Comment

Representation ID: 12386

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Mr James Caldwell

I&O_12902
Local Character: A stated principle is to retain local character, the development of over 2000 houses in Frodsham will have significant impact on its character and desirability. The areas shown for potential development appear to propose an area that significantly increases the current settlement size (70% increase or there about ?). Green Belt: FR001 and FR002 are in green belt (yet again going against your principles and Government advice) and at the same time act as a rural buffer, Environment: FR001 and FR002 borders a wood of historical importance, it also provides significant wildlife habitat along with the adjoining agricultural land. The whole area supports significant Biodiverse habitat and wildlife corridors. Allowing housing development in the area will destroy the habitat leaving Frodsham with few rich natural areas that benefit wildlife and residents. Increased light pollution and noise will clearly have a negative impact on what would be left of Hob Hey Woods and surrounding area towards the river.  This area also supports recreation for a significant percentage of the local population, the benefits of this should not be underestimated. Reflecting on the topography of the area containing FR001 and FR002, the past issues concerning surface water management on the Lakes estate must be considered. In addition, fields towards the river are often flooded in rainy seasons. It must therefore be assumed that the development in this area will impact on natural surface water control and cause further environmental and farmland damage. Vehicular Access: FR001 and FR002 can be accessed in a number of ways, Bradley Lane which is a narrow lane with sharp bends with issues re traffic passing, i.e. unsuitable. Townfield lane, again narrow, on street parking for terraced houses, already a bottleneck with traffic escaping the route via Fairways and Bradley Lane again unsuitable route for 2000 property development. Langdale way, a residential area with steep roads, school, shops, congestion at Fluin Lane and A56, again unsuitable. Ellis Lane onto A56 would be a traffic safety disaster in waiting.  Conclusion being that the lack of suitable vehicular potential access makes this not a viable building site for the size anticipated. It should also be noted that there is an air quality issue with particular concern along A56, the building of over 2000 houses in Frodsham and 1,400 in Helsby can only increase the problem (again counters one of your principles and Government advice). There is often grid lock in Frodsham and Helsby on A56 and main entry junctions to the A road.

Comment

Representation ID: 12396

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Siobhan Fennell

SS 42
I&O_12913
I am emailing with regard to the consultation to build on Hob Hey Wood and other greenbelt in Frodsham. I am objecting specifically to policies: SS41, SS42 and SS43  

Comment

Representation ID: 12424

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Helen Janet Woodcock

I&O_12941
I am writing to voice my objection to the building of new houses on the green belt in Frodsham. I have two main concerns; firstly the impact on the traffic situation, which is already in a desperate state and in dire need of a solution.  Frodsham has become a real bottleneck.  Whenever traffic slows down on the M56, due to either the pure volume of traffic or an accident, drivers divert through Frodsham and the town becomes gridlocked.  This has been happening for several years now with alarming and increasing regularity. We, like many people, moved to Frodsham, attracted by its transport links and close proximity to the nearby cities, countryside and coast.  We moved here 30 years ago.  We would definitely not choose Frodsham again on this basis and I am sure it will deter many potential newcomers to the town which will in turn impact house prices. My second concern is the loss of our green belt.  We came to live in Frodsham, precisely because we wanted to live in a rural location, surrounded by countryside.  Over the years this countryside has gradually been eroded.  The number of houses planned for construction will very significantly rob us of the fields and woodland that we love so much.  As keen walkers, this is where we relax and take our daily walks, it’s where we connect with our community.  It is what makes a small rural town feel like a community and prevents social isolation.  The health benefits, physical, mental, social and emotional of living near green spaces are very well-documented.  The NHS is already on its knees and needs us all to prioritise our health and wellbeing over all other factors. I understand the need to provide affordable housing, but please look elsewhere and choose areas which are available and unused.  Choose locations which are currently not used for either recreation or which provide habitat for local wildlife.  These sites may not be so attractive to developers as they will not be able to charge the high premiums that they would charge for houses built on the edge of the countryside.  But whose interests are more important – theirs or ours?  Please do not forget that we, the current and long-standing residents of Frodsham have already paid high premiums to live where we live for the reasons outlined above.  We have invested in our health and wellbeing by choosing Frodsham as a place to live, despite the higher cost of housing here, and now you are proposing to rob us of the town that we have come to know and love.  Frodsham will be unrecognisable within a few years at this rate, it will be no more than a sprawl of housing and an overspill for the M56.  Noone will want to come here, neither to live, shop, eat or drink when they can access other towns and cities so much more easily. Please consider the above objections and consider how you would feel if the development was planned around the corner from where you live.

Comment

Representation ID: 12487

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Sarah Crook

I&O_13004
Yes, don’t build on FRO01 and FRO02. This is not a polite suggestion. It is a firm and direct objection to building on FR001 and FR002, two parcels of Greenbelt land that border Hob Hey Wood and form part of Frodsham’s only remaining rural buffer. This proposal is a textbook example of poor planning: it increases flood risk, overloads roads, strains local services, destroys wildlife routes, and rips up national policy. If approved, it will damage the town and everyone in it. Objections in detail   Severe Impact on Ancient Woodland Hob Hey is a Site of Biological Interest and ancient woodland, Britain’s most biodiverse habitat. The wood is home to thousands of species varying from common, to locally scarce, to nationally rare. Over 800 species are listed on the national biological recording site iRecord. Many species only occur in ancient woodland, an increasingly rare habitat. The wood is a haven for both wildlife and local people who enjoy walking the woodland and reaping the benefits of being in nature such as reduced anxiety and depression. Improvements to the immune system and reduced blood pressure also result from time spent in nature. Source: Nature and Mental Health Report’, Mind. Source: ( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/ ). Wildlife Corridors Will Be Destroyed Hob Hey Wood is not a decorative patch of trees. It is a functioning woodland used by many species that need access to the surrounding environment. The wood connects to wider habitat corridors through the FR001 and FR002 areas. These corridors keep the ecology alive. Building here breaks those links forever. You can’t replace a hedgerow or regenerate a breeding ground once it’s buried under concrete. Source: Planning Inspectorate –  https://nsip-documents.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/published-documents/EN010153-000069-6.1_ES%20Vol%201%20Chapter%207%20Terrestrial%20Ecology.pdf Significant Disturbance to The Woodland Hob Hey is relatively secluded. Building hundreds of houses nearby could lead to significant disturbance of the woodland and its wildlife. The resulting huge increase in pets would result in problems. Cats are supreme predators which would take a toll on wildlife. Dogs would also disturb wildlife and their feces have been shown to cause nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Source:  https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/07/dog-pee-and-poo-harming-nature-reserves-study Flood Risk is Not a Hypothetical Surface water flooding is the biggest threat to homes in England today. Over 4.6 million homes are now at risk from it. That’s double the number at risk from rivers or coastal surge. In Frodsham, those risks already exist. Hob Hey Wood and the green land around it act as a sponge. They slow rain and reduce flood peaks. Building on FR002 and FR001 means water runs off faster, overloading drains and pushing into homes and roads. The council’s own Flood Risk Assessment warns against removing these natural barriers. From the late 1990’s to 2005 this happened in Langdale Way! Residents experienced multiple sewerage floods leading to a campaign involving both the council and United Utilities to resolve the issue before the houses became uninsurable. This resulted in a year long disruptive excavation at Manor House School fields to install huge tanks to stem the catastrophic floods. UU stated that this was the only site that that type of construction could take place. House building adjacent could result in these issues arising again! Source: Cheshire West SFRA –  https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/parking-roads-and-travel/highways/flood-risk-assessment-final-report.pdf Source: Financial Times –  https://www.ft.com/content/ff3bb769-9339-4015-80bc-4a3ea446504e

Comment

Representation ID: 12491

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: L M Harte

FRO01, FRO02
I&O_13008
Yes, don't build on FRO01 and FRO02. This is not a polite suggestion. It is a firm and direct objection to building on FR001 and FR002, two parcels of Greenbelt land that border Hob Hey Wood and form part of Frodsham's only remaining rural buffer. This proposal is a textbook example of poor planning: it increases flood risk, overloads roads, strains local services, destroys wildlife routes, and rips up national policy. If approved, it will damage the town and everyone in it. Objections in detail Severe Impact on Ancient Woodland Hob Hey is a Site of Biological Interest and ancient woodland, Britain's most biodiverse habitat.  The wood is home to thousands of species varying from common, to locally scarce, to nationally rare. Over 800 species are listed on the national biological recording site iRecord. Many species only occur in ancient woodland, an increasingly rare habitat. The wood is a haven for both wildlife and local people who enjoy walking the woodland and reaping the benefits of being in nature such as reduced anxiety and depression. Improvements to the immune system and reduced blood pressure also result from time spent in nature. Wildlife Corridors Will Be Destroyed Hob Hey Wood is not a decorative patch of trees. It is a functioning woodland used by many species that need access to the surrounding environment. The wood connects to wider habitat corridors through the FR001 and FR002 areas. These corridors keep the ecology alive. Building here breaks those links forever. You can't replace a hedgerow or regenerate a breeding ground once it's buried under concrete. Source: Planning Inspectorate - https://nsip- documents.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/published-documents/EN010153-000069-6.1_ES%20Vol%201%20Chapter %207%20Terrestrial%20Ecology.pdf Significant Disturbance to The Woodland Hob Hey is relatively secluded. Building hundreds of houses nearby could lead to significant disturbance of the woodland and its wildlife. The resulting huge increase in pets would result in problems. Cats are supreme predators which would take a toll on wildlife. Dogs would also disturb wildlife and their feces have been shown to cause nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.

Comment

Representation ID: 12538

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Jane Ashbrook

FRO01 and FRO02
I&O_13055
Yes. Do not build on FRO01 and FRO02. These are 2 sections of greenbelt land are border Hob Hey Wood ( increasingly rare ancient woodland home to thousands of species) and provide a rural buffer, which decrease flood risks and provide a wildlife corridor I am sure that you will have had a detailed breakdown as to why wildlife corridors, significant disturbance to the woodland and the flood risk concerns should be taken seriously

Comment

Representation ID: 12553

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Sarah Farrell

I&O_13070
No. As local residents we were consulted on the Frodsham local plan where sites were put forward for housing; this latest plan seems to ignore this. Recent planning policy changes at a national level suggest green belt should be built on as a last resort, not when the planners have not even looked at the local area when drawing up options. The A56 in Frodsham is dangerous to walk along at the moment with no traffic management such as average speed cameras that have been put up in Helsby. Adding a significant number of houses will further add to congestion, pollution and make the road a greater safety issue that at present. New housing development on sites between Ellis lane and the lakes estate will cause significant flooding issues. Our gardens are already waterlogged when there has been heavy rain, with run off down the lane and into the main road or woods at the back of bridge lane. Take away this open space and replace it with housing with impermeable surfaces and this will compound the problem and make our houses uninsurable. Further development will heighten flooding concerns for nearby residents and infrastructure, contrary to NPPF paragraph 167.

Comment

Representation ID: 12556

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Robert Holt

SS 42
I&O_13073
I wish to object to policies SS41, SS42 & SS43 in the consultation document. My choice is to retain the green belt land. 

Comment

Representation ID: 12567

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Elaine Baines

FRO01, FRO02
I&O_13084
I write to formally object to the proposed development of green belt land in Frodsham under policies SS41, SS42 and SS43. My objections are on the grounds of: Increased flood risk. Increased traffic congestion on the roads within and surrounding Frodsham - in particular on the M56 which is already heavily gridlocked during rush hour and most weekends throughout the summer months.  Destruction of wildlife and wildlife habitats.  Damage to ancient woodland. Deteriorating air quality and light pollution, which in turn harms local wildlife.  Detrimental impact upon local house prices.  Loss of community and green space.  Inadequate infrastructure to support additional residents, especially at local GP surgeries (where it is already almost impossible to make an appointment within a reasonable amount of time), local hospitals and schools.  Green belt should not be used for development such as this and should be avoided unless there are alternatives and I believe that there are alternative locations which would cause less harm and damage.  It is my belief that the proposals at FR001 and FR002 are the most damaging and should be removed from the overall proposals. 

Comment

Representation ID: 12575

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Hayley Percival

I&O_13092
Yes, don’t build on FRO01 and FRO02. This is not a polite suggestion. It is a firm and direct objection to building on FR001 and FR002, two parcels of Greenbelt land that border Hob Hey Wood and form part of Frodsham’s only remaining rural buffer. This proposal is a textbook example of poor planning: it increases flood risk, overloads roads, strains local services, destroys wildlife routes, and rips up national policy. If approved, it will damage the town and everyone in it. Objections in detail   Severe Impact on Ancient Woodland Hob Hey is a Site of Biological Interest and ancient woodland, Britain’s most biodiverse habitat. The wood is home to thousands of species varying from common, to locally scarce, to nationally rare. Over 800 species are listed on the national biological recording site iRecord. Many species only occur in ancient woodland, an increasingly rare habitat. The wood is a haven for both wildlife and local people who enjoy walking the woodland and reaping the benefits of being in nature such as reduced anxiety and depression. Improvements to the immune system and reduced blood pressure also result from time spent in nature. Source: Nature and Mental Health Report’, Mind. Source: ( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/ ). Wildlife Corridors Will Be Destroyed Hob Hey Wood is not a decorative patch of trees. It is a functioning woodland used by many species that need access to the surrounding environment. The wood connects to wider habitat corridors through the FR001 and FR002 areas. These corridors keep the ecology alive. Building here breaks those links forever. You can’t replace a hedgerow or regenerate a breeding ground once it’s buried under concrete. Source: Planning Inspectorate –  https://nsip-documents.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/published-documents/EN010153-000069-6.1_ES%20Vol%201%20Chapter%207%20Terrestrial%20Ecology.pdf Significant Disturbance to The Woodland Hob Hey is relatively secluded. Building hundreds of houses nearby could lead to significant disturbance of the woodland and its wildlife. The resulting huge increase in pets would result in problems. Cats are supreme predators which would take a toll on wildlife. Dogs would also disturb wildlife and their feces have been shown to cause nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Source:  https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/07/dog-pee-and-poo-harming-nature-reserves-study Flood Risk is Not a Hypothetical Surface water flooding is the biggest threat to homes in England today. Over 4.6 million homes are now at risk from it. That’s double the number at risk from rivers or coastal surge. In Frodsham, those risks already exist. Hob Hey Wood and the green land around it act as a sponge. They slow rain and reduce flood peaks. Building on FR002 and FR001 means water runs off faster, overloading drains and pushing into homes and roads. The council’s own Flood Risk Assessment warns against removing these natural barriers. From the late 1990’s to 2005 this happened in Langdale Way! Residents experienced multiple sewerage floods leading to a campaign involving both the council and United Utilities to resolve the issue before the houses became uninsurable. This resulted in a year long disruptive excavation at Manor House School fields to install huge tanks to stem the catastrophic floods. UU stated that this was the only site that that type of construction could take place. House building adjacent could result in these issues arising again! Source: Cheshire West SFRA –  https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/parking-roads-and-travel/highways/flood-risk-assessment-final-report.pdf Source: Financial Times –  https://www.ft.com/content/ff3bb769-9339-4015-80bc-4a3ea446504e

Comment

Representation ID: 12592

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Elaine Griffiths

FRO01 and FRO02
I&O_13109
FRO01 and FRO02. This Development Must Not Go Ahead. This is not a polite suggestion. It is a firm and direct objection to building on FR001 and FR002, two parcels of Greenbelt land that border Hob Hey Wood and form part of Frodsham’s only remaining rural buffer.  This proposal is a textbook example of poor planning: it increases flood risk, overloads roads, strains local services, destroys wildlife routes, and rips up national policy. If approved, it will damage the town and everyone in it. Traffic is Already Broken.The A56 and main roads through Frodsham are regularly gridlocked. When the M56 is closed or partially shut, all diverted traffic comes through the town. The Weaver Viaduct carries over 112,000 vehicles daily. That number spikes during roadworks, collisions, or closures. None of this is future risk. It's already happening. Add hundreds of extra vehicles from FR001 and FR002 and the problem gets worse. Emergency vehicles already struggle to get through. This development will slow response times even more, putting lives at risk. Source: Hansard (UK Parliament), 2015 – https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2015-11-17/debates/15111754000002/M56(Junctions12To14) Severe Impact on Ancient Woodland Hob Hey is a Site of Biological Interest and ancient woodland, Britain’s most biodiverse habitat.  The wood is home to thousands of species varying from common, to locally scarce, to nationally rare. Over 800 species are listed on the national biological recording site iRecord. Many species only occur in ancient woodland, an increasingly rare habitat.  The wood is a haven for both wildlife and local people who enjoy walking the woodland and reaping the benefits of being in nature such as reduced anxiety and depression. Improvements to the immune system and reduced blood pressure also result from time spent in nature. Source: Nature and Mental Health Report’, Mind. Source: ( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/ ). Wildlife Corridors Will Be Destroyed Hob Hey Wood is not a decorative patch of trees. It is a functioning woodland used by many species that need access to the surrounding environment. The wood connects to wider habitat corridors through the FR001 and FR002 areas. These corridors keep the ecology alive. Building here breaks those links forever. You can’t replace a hedgerow or regenerate a breeding ground once it’s buried under concrete.  Source: Planning Inspectorate – https://nsip-documents.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/published-documents/EN010153-000069-6.1_ES%20Vol%201%20Chapter%207%20Terrestrial%20Ecology.pdf Significant Disturbance to The Woodland Hob Hey is relatively secluded. Building hundreds of houses nearby could lead to significant disturbance of the woodland and its wildlife. The resulting huge increase in pets would result in problems. Cats are supreme predators which would take a toll on wildlife. Dogs would also disturb wildlife and their feces have been shown to cause nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/07/dog-pee-and-poo-harming-nature-reserves-study Flood Risk is Not a Hypothetical Surface water flooding is the biggest threat to homes in England today. Over 4.6 million homes are now at risk from it. That’s double the number at risk from rivers or coastal surge. In Frodsham, those risks already exist. Hob Hey Wood and the green land around it act as a sponge. They slow rain and reduce flood peaks. Building on FR002 and FR001 means water runs off faster, overloading drains and pushing into homes and roads. The council’s own Flood Risk Assessment warns against removing these natural barriers. From the late 1990’s to 2005 this happened in Langdale Way! Residents experienced multiple sewerage floods leading to a campaign involving both the council and United Utilities to resolve the issue before the houses became uninsurable. This resulted in a year long disruptive excavation at Manor House School fields to install huge tanks to stem the catastrophic floods. UU stated that this was the only site that that type of construction could take place. House building adjacent could result in these issues arising again! Source: Cheshire West SFRA – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/parking-roads-and-travel/highways/flood-risk-assessment-final-report.pdf Source: Financial Times – https://www.ft.com/content/ff3bb769-9339-4015-80bc-4a3ea446504e GP Practices and Schools Are Full There is no spare capacity in Frodsham’s infrastructure. GP practices are running at limit. Schools are close to capacity. New homes mean more pressure, more waiting, more stretched services. No part of this development includes concrete plans or funding for new public services. That means the burden falls on existing ones, which are already struggling. Source: Cheshire West Monitoring Reports – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-building-control/local-plan/authority-monitoring-report Air Quality and Light Pollution Will Get Worse Frodsham is already inside an Air Quality Management Area. Cars are the top local pollutant. FR001 and FR002 would bring more cars, more exhaust, and more noise into a space that’s supposed to be protected. Lighting from new housing, cars and street lamps will spill into Hob Hey Wood and rural zones. This ruins habitat for nocturnal species and affects human sleep cycles. Light pollution has a detrimental effect on bats. There are seven species present in Hob Hey Wood including rare Nathusius’ pipistrelle. Moths are also affected by light pollution. Source: Cheshire West AQMA Action Plan – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/pests-pollution-food-safety/pollution-and-air-quality/air-quality-review-and-assessment/action-plans/action-plan-frodsham-0118.pdf Source: Bat Conservation Trust Guidance NoteGN08/23Bats and Artificial Lighting At Night. Source: Impact of light pollution on moth morphology–A 137-year study in Germany https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2021.05.004 ). Antisocial Behaviour and Isolation Will Rise New estates without integrated planning lead to social fragmentation. These areas become disconnected, under-policed, and under-supported. This isn’t speculation. It’s known from other developments nationally. The National Planning Policy Framework requires that growth supports community cohesion. This proposal does not. It isolates new homes on the edge of town and dumps responsibility for cohesion onto already stretched services. Source: NPPF (2023) – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2 House Prices Will Drop People buy in Frodsham for access to open countryside, peace, and green views. Strip those away, and the value drops. This development removes the very features that give existing homes their worth. Homeowners who’ve invested in the area will be hit with lower resale values and a loss of the rural edge they were sold on. Developers walk away with profit. Residents are left picking up the cost. Greenbelt Is Not A Technicality The Greenbelt is there for a reason. Once you breach it, you set precedent for more erosion. This is not just about FRO01 or FRO02. It’s about what follows next if this goes ahead. National guidance is clear: development on Greenbelt land must be avoided unless there are absolutely no alternatives. In this case, there are alternatives. This land should remain untouched. Source: GOV.UK Greenbelt Guidance –  ttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework/13-protecting-green-belt-land Final Statement – Reject This Now This proposal is bad planning. It adds pressure to failing infrastructure. It increases flood risk. It destroys wildlife corridors. It worsens air quality. It lowers property values. It puts lives at risk!

Comment

Representation ID: 12596

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Carolyn Stratton

FRO01 and FRO02
I&O_13113
Hello I have attempted to respond to the local plan consultation. I am heavily opposed to any green belt development on FRO01 and FRO02. My main issue, however, is the incredibly complex and off putting consultation. How do you expect most residents to respond to this? It’s a minefield and would take hours to sift through. There should have been drop in sessions locally to assist people. It’s disgraceful that such an important issue has been consulted on - but only if one happens to have heard others talking about it on Facebook groups. Where was the letter? How was I officially informed? Nothing. I have spoken to people today who are horrified they knew nothing about it, and I doubt they will now have time to respond. And over the school holidays? When parents and grandparents schedules are up the wall as it is. It feels like it’s been designed and timed for the least responses possible. I hope any future plans are communicated with the residents in a more robust way than this.

Comment

Representation ID: 12603

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Emily Cleland

I&O_13120
I object to policies SS41, SS42 and SS43.

Comment

Representation ID: 12606

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Elle Fraser

I&O_13123
I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of hundreds of houses on Green Belt land adjacent to Hob Hey Wood, as outlined under policies SS41, SS42, and SS43. This proposal poses a serious threat to Frodsham’s countryside, biodiversity, community well-being, and overall sustainability. I wish to raise the following key objections: 1. Environmental and Ecological Impact • Loss of Ancient Woodland: Hob Hey Wood is a valuable ecological and historical asset. Any development bordering it risks irreparable damage to its biodiversity and heritage. • Wildlife Corridors: The proposed development would fragment established wildlife habitats, cutting off essential corridors that support birds, mammals, amphibians, and pollinators. • Air Quality and Light Pollution: Large-scale housing projects inevitably increase traffic and artificial lighting, disrupting local ecosystems and diminishing air quality. 2. Flood Risk and Climate Resilience • Building on Green Belt land reduces natural drainage, heightening flood risks for existing communities. Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events linked to climate change, protecting natural floodplains should be a top priority. 3. Infrastructure and Community Strain • Healthcare and Education: Local GPs, dentists, and schools are already under strain. An influx of new residents would push these essential services beyond capacity. • Roads and Traffic: Frodsham already experiences congestion, particularly at peak times. Additional traffic from a large housing estate would create gridlock and worsen air pollution, impacting residents’ quality of life. 4. Socio-Economic Consequences • Falling House Prices: Overdevelopment in a sensitive area can lower surrounding property values by eroding the natural and rural character that makes the area desirable. • Loss of Community Character: Green Belt land provides an essential buffer between urban spread and rural countryside. Its destruction would diminish community identity, reduce green space for recreation, and permanently change the character of Frodsham. 5. Planning Principles The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) places great weight on the protection of Green Belt land. Exceptional circumstances have not been demonstrated here to justify removing Hob Hey Wood and its surroundings from this protection. Development should focus on brownfield sites and sustainable regeneration opportunities, not the destruction of irreplaceable countryside. In conclusion, I strongly urge Cheshire West and Chester Council to reject this proposal and safeguard Hob Hey Wood for current residents, future generations, and the rich wildlife it supports. Please register this email as my formal objection to policies SS41, SS42, and SS43.

Comment

Representation ID: 12607

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Lucy Cleland

I&O_13124
I am objecting to policies, SS41 SS42 SS43 Increased flood risk, Gridlock on roads, Strain on local services, Destruction of wildlife habitat, Detrimental to air quality and light pollution, Damage to ancient woodland, Loss of community green spaces.  

Comment

Representation ID: 12627

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: David Varley

I&O_13144
All three potential growth areas identified are Green Belt land and should not be developed. They are beautiful, an essential part of Frodsham's environment, and once destroyed can never be replaced. They are likely to contain valuable habitat for animals which would be destroyed if the land is developed. In the case of FRO03, this land is the only remaining section of Green Belt separating the historic settlements of Frodsham and Netherton, and building upon it would constitute considerable urban sprawl. It is also understood to be the site of the medieval Frodsham Castle, and therefore likely to be of significant archaeological importance.

Comment

Representation ID: 12634

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Mr Craig Evans

I&O_13151
FRO01 FRO02 This Development Must Not Go Ahead This is not a polite suggestion. It is a firm and direct objection to building on FR001 and FR002, two parcels of Greenbelt land that border Hob Hey Wood and form part of Frodsham’s only remaining rural buffer. This proposal is a textbook example of poor planning: it increases flood risk, overloads roads, strains local services, destroys wildlife routes, and rips up national policy. If approved, it will damage the town and everyone in it. Traffic is Already Broken The A56 and main roads through Frodsham are regularly gridlocked. When the M56 is closed or partially shut, all diverted traffic comes through the town. The Weaver Viaduct carries over 112,000 vehicles daily. That number spikes during roadworks, collisions, or closures. None of this is future risk. It's already happening.  Add hundreds of extra vehicles from FR001 and FR002 and the problem gets worse. Emergency vehicles already struggle to get through. This development will slow response times even more, putting lives at risk.  Source: Hansard (UK Parliament), 2015 – https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2015-11-17/debates/15111754000002/M56(Junctions12To14)  Severe Impact on Ancient Woodland Hob Hey is a Site of Biological Interest and ancient woodland, Britain’s most biodiverse habitat.  The wood is home to thousands of species varying from common, to locally scarce, to nationally rare. Over 800 species are listed on the national biological recording site iRecord. Many species only occur in ancient woodland, an increasingly rare habitat.  The wood is a haven for both wildlife and local people who enjoy walking the woodland and reaping the benefits of being in nature such as reduced anxiety and depression. Improvements to the immune system and reduced blood pressure also result from time spent in nature.  Source: Nature and Mental Health Report’, Mind.  Source: ( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/ ).  Wildlife Corridors Will Be Destroyed Hob Hey Wood is not a decorative patch of trees. It is a functioning woodland used by many species that need access to the surrounding environment. The wood connects to wider habitat corridors through the FR001 and FR002 areas. These corridors keep the ecology alive.  Building here breaks those links forever. You can’t replace a hedgerow or regenerate a breeding ground once it’s buried under concrete.  Source: Planning Inspectorate – https://nsip-documents.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/published-documents/EN010153-000069-6.1_ES%20Vol%201%20Chapter%207%20Terrestrial%20Ecology.pdf  Significant Disturbance to The Woodland Hob Hey is relatively secluded. Building hundreds of houses nearby could lead to significant disturbance of the woodland and its wildlife. The resulting huge increase in pets would result in problems. Cats are supreme predators which would take a toll on wildlife. Dogs would also disturb wildlife and their feces have been shown to cause nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.  Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/07/dog-pee-and-poo-harming-nature-reserves-study  Flood Risk is Not a Hypothetical Surface water flooding is the biggest threat to homes in England today. Over 4.6 million homes are now at risk from it. That’s double the number at risk from rivers or coastal surge. In Frodsham, those risks already exist. Hob Hey Wood and the green land around it act as a sponge. They slow rain and reduce flood peaks.  Building on FR002 and FR001 means water runs off faster, overloading drains and pushing into homes and roads. The council’s own Flood Risk Assessment warns against removing these natural barriers.  From the late 1990’s to 2005 this happened in Langdale Way! Residents experienced multiple sewerage floods leading to a campaign involving both the council and United Utilities to resolve the issue before the houses became uninsurable. This resulted in a year long disruptive excavation at Manor House School fields to install huge tanks to stem the catastrophic floods. UU stated that this was the only site that that type of construction could take place.  House building adjacent could result in these issues arising again!  Source: Cheshire West SFRA – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/parking-roads-and-travel/highways/flood-risk-assessment-final-report.pdf Source: Financial Times – https://www.ft.com/content/ff3bb769-9339-4015-80bc-4a3ea446504e  GP Practices and Schools Are Full There is no spare capacity in Frodsham’s infrastructure. GP practices are running at limit. Schools are close to capacity. New homes mean more pressure, more waiting, more stretched services. No part of this development includes concrete plans or funding for new public services. That means the burden falls on existing ones, which are already struggling.  Source: Cheshire West Monitoring Reports – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-building-control/local-plan/authority-monitoring-report  Air Quality and Light Pollution Will Get Worse Frodsham is already inside an Air Quality Management Area. Cars are the top local pollutant. FR001 and FR002 would bring more cars, more exhaust, and more noise into a space that’s supposed to be protected.  Lighting from new housing, cars and street lamps will spill into Hob Hey Wood and rural zones. This ruins habitat for nocturnal species and affects human sleep cycles.  Light pollution has a detrimental effect on bats. There are seven species present in Hob Hey Wood including rare Nathusius’ pipistrelle. Moths are also affected by light pollution.  Source: Cheshire West AQMA Action Plan – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/pests-pollution-food-safety/pollution-and-air-quality/air-quality-review-and-assessment/action-plans/action-plan-frodsham-0118.pdf  Source: Bat Conservation Trust Guidance NoteGN08/23Bats and Artificial Lighting At Night.  Source: Impact of light pollution on moth morphology–A 137-year study in Germany https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2021.05.004 ).  Antisocial Behaviour and Isolation Will Rise New estates without integrated planning lead to social fragmentation. These areas become disconnected, under-policed, and under-supported. This isn’t speculation. It’s known from other developments nationally.  The National Planning Policy Framework requires that growth supports community cohesion. This proposal does not. It isolates new homes on the edge of town and dumps responsibility for cohesion onto already stretched services.  Source: NPPF (2023) – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2  House Prices Will Drop People buy in Frodsham for access to open countryside, peace, and green views. Strip those away, and the value drops. This development removes the very features that give existing homes their worth.  Homeowners who’ve invested in the area will be hit with lower resale values and a loss of the rural edge they were sold on. Developers walk away with profit. Residents are left picking up the cost.  Greenbelt Is Not A Technicality The Greenbelt is there for a reason. Once you breach it, you set precedent for more erosion. This is not just about FRO01 or FRO02. It’s about what follows next if this goes ahead.  National guidance is clear: development on Greenbelt land must be avoided unless there are absolutely no alternatives. In this case, there are alternatives. This land should remain untouched. Source: GOV.UK  Greenbelt Guidance –   ttps:// www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework/13-protecting-green-belt-land  Final Statement – Reject This Now This proposal is bad planning. It adds pressure to failing infrastructure. It increases flood risk. It destroys wildlife corridors. It worsens air quality. It lowers property values. It puts lives at risk too!

Comment

Representation ID: 12635

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Mrs Geraldine Fraser

I&O_13152
I’m writing to formally register my strong objection to the proposed plans to build a large number of homes on the ancient woodlands at Hob Hey Wood and the land in and around the allotments at the top of Langdale Way in Frodsham. While I fully understand the need for new housing, Frodsham simply doesn’t have the infrastructure, facilities, or capacity to support a development of this size. 1.  Traffic and Road Network Concerns This part of Frodsham is served by just one main road and a very narrow secondary road — both of which are already under strain. The traffic caused during construction alone would be problematic, let alone the long-term impact of hundreds of additional vehicles once these homes are occupied. Most households own at least two cars, and often more as children grow up. Frodsham already suffers from daily traffic bottlenecks, which get significantly worse whenever there’s an issue on the M56. When problems occur on the motorway (which is frequent — especially between junctions 10 and 14), the resulting congestion brings Frodsham to a standstill. Having lived in Frodsham for 34 years, I’ve seen this go from being a monthly inconvenience to happening three or four times a week. The swing bridge and Sutton Weaver junction — critical westbound routes into Frodsham — are already operating beyond capacity. Adding potentially 1,300+ more vehicles daily would only worsen an already chaotic situation. 2.  Pressure on Local Schools All local primary schools are single-form entry and already full. The closest school to the proposed development, The Manor, would be unable to cope with the additional pupils or the extra traffic during drop-off and pick-up times. Secondary education options are also stretched. Since the closure of Frodsham High School, Helsby High is the only secondary school in the area — and it’s already operating at capacity as it serves Frodsham, Helsby, and surrounding villages. 3.  Strain on Healthcare Services Our local GP surgeries and healthcare staff are already overwhelmed. The health centre is under constant pressure, and getting a routine appointment is often difficult. Introducing hundreds more families would only add to this strain, without any clear plan for expanding medical provision. 4.  Emergency Services Limitations Frodsham's fire station is now only part-time, and our police presence has been reduced to a community base rather than a full station. These services are already struggling to meet current demands — they cannot handle a significant increase in population. 5.  Flood Risk and Failing Water Infrastructure Frodsham's existing waste and fresh water systems are already stretched thin. Sewer capacity is an ongoing concern, and during the wetter months, surface water runoff frequently causes flooding and damage to roads. United Utilities are regularly called out to deal with leaks and burst pipes — a clear sign that the infrastructure is aging and overburdened. Adding a large-scale housing development to this fragile system is asking for trouble. Where will the excess water from construction and paved surfaces go? The area's natural sandstone geology also raises serious concerns about potential environmental damage from such large-scale disruption. 6.  Loss of Green Spaces and Irreplaceable Woodland Frodsham is valued for its natural surroundings — not just by residents, but also by visitors and the local farming community. Our green spaces play a vital role in our health, wellbeing, and biodiversity. Destroying ancient woodland and open land would directly impact local wildlife, disrupt natural habitats and corridors, and worsen air and light pollution. These woodlands play a critical role in absorbing emissions and supporting local ecosystems. If we remove them, we not only lose their beauty but also the protection they offer us. With the loss of space to wind and solar farms already underway, we cannot afford to sacrifice more of our natural landscape. Frodsham is a market town that has always maintained a village feel. People choose to live here for its greenery and peaceful surroundings. If they wanted city living, they would move to a city. This proposal threatens the very identity of our town. 7.  Financial and Practical Viability Even nearby developments have failed. In Helsby, a brownfield redevelopment site has already been through two failed attempts before any real progress was made — and that was on a site far more suitable for housing than the one being proposed here. Frodsham doesn't have any equivalent brownfield sites, nor does it have the capacity — geographic or geological — to sustain a development of this scale. Forcing such a development into an unsuitable location isn’t just short-sighted — it’s potentially disastrous. In summary , this proposal is unsustainable for Frodsham on almost every level — infrastructure, schooling, healthcare, emergency services, environmental stability, and community wellbeing. I strongly urge you to reconsider this plan and instead focus on more appropriate sites that are better equipped to support new housing.

Comment

Representation ID: 12637

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Helen MacFadyen

FRO01 and FRO02
I&O_13154
I wish to register my objection to the proposed housing development on FRO01 and FRO02 in Frodsham. The plans would remove important greenbelt land, increase flood risk, and put further strain on local services such as GP practices and schools. The traffic situation in and around Frodsham is already severe, and additional vehicles from hundreds of new houses would make it worse. Hob Hey Wood and its wildlife corridors are a unique and irreplaceable asset to the town. Development here would cause lasting damage to biodiversity and the wellbeing of the community. I ask that the Council remove these sites from consideration and protect the area from inappropriate development.

Comment

Representation ID: 12639

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Rebecca Maddocks

I&O_13156
I am writing to object to the plans to build on Green Belt land next to Hob Hey Wood. This area is an important part of our community. It provides essential green space, supports wildlife, and is a big part of Frodsham’s identity. Building here would increase flood risk, damage ancient woodland, destroy habitats, and take away countryside that local people rely on for health and wellbeing. The development would also put huge additional  pressures on our local roads, schools, GPs and dentists, which are already stretched to their maximum capacity. Not only that, but a plan of this scale will worsen the air quality and be yet another cause of pollution. Once this land is lost, we cannot get it back. Therefore, I strongly urge Cheshire West and Chester Council to reject policies SS41 , SS42 and SS43 and protect Hob Hey Wood for future generations. Please think again about your decision. This is not the right place for large-scale housing, and it never will be.  

Comment

Representation ID: 12642

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Philip Nicol

FRO01, FRO02
I&O_13159
I wish to object to the planning applications above on several different grounds.  The increased volume of traffic is going to further increase the volume of traffic on Frodsham's already congested roads. The resulting increase in delays and air pollution will have serious negative impacts on Frodsham residents.  The population increase in Frodsham will place more strain on the schools, doctors and dentists. It's already very difficult to get a doctor's appointment and NHS dentistry in Frodsham is already at capacity.   The ancient woodland at Hob Hey will come under serious threat - the woodland isn't designed to cope with the large increase in population living right next door to it that these policies would bring and will cause habitat degradation with the resulting impact on our wild species.  Adding to this will be the destruction of the wildlife corridors caused. I wish the council to take these objections into account and refuse the planning applications.

Comment

Representation ID: 12652

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Mick Ord

I&O_13169
Yes, don’t build on FRO01 and FRO02. This is a firm and direct objection to building on FR001 and FR002, two parcels of Greenbelt land that border Hob Hey Wood and form part of Frodsham’s only remaining rural buffer. Severe Impact on Ancient Woodland Hob Hey is a Site of Biological Interest and ancient woodland, Britain’s most biodiverse habitat. The wood is home to thousands of species varying from common, to locally scarce, to nationally rare. Over 800 species are listed on the national biological recording site iRecord. Many species only occur in ancient woodland, an increasingly rare habitat. The wood is a haven for both wildlife and local people who enjoy walking the woodland and reaping the benefits of being in nature such as reduced anxiety and depression. Improvements to the immune system and reduced blood pressure also result from time spent in nature. Source: Nature and Mental Health Report’, Mind. Source: ( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/ ). Wildlife Corridors Will Be Destroyed Hob Hey Wood is not a decorative patch of trees. It is a functioning woodland used by many species that need access to the surrounding environment. The wood connects to wider habitat corridors through the FR001 and FR002 areas. These corridors keep the ecology alive. Building here breaks those links forever. You can’t replace a hedgerow or regenerate a breeding ground once it’s buried under concrete. Source: Planning Inspectorate – https://nsip-documents.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/published-documents/EN010153-000069-6.1_ES%20Vol%201%20Chapter%207%20Terrestrial%20Ecology.pdf Significant Disturbance to The Woodland Hob Hey is relatively secluded. Building hundreds of houses nearby could lead to significant disturbance of the woodland and its wildlife. The resulting huge increase in pets would result in problems. Cats are supreme predators which would take a toll on wildlife. Dogs would also disturb wildlife and their feces have been shown to cause nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Source:  Flood Risk is Not a Hypothetical Surface water flooding is the biggest threat to homes in England today. Over 4.6 million homes are now at risk from it. That’s double the number at risk from rivers or coastal surge. In Frodsham, those risks already exist. Hob Hey Wood and the green land around it act as a sponge. They slow rain and reduce flood peaks. Building on FR002 and FR001 means water runs off faster, overloading drains and pushing into homes and roads. The council’s own Flood Risk Assessment warns against removing these natural barriers. From the late 1990’s to 2005 this happened in Langdale Way! Residents experienced multiple sewerage floods leading to a campaign involving both the council and United Utilities to resolve the issue before the houses became uninsurable. This resulted in a year long disruptive excavation at Manor House School fields to install huge tanks to stem the catastrophic floods. UU stated that this was the only site that that type of construction could take place. House building adjacent could result in these issues arising again! Source: Cheshire West SFRA – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/parking-roads-and-travel/highways/flood-risk-assessment-final-report.pdf Source: Financial Times – https://www.ft.com/content/ff3bb769-9339-4015-80bc-4a3ea446504e   This proposal is a textbook example of poor planning: it increases flood risk, overloads roads, strains local services, destroys wildlife routes, and rips up national policy. If approved, it will damage the town and everyone in it.

Comment

Representation ID: 12655

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Mrs J D Bailey

I&O_13172
Planning  Team This Development Must Not Go Ahead This is not a polite suggestion. It is a firm and direct objection to building on FR001 and FR002, two parcels of Greenbelt land that border Hob Hey Wood and form part of Frodsham’s only remaining rural buffer. This proposal is a textbook example of poor planning: it increases flood risk, overloads roads, strains local services, destroys wildlife routes, and rips up national policy. If approved, it will damage the town and everyone in it. Traffic is Already Broken The A56 and main roads through Frodsham are regularly gridlocked. When the M56 is closed or partially shut, all diverted traffic comes through the town. The Weaver Viaduct carries over 112,000 vehicles daily. That number spikes during roadworks, collisions, or closures. None of this is future risk. It's already happening. Add hundreds of extra vehicles from FR001 and FR002 and the problem gets worse. Emergency vehicles already struggle to get through. This development will slow response times even more, putting lives at risk. Source: Hansard (UK Parliament), 2015 – https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2015-11-17/debates/15111754000002/M56(Junctions12To14) Severe Impact on Ancient Woodland Hob Hey is a Site of Biological Interest and ancient woodland, Britain’s most biodiverse habitat. The wood is home to thousands of species varying from common, to locally scarce, to nationally rare. Over 800 species are listed on the national biological recording site iRecord. Many species only occur in ancient woodland, an increasingly rare habitat. The wood is a haven for both wildlife and local people who enjoy walking the woodland and reaping the benefits of being in nature such as reduced anxiety and depression. Improvements to the immune system and reduced blood pressure also result from time spent in nature. Source: Nature and Mental Health Report’, Mind. Source: ( https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/ ). Wildlife Corridors Will Be Destroyed Hob Hey Wood is not a decorative patch of trees. It is a functioning woodland used by many species that need access to the surrounding environment. The wood connects to wider habitat corridors through the FR001 and FR002 areas. These corridors keep the ecology alive. Building here breaks those links forever. You can’t replace a hedgerow or regenerate a breeding ground once it’s buried under concrete. Source: Planning Inspectorate – https://nsip-documents.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/published-documents/EN010153-000069-6.1_ES%20Vol%201%20Chapter%207%20Terrestrial%20Ecology.pdf Significant Disturbance to The Woodland Hob Hey is relatively secluded. Building hundreds of houses nearby could lead to significant disturbance of the woodland and its wildlife. The resulting huge increase in pets would result in problems. Cats are supreme predators which would take a toll on wildlife. Dogs would also disturb wildlife and their feces have been shown to cause nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/07/dog-pee-and-poo-harming-nature-reserves-study Flood Risk is Not a Hypothetical Surface water flooding is the biggest threat to homes in England today. Over 4.6 million homes are now at risk from it. That’s double the number at risk from rivers or coastal surge. In Frodsham, those risks already exist. Hob Hey Wood and the green land around it act as a sponge. They slow rain and reduce flood peaks. Building on FR002 and FR001 means water runs off faster, overloading drains and pushing into homes and roads. The council’s own Flood Risk Assessment warns against removing these natural barriers. From the late 1990’s to 2005 this happened in Langdale Way! Residents experienced multiple sewerage floods leading to a campaign involving both the council and United Utilities to resolve the issue before the houses became uninsurable. This resulted in a year long disruptive excavation at Manor House School fields to install huge tanks to stem the catastrophic floods. UU stated that this was the only site that that type of construction could take place. House building adjacent could result in these issues arising again! Source: Cheshire West SFRA – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/parking-roads-and-travel/highways/flood-risk-assessment-final-report.pdf Source: Financial Times – https://www.ft.com/content/ff3bb769-9339-4015-80bc-4a3ea446504e GP Practices and Schools Are Full There is no spare capacity in Frodsham’s infrastructure. GP practices are running at limit. Schools are close to capacity. New homes mean more pressure, more waiting, more stretched services. No part of this development includes concrete plans or funding for new public services. That means the burden falls on existing ones, which are already struggling. Source: Cheshire West Monitoring Reports – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-building-control/local-plan/authority-monitoring-report Air Quality and Light Pollution Will Get Worse Frodsham is already inside an Air Quality Management Area. Cars are the top local pollutant. FR001 and FR002 would bring more cars, more exhaust, and more noise into a space that’s supposed to be protected. Lighting from new housing, cars and street lamps will spill into Hob Hey Wood and rural zones. This ruins habitat for nocturnal species and affects human sleep cycles. Light pollution has a detrimental effect on bats. There are seven species present in Hob Hey Wood including rare Nathusius’ pipistrelle. Moths are also affected by light pollution. Source: Cheshire West AQMA Action Plan – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/pests-pollution-food-safety/pollution-and-air-quality/air-quality-review-and-assessment/action-plans/action-plan-frodsham-0118.pdf Source: Bat Conservation Trust Guidance NoteGN08/23Bats and Artificial Lighting At Night. Source: Impact of light pollution on moth morphology–A 137-year study in Germany https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2021.05.004 ). Antisocial Behaviour and Isolation Will Rise New estates without integrated planning lead to social fragmentation. These areas become disconnected, under-policed, and under-supported. This isn’t speculation. It’s known from other developments nationally. The National Planning Policy Framework requires that growth supports community cohesion. This proposal does not. It isolates new homes on the edge of town and dumps responsibility for cohesion onto already stretched services. Source: NPPF (2023) – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2 House Prices Will Drop People buy in Frodsham for access to open countryside, peace, and green views. Strip those away, and the value drops. This development removes the very features that give existing homes their worth. Homeowners who’ve invested in the area will be hit with lower resale values and a loss of the rural edge they were sold on. Developers walk away with profit. Residents are left picking up the cost. Greenbelt Is Not A Technicality The Greenbelt is there for a reason. Once you breach it, you set precedent for more erosion. This is not just about FRO01 or FRO02. It’s about what follows next if this goes ahead. National guidance is clear: development on Greenbelt land must be avoided unless there are absolutely no alternatives. In this case, there are alternatives. This land should remain untouched. Source: GOV.UK Greenbelt Guidance –  ttps:// www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework/13-protecting-green-belt-land Final Statement – Reject This Now This proposal is bad planning. It adds pressure to failing infrastructure. It increases flood risk. It destroys wildlife corridors. It worsens air quality. It lowers property values. It puts lives at risk too!

Comment

Representation ID: 12656

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Peter & Nicola Reeve

I&O_13173
In short, Farndon is already over-developed. The last Local Plan made provision for approximately 100 homes over a 10-year period; in practice, 105 dwellings were delivered in one tranche. That step-change has put sustained pressure on local infrastructure and services which are struggling to meet existing demand. As Adrian Waddelove made clear, the prevailing view in the village is that zero additional housing should be allocated in Farndon. I support that position. My reasons—limited strictly to material planning considerations—are set out below. Material planning considerations Character and appearance: Further estate-style development would be out of keeping with the established scale, grain and character of the village and its streetscape. The cumulative impact since the last plan has already altered local character materially. Highways, traffic and parking: Roads are already congested, with limited on-street parking and pressure at key junctions. Additional dwellings would worsen traffic flow and create avoidable highway safety risks for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Amenity of neighbours: Intensification risks overlooking, loss of privacy, overshadowing, and general noise/disturbance for existing residents due to increased vehicle movements and tighter plot layouts. Public services and infrastructure capacity: Primary healthcare, school places, drainage, and utilities are under strain. There is no realistic, funded plan to expand capacity to a level that would safely and sustainably accommodate more homes. Local economy and employment balance: Additional housing without commensurate local employment growth will increase out-commuting, traffic, and car dependency, contrary to sustainable development principles. Given the above, I ask the Council to: Allocate zero additional housing to Farndon in the forthcoming plan period; and Remove or “de-ring-fence” any areas currently being considered for residential allocation within or adjacent to the village.  If, notwithstanding the community’s clear position, any development is still contemplated, I request that the Council publish robust evidence on highways capacity, infrastructure delivery, and design/character impact—and that any proposal be strictly limited in scale, phased over time, and contingent on proven infrastructure mitigation delivered before occupation. However, my primary position remains that no further housing is appropriate or sustainable in Farndon.

Comment

Representation ID: 12677

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Marie Louise Riley

FRO01, FRO02
I&O_13194
Please find as follows my very strong objection to planning applications FRO01 and FRO02 these proposals both include green belt land which must be protected  This development would destroy wildlife corridors, damage ancient woodland and would take away community green space  i walk in this area with my dog daily have an allotment in the area both those things help my mental health  As well as destroying green belt land there proposals would add to the already congested and often gridlocked roads and put additional strain on the existing infrastructure GPs Dentists and schools  I am hopeful the planning process is rigorous and will ensure a sensible outcome reject these proposals and protect our green spaces for future generations 

Comment

Representation ID: 12688

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Rebecca Bradburne

FRO01, FRO02, FRO03
I&O_13205
The Hob Hey woodland is an ancient woodland housing an abundance of wildlife. It has long been a haven for residents of Frodsham young and old to enjoy. Any consideration of destroying this area for houses is absolutely horrifying and should it ever be approved then the Council will face protests especially when there are brown belt spaces in CWAC that could be used. The displacement of the Ecosystem of such a scale can't be justified under any circumstances. The transport links in Frodsham are already awful. The schools aren't big enough to cope. Frodsham does not have the infrastructure to cope with a big housing plan. Doctors, dentists, leisure facilities etc. The area is totally unsuitable for houses. Its a woodland area that needs to remain a local spot for walkers and nature. Houses in this area would be catastrophic for Frodsham and I hope Hob Hey wood will be left alone by greedy builders.

Comment

Representation ID: 12703

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: C Harvey

I&O_13221
FRO01, FRO02 & FRO03 proposals are not realistic and it shows a sheer lack of common sense has been given to propose these.  The council needs to FULLY understand the current situation in Frodsham and not just assume it is ok.  The proposals will certainly add alot more strain to the existing infrastructure, struggling road quality and networks (especially with motorway delays), over subscribed doctors, dentists and schools, lack of police.   It furthermore shows the council’s keenness to destroy historical areas, destroy the environment and established habitats especially near Hob Hey Wood and the river where there is a lot of wildlife, flora and fauna, bird migration. The local proposal gives the impression the council want to destroy the countryside.  The proposal also shows a wish to increase pollution in an already polluted area. We should be trying to decrease pollution annd  improve air quality not make it worse?

Comment

Representation ID: 12709

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Mr Alan Ashton

I&O_13227
I write to object the planning proposal of the above, the rational for this objection is as follows – • The current Infrastructure in Frodsham is already at capacity with congestion throughout the town when there is a incident on the M56. • It is already very difficult to obtain a GP appointment additional houses will add to this strain. • Schools already at capacity. • Destruction of wildlife corridors. • Damage to Ancient Woodlands. • Worse air quality. • Falling house prices. • Loss of community and green spaces.  

Comment

Representation ID: 12728

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Mr David Baines

I&O_13246
I write to formally object to the proposed development of green belt land in Frodsham under policies SS41, SS42 and SS43. My objections are on the grounds of: Increased flood risk due to the type of ground around Bradley Lane, (FR001) especially south of Bradley Lane (FR002) which is susceptible to flooding and in the past has had much work done on it to try and prevent the flooding. Increased traffic congestion on the roads within and surrounding Frodsham - in particular on the M56 which is already heavily gridlocked during rush hour and most weekends throughout the summer months. Destruction of wildlife and wildlife habitats. Damage to ancient woodland. Deteriorating air quality and light pollution, which in turn harms local wildlife. Detrimental impact upon local house prices. Loss of community and green space. Inadequate infrastructure to support additional residents, especially at local GP surgeries (where it is already almost impossible to make an appointment within a reasonable amount of time), local hospitals and schools. Green belt should not be used for development such as this. I believe that there are alternative locations which would cause less harm and damage. It is my belief that the proposals at FR001 and FR002 are the most damaging and should be removed from the overall proposals.

Comment

Representation ID: 12736

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Susan Graham

FRO01 and FRO02
I&O_13254
Yes, don’t build on FRO01 and FRO02. This is not a suggestion, it is a firm and direct objection to building on FR001 and FR002, two parcels of Greenbelt land that border Hob Hey Wood and form part of Frodsham’s only remaining rural buffer. This proposal is a textbook example of poor planning: it increases flood risk, overloads roads, strains local services, destroys wildlife routes, and rips up national policy. If approved, it will damage the town and everyone in it.  I suspect none of the planners live in this area nor have been to the wood to see its beauty and the wildlife it sustains.   Objections in detail Severe Impact on Ancient Woodland Hob Hey is a Site of Biological Interest and ancient woodland, Britain’s most biodiverse habitat. It is also an immensely beautiful area. The wood is home to thousands of species varying from common, to locally scarce, to nationally rare. Over 800 species are listed on the national biological recording site iRecord. Many species only occur in ancient woodland, an increasingly rare habitat. The wood is a haven for both wildlife and local people who enjoy walking the woodland and reaping the benefits of being in nature such as reduced anxiety and depression. Improvements to the immune system and reduced blood pressure also result from time spent in nature. Source: Nature and Mental Health Report’, Mind. Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/   Wildlife Corridors Will Be Destroyed Hob Hey Wood is not a decorative patch of trees. It is a functioning woodland used by many species that need access to the surrounding environment. The wood connects to wider habitat corridors through the FR001 and FR002 areas. These corridors keep the ecology alive. Building here breaks those links forever. You can’t replace a hedgerow or regenerate a breeding ground once it’s buried under concrete. Source: Planning Inspectorate – https://nsip-documents.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/published-documents/EN010153-000069-6.1_ES%20Vol%201%20Chapter%207%20Terrestrial%20Ecology.pdf   Significant Disturbance to The Woodland Hob Hey is relatively secluded. Building hundreds of houses nearby could lead to significant disturbance of the woodland and its wildlife. The resulting huge increase in pets would result in problems. Cats are supreme predators which would take a toll on wildlife. Dogs would also disturb wildlife and their faeces have been shown to cause nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. Source: https://www.theguardian.com/.../dog-pee-and-poo-harming...   Flood Risk is Not a Hypothetical Surface water flooding is the biggest threat to homes in England today. Over 4.6 million homes are now at risk from it. That’s double the number at risk from rivers or coastal surge. In Frodsham, those risks already exist. Hob Hey Wood and the green land around it act as a sponge. They slow rain and reduce flood peaks. Building on FR002 and FR001 means water runs off faster, overloading drains and pushing into homes and roads. The council’s own Flood Risk Assessment warns against removing these natural barriers. From the late 1990’s to 2005 this happened in Langdale Way! Residents experienced multiple sewerage floods leading to a campaign involving both the council and United Utilities to resolve the issue before the houses became uninsurable. This resulted in a year long disruptive excavation at Manor House School fields to install huge tanks to stem the catastrophic floods. UU stated that this was the only site that that type of construction could take place. House building adjacent could result in these issues arising again!  Source: Cheshire West SFRA – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/parking-roads-and-travel/highways/flood-risk-assessment-final-report.pdf Source: Financial Times – https://www.ft.com/content/ff3bb769-9339-4015-80bc-4a3ea446504e