Comment

Representation ID: 15222

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt Redrow Plc

Agent: Pegasus Planning Group Ltd

I&O_15781
We do not have any comments to make on other potential growth areas, other than to raise a query in respect of the selection methodology for including potential growth areas in Options B Option C (the methodology for inclusion in Option A is fairly evident), as the explanatory text at Appendix B (Page 260) focuses on the general identification of these areas (identified through a land search then filtered for significant constraints then given a standard indicative capacity), however it does not explain how areas are selected for each option. Option C (sustainable growth corridors) confirms an onus on locations well-served by rail and bus services, however it is unclear how this will be assessed/quantified moving forward. For example, potential growth areas NOR01 (Barton North) and NOR10 (Weaverham South) do not appear to fit the current criteria for Option C, being some distance away from railway stations and high frequency bus corridors, when compared with some of the other potential growth areas (including NOR02, NOR06, NOR07, NOR08, NOR09, NOR11 ). It will be important to clarify the site selection methodology when assessing and allocating potential sites as the Local Plan progresses towards Examination.

Comment

Representation ID: 15474

Received: 21/10/2025

Respondent: Wirral Borough Council

I&O_16033
No comments at this stage

Comment

Representation ID: 16047

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt Homes

Agent: Savills (UK) Limited

I&O_16628
NOR11 is one of the smaller potential growth areas identified around Northwich. For this reason, it is a favourable growth area when compared to some of the other larger growth areas (such as NOR01 and NOR10) given that it requires less infrastructure to enable commencement. The relative size of the NOR11 growth area means it can realistically contribute to housing delivery at the early stages of the New Plan period. As a smaller growth area in comparison to some of the other growth areas identified around Northwich, NOR11 will be a more natural and logical extension to the village and will therefore have less of an impact on the character of the village. As discussed previously, we consider that the Site meets the definition of grey belt and therefore it should be given priority in terms of land that is released from the Green Belt, when assessed against other growth areas in Northwich. A comprehensive assessment of the Site in terms of its compatibility with the grey belt definition is provided at Section 4 above, which demonstrates that the Site meets the necessary requirements of grey belt. In addition to the above, the Site is in a highly sustainable location, being within walking distance of Acton Bridge railway station and local schools, shops and other amenities in Weaverham, making it an excellent opportunity for sustainable residential development. Paragraph 148 of the NPPF states that 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 the Framework. Paragraph 110 relates to ensuring that development is focussed on locations which are, or can be made sustainable though limiting the need to travel and offering a choice of transport modes. Paragraph 115 states that in assessing sites that may be allocated for development, it should be ensured that; sustainable transport modes are prioritised, safe and suitable access to the site can be achieved for all users, streets reflect the National Design Guide and that any significant impacts from the development on the transport network can be mitigated through a vision-led approach. The Site is in a highly sustainable location immediately adjacent to the settlement boundary of Weaverham. The Site benefits from convenient existing local bus routes, with stops located in close proximity. Namely the 48 and 48A services provide frequent local services between Frodsham and Northwich and Crowton and Cuddington (as outlined in Section 3 above). The Site is within reasonable walking distance from the local community services of Weaverham. The Site also benefits from proximity to Acton Bridge railway station, proving local connections as well as services to Liverpool and Birmingham. An updated Land Availability Assessment (LAA) is being prepared by CW&C to identify potential development sites and broad locations for development that could become allocated within the New Local Plan. The latest Stage One Report of the LAA identifies at Table 4.12 that Northwich has a total estimated capacity for 3,586 units, which has been identified on an initial assessment against key designations and constraints and applying energy density assumptions. The estimated capacity total for Northwich (3,586 units) is the highest out of all of the urban areas. Northwich is followed by Winsford, Ellesmere Port and Chester respectively in terms of total estimated capacity for housing delivery. The initial stage of the LAA therefore indicates that Northwich is the preeminent location for housing delivery in the District. It is also noted that the Framework Masterplan (at Appendix C) demonstrates that the Site can deliver a variety of community benefits, including a skate park, which is an important recreational space for younger people. The development scheme would also include a proportion of bungalows for older persons housing, as well as 2 and 3-bedroom houses for starter homes. These elements have been incorporated into the Framework Masterplan and Vision Document as a direct response to feedback by local stakeholders following a community engagement programme. In summary, the Site is in a highly sustainable location and meets the definition of grey belt. It follows that the Site should be given priority for assessment in terms of its release from the Green Belt, in accordance with the NPPF.

Support

Representation ID: 16441

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: NPL Group (UK) Ltd

Agent: Pegasus Planning Group Ltd

I&O_15476
Map 5.6 in the Issues and Options Regulation 18 Consultation report shows the potential growth areas at Northwich, including three potential greenfield employment sites including:
- NOR03 Wincham East - 6ha;
- NOR04 Gadbrook South - 15ha; and,
- NOR05 Southwest Gadbrook Park - 32ha.

NOR03 encapsulates 1495 Wincham Estate (B), as identified in the Stage One Land Availability Assessment 2025. This is a relatively small site and is unlikely to be suitable for strategic industrial development. Moreover, the site is within the Green Belt and has not been identified as having employment potential in the Council's assessment.

NOR04 and NOR05 encapsulates 1402 Land at Gadbrook Park and 0878 Land south of A556, Rudheath as identified in the Stage One Land Availability Assessment 2025. These sites are identified in the current Local Plan for employment development. They have been allocated for four years and, as yet, planning applications have not come forward, although we are aware that applications may be pursued in the not-too-distant future, which we intend to monitor closely.

It is noted in the Issues and Options Regulation 18 Consultation report that the potential sites identified in the document does not indicate that the Council supports their development, and that additional technical work will be needed.

It will be necessary to undertake this additional work diligently and consider in detail all sites that have been identified as suitable for employment development in the Stage One Land Availability Assessment 2025, including this site, and not just those identified within the potential growth options.

Missing from the evidence base is a transparent methodology explaining why these three sites are identified in the Options Regulation 18 Consultation report. Moving forward we fully expect to see a clear site selection methodology that considers all sites, which will be scrutinised as part of future representations.

Indeed, there are other sites which have been identified within the Council's evidence base as having employment potential like the King Street site, which is outside of the Green Belt, and would comply with the approach within the NPPF and align with any of the spatial strategy options taken forward.

There is simply no rationale that we can find as to why Green Belt site NOR03, along with NOR04 and NOR05, are identified as potential sites on Map 5.6 and other sites have been omitted, including this site.

To reiterate, this site is considered in the Stage One Land Availability Assessment 2025, and it is identified as being potentially suitable for mixed employment development (B2, B8, Eg).

Support

Representation ID: 16880

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Tesni Properties Ltd

I&O_16617
The proposed allocation east of Davenham (NOR06) is well placed to contribute to such a strategy. The site represents a logical and defensible extension to the existing settlement, adjoining established residential areas and benefitting from excellent accessibility to the A556 corridor, nearby public transport routes, and wider strategic connections. Davenham also has access to a range of local services including shops, schools, and community facilities, with Northwich town centre providing higher-order services less than two miles away. Allocating NOR06 would deliver a scale of development that is proportionate to the settlement and capable of supporting local services, improving housing choice, and strengthening sustainable transport connectivity. The site can come forward early in the plan period, supported by deliverable infrastructure and a clear trajectory. Importantly, development can be sensitively designed to respect the village’s character and integrate high-quality green infrastructure, ensuring that growth enhances rather than detracts from local distinctiveness. From a strategic perspective, the allocation of NOR06 complements larger urban extensions by providing a steady, deliverable supply of homes in a location with strong sustainability credentials. Its inclusion reduces reliance on a small number of major sites, enhances flexibility, and strengthens the Council’s ability to demonstrate a rolling five-year housing land supply. It also supports the delivery of infrastructure-led growth in line with national policy, with phased development ensuring that impacts on local services and highways can be managed effectively. In preparing the new Local Plan, the Council should adopt a balanced hybrid strategy that combines significant growth in larger towns and along transport corridors with proportionate development in sustainable settlements such as Davenham. The NOR06 site provides a clear opportunity to deliver this vision, supporting housing needs in full, boosting local services, and contributing towards a plan that is positively prepared, justified, effective, and consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework.