Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 15823

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: West Midlands Pension Fund

Agent: Knight Frank

I&O_16382
The proposed plan period of 15 years is supported since it accords with paragraph 22 of the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance (Paragraph: 064 Reference ID: 61-064-20190315). As noted in the consultation document, policies for large scale development should be set within a vision that looks ahead at least 30 years.

Comment

Representation ID: 15826

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: West Midlands Pension Fund

Agent: Knight Frank

I&O_16385
The new Local Plan must adequately plan for Cheshire West’s development needs. Neighbourhood Plans cannot be left to provide additional land allocations as there is no guarantee that neighbourhood plans will come forward area as they are effectively a voluntary exercise which requires community commitment.

Comment

Representation ID: 15827

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: West Midlands Pension Fund

Agent: Knight Frank

I&O_16386
Using the Sustainability Appraisal objectives (Option B) would be the most appropriate approach as the current Local Plan objectives are dated and national policy has evolved since these were established.
Option B - use the Sustainability Appraisal objectives

Comment

Representation ID: 15828

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: West Midlands Pension Fund

Agent: Knight Frank

I&O_16387
No

Comment

Representation ID: 15829

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: West Midlands Pension Fund

Agent: Knight Frank

I&O_16388
Yes, see answer to Question OB 1.

Comment

Representation ID: 15830

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: West Midlands Pension Fund

Agent: Knight Frank

I&O_16389
Whilst ensuring sustainable development is the ‘golden thread’ running through the National Planning Policy Framework, as written this policy includes detailed subsections relating to climate change mitigation and adaption and additional environmental and social requirements. It is suggested that they are removed from SD 1 and included elsewhere in the Local Plan as separate policies or combined with other relevant policies.

Comment

Representation ID: 15831

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: West Midlands Pension Fund

Agent: Knight Frank

I&O_16390
No, it is not considered that circumstances have been presented in this consultation that would justify this approach.

Comment

Representation ID: 15832

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: West Midlands Pension Fund

Agent: Knight Frank

I&O_16391
At this stage, it is not considered that sufficient evidence has been presented in this consultation for a stepped housing requirement that plans for a lower level of housing delivery earlier in the plan period. Whilst it is recognised in some cases that a stepped housing requirement may be a suitable approach, there are significant risks in backloading a large proportion of the total housing requirement later in the plan period. For example, strategic sites often take longer to come forward, in part due to infrastructure requirements, and therefore local plans should be cautious in relying on a small number of these sites in the latter half of the plan period.

Comment

Representation ID: 15833

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: West Midlands Pension Fund

Agent: Knight Frank

I&O_16392
No, it is not considered that circumstances have been presented in this consultation that would justify this approach.

Comment

Representation ID: 15834

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: West Midlands Pension Fund

Agent: Knight Frank

I&O_16393
Whilst the spatial strategy principles in SS 3 are broadly supported. It is considered that these should be incorporated into SS 4 so the reader can better understand the overall spatial strategy to development in the authority area.