible opportunity for sustainable residential development. The site is located on the edge of the existing settlement boundary and is adjacent to established employment uses. Its proximity to Northwich and local services, transport connections, and retail facilities enhances its suitability for a broader housing mix, particularly for older people or those needing access to services without reliance on the car. We recommend that Policy HO 1 be amended to explicitly acknowledge that specialist and mixed-tenure housing opportunities may also be appropriately located on sustainable edge-of-settlement sites. This would help ensure the policy remains responsive to local context and land availability and supports inclusive, place-based growth. Such flexibility would align with the NPPF’s objectives around meeting diverse housing needs, making effective use of land, and planning positively for mixed-use developments that create healthy, inclusive, and vibrant communities.

Comment

Representation ID: 15163

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15722
While the overall intention of Policy HO2 to secure the delivery of affordable housing is supported, the policy approach should be more flexible, particularly in relation to edge-of-settlement sites that are being promoted for development in the Local Plan. It should be recognised by CWaC in the development of the Local Plan that the delivery of housing on undeveloped land can incur unexpected costs. Policy HO2 should therefore allow for site specific viability considerations to come forward as part of any application submission.

Comment

Representation ID: 15164

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15723
The Local Plan should not seek to exceed the 10% mandatory biodiversity net gain requirement set out nationally. The 10% threshold, as introduced by the Environment Act 2021 represents a balanced and evidence-based standard that has been subject to national consultation, viability testing, and wide stakeholder engagement. Requiring a higher percentage locally could risk undermining development viability, and introduce delivery challenges.

Comment

Representation ID: 15165

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Views Holdings Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15724
A borough-wide Design Code should not form part of the new Local Plan. While high-quality design is critical to sustainable development, a single, overarching Design Code applied across the entire borough risks being too generic or inflexible, to the wide variation in local character across Cheshire West and Chester. Instead, the Local Plan should reference the role of design codes as supplementary guidance, allowing them to evolve over time without requiring formal plan review.