Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 10005

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Bellway Homes Ltd

Agent: Savills (UK) Limited

I&O_10502
Bellway acknowledges the importance of advancing energy efficiency through a nationally consistent set of standards and a timetable that is universally understood and technically feasible. This aligns with the Written Ministerial Statement of December 2023 (WMS), which states that the Government does not expect plan-makers to set local energy efficiency standards for buildings that exceed current or planned building regulations. The WMS clearly indicates that any planning policies proposing local energy efficiency standards for buildings that go beyond current or planned building regulations should be rejected at examination if they lack a well-reasoned and robustly costed rationale. This rationale must ensure that development remains viable and considers the impact on housing supply and affordability in accordance with the NPPF. Additionally, any extra requirements should be expressed as a percentage uplift of a dwelling's Target Emissions Rate (TER), calculated using a specified version of the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP). This clearly shows that national policy and guidance is against the incorporation of higher local standards, and this should not be included as a policy requirement.  Therefore, if the Council wishes to pursue this policy, it should use the TER and ensure that they have a well-reasoned and robustly costed rationale that fully considers viability and the potential impact of the policy on housing supply and affordability.

Comment

Representation ID: 10006

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Bellway Homes Ltd

Agent: Savills (UK) Limited

I&O_10503
Summary and conclusion Savills is instructed by Bellway to make representations on the Issues and Options draft of the New Local Plan for Cheshire West and Chester. Bellway has an interest in land at Chester Road, Kelsall, which it is promoting for allocation within the New Local Plan. These representations make reference to this land in order to illustrate wider points in relation to the production of the New Local Plan. Bellway is supportive of the Council’s decision to prepare a new Local Plan and welcomes the opportunity to engage with this, and future consultations. In general, the Council is encouraged to be ambitious. This is both in terms of addressing the current housing crisis and moving towards carbon neutrality. In terms of housing specifically, much of this is dependent on ensuring the right requirement, apportioning this housing to the right general locations, and ensuring that the most sustainable sites are allocated for delivery. These representations have stated a suitable course for the new Local Plan to follow. Land at Chester Road, Kelsall represents an excellent opportunity to deliver housing, and community uses, in a highly sustainable location in the most sustainable settlement in the District. Furthermore, Bellway is a progressive housebuilder that is looking to assist the Council in the delivery of market and affordable homes of high quality.