Comment

Representation ID: 14275

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Tony Lovick

I&O_14819
I would like to say that I have never felt the need to write to the council to object over plans for building before. However, I feel so  strongly against these proposed plans  that I feel action is needed.   I am responding to questions SS41, SS42, SS43 on the consultation document.   These are the main reasons that I consider all three areas are unsuitable for Development;   Infrastructure   The existing roads are already struggling to cope with the traffic. The A56 is extremely busy at peak times, especially at school times and during the summer months on Fridays and Weekends. There is no way it could cope with the considerable extra traffic these developments would create. When there is an accident on the M56, which seems to be happening more frequently, the traffic is diverted through Helsby and Frodsham and the whole area becomes severely gridlocked.  The A56 passing by the proposed development opposite Castle Park is narrow and dangerous for bicycles. The road is used by school children cycling to and from Helsby High School, Also, the roads leading on to the A56 in Frodsham are not suitable for extra traffic. I live on the Lakes Estate in Frodsham (I really hope the Councillors responsible for making the decisions for the building of these houses are familiar with the area)  it looks as if this is where the access road would be (Langdale Way), along with Bradley Lane and Watery Lane, all too narrow and unsuitable for an increase in traffic.   There is already considerable strain on the doctors in Frodsham. it is difficult to get an appointment and almost impossible to get a Dentist appointment.    Extra schools would have to be built or existing ones extended, Again this will cause extra traffic.    Environment    The proposed developments are close to Hob Hey Wood which is Ancient Woodland. This area is vital for supporting birds, mammals, insects and fauna, these woodlands are irreplaceable and essential for supporting local wildlife and ecosystems in a part of the country that is rapidly losing its green space.  Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad Please consider these issues before making decisions that could have huge long term implications to this area.  

Comment

Representation ID: 14327

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Emma Whittle

FRO01, FRO02
I&O_14871
I STRONGLY OBJECT TO FRO01 and FRO02 the areas of Langdale Way/ Townfield Lane / and Bradley area. I have exactly the same objections as others which include; 1. Environmental Impact - **Habitat Destruction**: New housing developments can lead to the destruction of local habitats for wildlife, disrupting ecosystems. - **Increased Pollution**: Construction activity can result in increased air and noise pollution, which may affect both residents and wildlif  Infrastructure Strain - **Traffic Congestion**: More homes can lead to increased vehicular traffic, straining existing road networks and causing congestion. - **Public Services**: Local infrastructure, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and public transport, may already be at capacity and struggle to accommodate increased demand.  Community Character - **Loss of Character**: Rapid development can change the character of a community, affecting the historical and cultural aspects that residents value. - **Social Cohesion**: An influx of new residents may disrupt existing social dynamics and community ties.  Economic Factors - **Housing Affordability**: New developments can sometimes drive up prices in the area, making housing less affordable for existing residents. - **Local Economy Pressure**: An increased population can strain local businesses and services if they are not adequately prepared to handle the growth.  Planning Regulations and Zoning - **Compliance with Local Plans**: Proposed developments may conflict with existing local plans or zoning regulations, which are intended to manage growth sustainably. - **Community Opposition**: Local residents may oppose new builds due to concerns about the above issues, leading to potential conflicts during planning processes.  Sustainability Concerns - **Resource Consumption**: New homes consume resources for construction and maintenance, potentially leading to unsustainable resource use. - **Long-term Sustainability**: There may be concerns about whether such developments will be sustainable in terms of energy consumption, transportation, and overall environmental footprint.  Archeological sites of cultural importance Such as the unique Bradley Medieval Field and Hedgerows System which is unique and of great scientific, ecological and cultural importance. There are also numerous partly excavated Roman Camps and Anglo Saxon hillforts. It is also very likely that the original crossing of the River Weaver and Roman Road was in the area of Bradley Orchard.

Comment

Representation ID: 14374

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Mr and Mrs P and M Whittle

FRO01, FRO02
I&O_14918
I STRONGLY OBJECT TO FRO01 and FRO02 the areas of Langdale Way/ Townfield Lane / and Bradley area. I have exactly the same objections as others which include; 1. Environmental Impact - **Habitat Destruction**: New housing developments can lead to the destruction of local habitats for wildlife, disrupting ecosystems. - **Increased Pollution**: Construction activity can result in increased air and noise pollution, which may affect both residents and wildlif  Infrastructure Strain - **Traffic Congestion**: More homes can lead to increased vehicular traffic, straining existing road networks and causing congestion. - **Public Services**: Local infrastructure, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and public transport, may already be at capacity and struggle to accommodate increased demand.  Community Character - **Loss of Character**: Rapid development can change the character of a community, affecting the historical and cultural aspects that residents value. - **Social Cohesion**: An influx of new residents may disrupt existing social dynamics and community ties.  Economic Factors - **Housing Affordability**: New developments can sometimes drive up prices in the area, making housing less affordable for existing residents. - **Local Economy Pressure**: An increased population can strain local businesses and services if they are not adequately prepared to handle the growth.  Planning Regulations and Zoning - **Compliance with Local Plans**: Proposed developments may conflict with existing local plans or zoning regulations, which are intended to manage growth sustainably. - **Community Opposition**: Local residents may oppose new builds due to concerns about the above issues, leading to potential conflicts during planning processes.  Sustainability Concerns - **Resource Consumption**: New homes consume resources for construction and maintenance, potentially leading to unsustainable resource use. - **Long-term Sustainability**: There may be concerns about whether such developments will be sustainable in terms of energy consumption, transportation, and overall environmental footprint.  Archeological sites of cultural importance Such as the unique Bradley Medieval Field and Hedgerows System which is unique and of great scientific, ecological and cultural importance. There are also numerous partly excavated Roman Camps and Anglo Saxon hillforts. It is also very likely that the original crossing of the River Weaver and Roman Road was in the area of Bradley Orchard.

Comment

Representation ID: 14391

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Jane Wheeler

I&O_14935
Objecting to Policies SS41 SS42 SS43

Comment

Representation ID: 14408

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Kevin Hayes

I&O_14952
Impact on The Environment    A large development of housing in the FRO01 and FRO02 zones would lead to a massive impact on the environment and wildlife of Hob Hey Woods.  The woods themselves are unique to the area and precious to the local community. They are irreplaceable and home to a wide variety of wildlife.  Increased foot traffic in the area, increased exposure of wildlife to family pets and an inevitable increase in pollution and littering, all pose enormous danger to that ecosystem.  The woods are also a part of a wider wildlife corridor that encompasses Hob Hey Wood, the adjacent fields, the community orchard, the horse fields, the allotments, the river and Townfield Lane park. This means that animals, such as hedgehogs, can be frequently spotted in peoples' gardens as they have been provided with a safe area in which to live. This includes this portion of Townfield Lane being unfinished and having low traffic levels.  Hob Hey Woods is a haven for people too! Frodsham is plagued by noise from the motorway and this is a peaceful area that can provide respite and a sense of wellbeing for  everyone locally without needing to drive or access transport.  Impact on Traffic & Transportation -The A56 and surrounding B roads are often heavily congested and struggle to handle the current traffic load. There are often queues of cars going through the Lakes Estate when incidents occur on the surrounding roads. Adding up to 1300 additional homes in the area would further overburden the system and no doubt lead to an increase in traffic accidents, making the roads more dangerous and posing massive risk to cyclists and pedestrians. The FRO01 and FRO02 zones would inevitably require more roads to improve access which would damage the area further. This includes if the upper part of Townfield Lane were made into a finished road as the wildlife corridor would be destroyed. Children on the estate often play out, including on their bikes, and the low traffic levels make this possible. An increase to traffic on this scale would pose a significant threat to their safety and reduce their ability to safely play out.  Impact on the Character & appearance of the area Families move into the area around the proposed development zones due to its proximity to green spaces and nature. To build additional homes on the proposed scale, would radically change the feel of the area where people wished to live. Currently the surrounding area has a peaceful, close-community feel where people all know each other. Such a drastic proportional increase to the local housing stock and population will forever change the area's character and have a negative impact upon the wellbeing of local residents.   Impact on local amenities & services - Local amenities and services have not been developed to accommodate this volume of additional residents. It can already be challenging to get GP appointments in a timely manner, and   some local schools were oversubscribed in the last academic year indicating that current provision would not be adequate to meet the anticipated demand.

Comment

Representation ID: 14432

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Richard Robinson

I&O_14976
I would like to give my full opposition to all the options for the below plans for development. This area has seen significant housing growth and there is nothing in the area that can sustain any more housing. I appreciate there is a housing crisis but adding more stress to the already challenged local issues is not the answer. There is also the fact that this is green belt area and a lot of the land is farming land.     FRO01, FRO02, FRO03

Comment

Representation ID: 14511

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Marian Massey

FRO01, FRO02
I&O_15057
My comments are specifically connected to the development of land on the Eastern side of Frodsham (areas FRO01 and FRO02 in your document) and to questions SS41, SS42 and SS43. NPPF: Does not comply with the National Planning Policy Framework. Paragraph 137–140 states that Green Belt land should only be developed in “exceptional circumstances.” Traffic: Without road improvements, Frodsham, already subject to severe congestion (especially during M56 problems), could be gridlocked often, increasing pollution levels. Emergency vehicles would struggle, putting lives at risk. Existing roads appear unsuitable to cope with construction traffic. Inadequate infrastructure: Services such as GPs, dentists, schools and social services are already stretched. Any increase in population without increased services would strain the services further. Sewage systems: Overpopulation intensifies surface drain issues in residential areas due to increased impermeable surfaces, overwhelming existing drainage systems and leading to flooding. The conversion of natural, permeable surfaces (e.g. fields), to concrete/tarmac, reduces rainwater absorption, causing more runoff and increased risk of surface water flooding. This occurs when drainage systems can't handle the volume of water, causing it to accumulate on the surface and potentially enter properties. Surface water runoff can carry pollutants into water bodies, impacting water quality and harming wildlife. 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 yearlong 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. Potential impact on property values: If development results in the problems listed above, it could impact residents’ property values. Impact on nature particularly Hob Hey Wood: Hob Hey is ancient woodland, Britain’s most biodiverse habitat which is being reduced every year. The wood is home to thousands of species varying from common, to locally scarce, to nationally rare. Many species only occur in ancient woodland (so become rarer with each lost ancient wood). The wood is a haven for both wildlife and local people who enjoy walking the woodland and reaping the benefits of being in nature (which are significant and scientifically proven). Building next to the wood could have catastrophic effects: Destruction of wildlife corridors. Wildlife relies on such routes (e.g. hedgerows) to move between areas. If destroyed (say, by a housing development) the wildlife becomes trapped and could decline. Hedgerows are themselves invaluable wildlife sites for nesting birds and animals and support myriad insect species. Pollution: A large number of houses could result in pollution, affecting the delicate balance of the woodland. Light pollution: Light pollution has a detrimental effect on bats (seven species present including rare Nathusius’ pipistrelle). Moths are also affected by light pollution. Disturbance: Hob Hey is relatively secluded. Building hundreds of houses nearby could lead to significant disturbance of the woodland and its wildlife. Pets could also be an issue. Cats are supreme predators which could impact the wildlife. Dogs could also disturb wildlife and their faeces, if not picked up, have a detrimental effect on the wood. ASB. Potential for vandalism, fires, litter. Flooding. Converting ‘porous’ fields into tarmac and concrete-covered land would increase runoff during heavy rainfall. Flooding of the woodland could result in severe damage including trees falling due to the soil around their roots being eroded. Summary: Housebuilding on green belt land (FRO01 and FRO02) would have serious detrimental effects for the town, its residents, and nature (specifically Hob Hey Wood). I do not believe that house building on FRO01 and FRO02 is a suitable solution for the demand for more houses and other areas should be chosen instead.  

Comment

Representation ID: 14574

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Malcolm and Karen Reese

FRO01, FRO02
I&O_15120
We are writing as parents of four young adults and residents of Frodsham for the past 27 years to formally object to the current proposals for the housing development in our town. After careful consideration of the plans, we are deeply concerned about the potential impact on Frodsham’s character, infrastructure, sustainability and natural environment. Overdevelopment and Scale of Housing Proposals The existing Frodsham Town Plan proposes the construction of 250 new homes. However, the new proposals, which include potential growth areas for up to 2,000 homes, represent an unprecedented increase in housing development. This would more than double the current housing stock in Frodsham and could lead to a population increase of over 50%, changing the town’s character and scale in ways that would likely be irreversible. Green Belt Protection and National Policy Compliance Frodsham is surrounded by green belt land, which plays a vital role in preserving the town’s historical setting, landscape, and rural character. According to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), development on green belt land is only permissible under "very special circumstances." The scale of the proposed development does not meet these criteria. The significant urban sprawl resulting from these plans would undermine the very qualities that make Frodsham a desirable place to live. Impact on Natural Habitat and Wildlife The green belt areas around Frodsham are home to a diverse range of wildlife, flora and fauna that depend on these natural environments for their survival. The proposed development would result in the loss of vital habitats, disrupting local ecosystems and threatening the wildlife that currently thrives in these areas. This irreversible damage to natural habitats could result in the displacement of species and a reduction in biodiversity, which is an unacceptable consequence for both the environment and the community. Unsuitability of Ponds Along the Trail The ponds along the trail in Frodsham were historically used as marl pits for brick manufacturing. Consequently, the remaining land in this area is unstable and unsuitable for housing development. Marl pits are notorious for subsidence risks, and the ground may be prone to settling or shifting, potentially making the area unsafe for construction. Additionally, the environmental impact of developing these sites could lead to contamination, further exacerbating the risk to both the ecosystem and the future residents. Visual Intrusion and Harmful Environmental Impact The proposed development would also result in a severe visual intrusion into the natural landscape. Frodsham’s surrounding green belt is a key feature of its rural character and any large-scale development would permanently alter the scenic views and character of the area. This degradation of the landscape would harm both local residents' quality of life and the area’s attractiveness for visitors, reducing the natural beauty that currently makes Frodsham a desirable place to live and visit. Furthermore, the environmental impact of such a development cannot be understated. The destruction of green spaces, increased pollution from construction and the loss of vital natural buffers to urban sprawl would lead to significant ecological degradation. The proposed developments would increase air and noise pollution, which could irreparably harm the local environment and reduce residents' quality of life. Availability of Alternative Sites and Brownfield Redevelopment The arguments put forward for prioritising green belt land are overstated. There are several non-green belt sites in and around Frodsham that could be developed for housing, as well as brownfield sites within the town that have not yet been fully explored. These sites should be prioritised before encroaching on the green belt. Infrastructure Strain and Traffic Congestion A key concern with the proposed development is the absence of sufficient infrastructure improvements. Frodsham already suffers from traffic congestion, particularly at the junctions of Fluin Lane with the A56 and Main Street with Church Street. The three primary access routes into the town are frequently gridlocked, especially when there are incidents on the nearby M56 motorway, leaving the town isolated and inaccessible. Increased housing will undoubtedly exacerbate these congestion issues, leading to further strain on an already overloaded transport network. Importantly, there are no straightforward solutions to expand access routes into Frodsham. To support the scale of the proposed development, significant upgrades to the town’s road network would be required, including a bypass to alleviate pressure during M56-related incidents and a new bridge crossing over both the River Weaver and the canal. Without these essential infrastructure changes, the proposed development is unsustainable. Pollution and Environmental Impact As the population of Frodsham increases, so too will the volume of traffic, leading to higher pollution levels and a deterioration in air quality. Frodsham’s local environment and residents' quality of life are already affected by congestion and pollution, and the proposed housing developments will only intensify these problems. Strain on Local Services In addition to transportation and environmental concerns, the town’s community services are already under significant pressure. The local GP surgery is oversubscribed, with long wait times for appointments and residents face difficulties in securing dentist appointments. The town’s public services, including schools and healthcare, would struggle to accommodate the increased population resulting from the proposed development. Conclusion In conclusion, we strongly object to the proposed housing developments on green belt land surrounding Frodsham. Without substantial investment in infrastructure, including transport upgrades, pollution controls, expanded community services and provisions to protect local wildlife, this development risks overwhelming Frodsham’s limited resources and fundamentally altering the character, environment and quality of life in the town. We urge you to reconsider these plans and explore alternative options that do not compromise the town’s heritage, environment and sustainability. Thank you for your time and consideration of this important matter.

Comment

Representation ID: 14710

Received: 07/09/2025

Respondent: Steve Westhead

I&O_15260
I am writing to object to the following planning policies on your website:   SS42   The protection of Hob Hey Wood is important to our town both in environmental, well-being and logistical terms.   Already, Frodsham is effectively at capacity on its roads and with its facilities.  For example, the town frequently sees queues in rush hour on all major arterial routes and this becomes a gridlock whenever the M56 has even minor problems or queues.  Areas of the town are in effect "landlocked" and this is true of the Lakes Estate near Hob Hey Wood.  The town itself has a single-point-of-failure risk in the swing bridge access route.   Hob Hey Wood is also a green area used by local people and to erode it denies important recreational and natural space and also natural land to absorb rainfall.  We see the centre of Frodsham flooded in what I would call "manageable" levels when there is significant downpour but adding more houses will increase "run off".  (Until remedial work some 10-12 years ago the bottom of the Lakes Estate flooded regularly.)   Finally, GP and dentist facilities are already incredibly challenging for existing residents let alone new ones.  As far as I am aware, primary schools are close to full as well.   Only recently, planned repair work on the Swing Bridge had to be postponed as it was clear that the town could not weather the impact of its closure.  (There should have been a plan to have an addition of a bailey bridge that was used many years ago for similar repairs.)  The idea that we can add hundreds of new houses in the Hob Hey Wood area presents a serious existential threat to the success of Frodsham as a town.   I understand that development is important but only when it comes with viable and significant investment in infrastructure, the kind of which I do not see mooted in these plans.  

Comment

Representation ID: 14714

Received: 09/09/2025

Respondent: C McCurdy

I&O_15264
I  object to your policy SS42

Comment

Representation ID: 14718

Received: 09/09/2025

Respondent: Mrs L McCurdy

I&O_15268
I would like to pass to you my objections to your planning policy no SS42

Comment

Representation ID: 14722

Received: 08/09/2025

Respondent: Mr and Mrs Leon and Patricia Percival

I&O_15272
Severe impact on global warming. Giving our children who are becoming more & more aware of our environment and protecting it, the wrong message altogether. They are our future. Especially concerning is Hob Hey Wood area in Frodsham, a prime example of why we should not agree to destroying it. It is a violation of all our messages.

Comment

Representation ID: 14784

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Colin Steen

I&O_15335
In your consultation document you state that it would be helpful if other sites for development could be suggested.  In your map of Frodsham the boundaries are incorrect and the boundary is much wider than indicated.  In the Wards map of Frodsham on the Frodsham, Waterside ward extends all the way to the River Weaver/Mersey outlet and the swing bridge.  There is plenty of land here that is not necessarily Green belt, or if it is then it is unattractive and unproductive Green Belt and could be used.  The land specifically to the North of the A56 before the swing bridge and near the railway viaduct is level and flat.  The land on the South side of the A56 is set to grass and occasionally becomes wet with very heavy rain but with appropriate flood defences around the River Weaver would be very useful for development.  The additional of flood defences would also benefit other local areas such as the garden centre, children’s day care centre and the dock buildings. This suggestion would protect the desirable Green belt area nearer to the town centre.

Comment

Representation ID: 15487

Received: 21/10/2025

Respondent: Wirral Borough Council

I&O_16046
No comments at this stage

Comment

Representation ID: 15863

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt David Wilson Homes North West

Agent: Turley

I&O_16422
BDW supports accommodating sufficient growth in Frodsham to meet identified needs. This may necessitate the allocation of more than one growth option. As aforementioned, the Site forms the northernmost part of the identified Frodsham growth area FRO03 (i.e. directly adjacent to the settlement boundary). The remainder of the land within FRO03 therefore represents a logical and coherent extension for accommodating future growth beyond BDW’s land interests at Dig Lane. In this context, it is recommended that the entirety of the FRO03 growth location be allocated for development within the new Local Plan. Whilst BDW is generally supportive of all sustainable growth in Frodsham, it is noted that the potential growth locations FRO01 and FRO02—both situated to the east of the town—lack the strong natural boundaries that define FRO03. As a result, these sites present a greater risk of contributing to urban sprawl. Furthermore, FRO03 benefits from direct access to the A56 Chester Road, a key arterial route offering strategic connections to Runcorn, Widnes, Chester, Speke, and Liverpool. In contrast, FRO01 and FRO02 are accessed via smaller local roads, such as Townfield Lane. The capacity of these routes to accommodate development of the scale proposed should therefore be robustly assessed. In summary, it is strongly recommended that growth location FRO03 be allocated for development within the new Local Plan. The land offers a more suitable and sustainable location for growth, with BDW well-positioned to deliver development on part of the site in the short term. Development at Dig Lane could also facilitate infrastructure improvements, supporting the delivery of the wider FRO03 area in a sustainable and coordinated manner. The allocation of any growth areas should also be supported by sufficient and robust evidence demonstrating that the sites are suitable to accommodate development.