Comment

Representation ID: 7662

Received: 22/08/2025

Respondent: Simon Weatherup

I&O_8149
I am writing to formally and strongly object to the proposed development of sites FRO01 and FRO02 as part of the growth strategy for Frodsham. This objection is based on serious concerns regarding environmental degradation, flood risk, infrastructure strain, and the violation of national planning policy. These parcels of Greenbelt land border Hob Hey Wood and form part of Frodsham’s only remaining rural buffer. The proposal to build on them is a textbook example of poor planning and, if approved, will cause lasting damage to the town and its residents. Key Objections: Severe Impact on Ancient Woodland Hob Hey Wood is a Site of Biological Interest and ancient woodland—one of Britain’s most biodiverse habitat with Tree Preservation Orders on most of the wood.  It supports thousands of species, including many that are locally scarce or nationally rare. Over 800 species are listed on the national biological recording site iRecord.  The woodland also provides vital mental and physical health benefits to the community.  It 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. Sources: Nature and Mental Health Report, Mind -  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9665958/ Destruction of Wildlife Corridors FRO01 and FRO02 form essential ecological links to Hob Hey Wood. Development would sever these corridors permanently, breaking these corridors forever and causing irreversible harm to local biodiversity.  These corridors keep the ecology alive. The adherence to the existing policies 'DM44 Natural Environment & DM45 Trees, woodlands and hedgerows'  (CWCC Loal Plan [Part TWO] Land Allocations and Detailed Policies [2015] needs to be enforced as continuing policy for the sustainability of the local areas being proposed for development and in every case outlined for FROO1 & FROO2 should not be overlooked in this proposal. Policy Ref's 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 The proposed housing would lead to increased disturbance from domestic pets, particularly cats and dogs, which pose threats to wildlife and contribute to pollution.  Additional housing will lead to an increase in 'foot traffic', leading to an increased usage of the wood, making the location a potential 'tourest attraction' and impacting the biodiverse nature in the woodland, damaging paths, local ecological-system, wild flower and fauna establishments and removeing the tranquility of the local resource. Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/feb/07/dog-pee-and-poo-harming-nature-reserves-study Flood Risk is Not Hypothetical Surface water flooding is the most significant threat to homes in England. Hob Hey Wood and surrounding green land act as natural flood mitigation. Removing these barriers will increase runoff and overwhelm drainage systems. Historical flooding in Langdale Way and the costly mitigation efforts at Manor House School fields highlight the severity of this risk. Sources: Cheshire West SFRA – https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/parking-roads-and-travel/highways/flood-risk-assessment-final-report.pdf Financial Times – https://www.ft.com/content/ff3bb769-9339-4015-80bc-4a3ea446504e Conclusion The proposal to develop FRO01 and FRO02 is unsustainable, unjustified, and incompatible with both local and national planning objectives. I strongly urge the planning authority to reject this proposal and protect the integrity of Frodsham’s environment and community.   Consultation response to SS42   Key Infrastructure Constraints for Frodsham in the Context of the New Local Plan The development of Frodsham’s Local Plan must be informed by a comprehensive understanding of existing infrastructure limitations and environmental sensitivities. Several critical constraints should be addressed to ensure sustainable and responsible growth.   Transport Infrastructure: Severe Congestion and Emergency Access Risks Frodsham’s road network, particularly the A56 and surrounding routes, is already under significant strain. The town frequently experiences gridlock, exacerbated by incidents or closures on the M56, which diverts high volumes of traffic through local roads. The Weaver Viaduct alone carries over 112,000 vehicles daily, with spikes during disruptions.   The proposed developments (FR001 and FR002) would introduce hundreds of additional vehicles, further intensifying congestion. This poses a direct risk to emergency response times, which are already compromised. Without strategic transport planning and investment in infrastructure creating alternative routes or traffic mitigation measures, public safety could be adversely affected.   Public Services: Overcapacity in Healthcare and Education Frodsham’s GP practices and schools are operating at or near full capacity. The addition of new housing units will place further pressure on these essential services. Current proposals lack legistated  commitments or funding mechanisms for expanding healthcare or educational facilities. This absence of infrastructure planning risks deteriorating service quality, longer waiting times, and increased strain on professionals.    Source: Cheshire West Monitoring Reports "It is imperative that any new development includes integrated service provision strategies, supported by robust funding and delivery timelines."   Environmental Impact: Air Quality and Light Pollution Frodsham is designated as an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA), with vehicular emissions identified as the primary pollutant. Additional traffic from new developments will exacerbate air pollution, undermining local and national environmental objectives. Moreover, artificial lighting from new estates threatens biodiversity in adjacent natural areas such as Hob Hey Wood. Light pollution disrupts nocturnal wildlife, including seven bat species—among them the rare Nathusius’ pipistrelle—and moth populations, which are sensitive to changes in light exposure. Sources: Cheshire West AQMA Action Plan Bat Conservation Trust Guidance Note GN08/23 Study on Light Pollution and Moth Morphology   Social Cohesion: Risks of Fragmentation and Antisocial Behaviour Poorly integrated housing developments can lead to social isolation and increased antisocial behaviour. Without adequate community infrastructure—such as public spaces, policing, and social services—new estates risk becoming disconnected from the wider town. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) mandates that development should promote community cohesion. Current proposals fall short by situating new homes on the town’s periphery without sufficient integration strategies. Source: NPPF (2023)   Economic Impact: Decline in Property Values Frodsham’s appeal lies in its proximity to open countryside and tranquil environment. Large-scale development threatens these qualities, potentially leading to a decline in property values. Residents who have invested in the area for its rural character may face financial losses, while developers benefit disproportionately. This economic imbalance underscores the need for development that respects the town’s character and protects existing community investments.   Conclusion The proposed developments in Frodsham present significant infrastructure and environmental challenges. Without strategic planning and investment, these constraints could undermine public safety, service delivery, environmental integrity, and community wellbeing. The Local Plan must address these issues holistically, ensuring that growth is both sustainable and equitable.  

Comment

Representation ID: 7664

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Jenny Roberts

I&O_8151
You ask for any further comments for potential growth areas of Frodsham.   FR001 and FR002 proposed sites are adjacent to a thriving ancient woodland (hob hey wood). Building so close to this would cause significant damage and harm to the wildlife using/living at the wood and to the hedgerows,  the wildlife corridors used by these animals. The light pollution would be harmful and damaging to the bats and wildlife. Increased noise would be a disturbance to them. The species currently living at Hob Hey Wood had nowhere else to live. These now pockets of ancient woodland should be protected for future generations of the flora and fauna living there to continue to do so and for future generations of humans to enjoy. We all saw the benefits of nature and greenspaces during covid, lets not forget the importance of them to our mental health so quickly and shortsightedly.   Traffic is already a big issue in Frodsham, especially when the M56 is snarled up and all traffic comes through Frodsham and Helsby (by-passing  junction 12-14) and gridlocking the main and minor roads of the town.  Even on normal days traffic is heavy: parking for commuters coming into Frodsham or those using the train to commute to work out of Frodsham has residential streets used as carparks. The proposed areas FR001 and FR002 would introduce 1000s of additional cars causing untold issues especially as access to these sites is through an already (at times) busy housing estate; many cars, pedestrians, primary school children on small roads.     These latest local proposed  plans incorporate high numbers of greenbelt land and actually contradicts national policy of protecting green spaces, areas which we all were so aware of the need for during covid. Once gone, gone forever. 

Support

Representation ID: 7683

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Frodsham Neighbourhood Plan Monitoring Group

I&O_8170
Having canvassed and monitored local opinion and referred back to the FNP consultation the following conclusions have been reached.  The Consultation asks for views about FRO/001 FRO/002 and FRO/003.   FRO/ 003 Land between Chester Road and the railway line going west towards Godscroft Hall. The community are generally against development in this area. A planning application for this site, Chester Road/Dig Lane, is in process for 91 dwellings. The FNPMG regard this site as the most appropriate development site outside of the Green Belt. Its proximity to the town centre, the railway station and access to several bus routes along the A56 are important positive factors. The flat terrain mean that walking and cycling will be straightforward and achieve the Neighbourhood Plans key objectives to promote the health and wellbeing and achieve sustainable development.  It is acknowledged that this site is in the Green Belt. However, the site may meet several of the criteria to be considered “Grey Belt”. Two further sites down Hately Lane have also been suggested in the Desktop Study. The one to the north of Hatley Lane, abutting the Dig Lane development, could provide 86 houses. This site forms a further extension of the settlement without significantly impacting on the existing Green Belt. It could be considered dependent upon the outcome of the Housing Needs Assessment and the Vision for Frodsham. The one to the south of Hately Lane could provide 88 houses. However, it is on the other side of the natural barrier of Hatley Lane and Dig Lane and into the open land between Frodsham and Helsby. This site also borders Chester Road. Any development here could lead to a domino effect with field after field being the subject of planning applications and potential appeals. This would completely change the character of Frodsham and have a big impact on services, infrastructure, Health and Educational provisions. This is a major concern, and our conclusion is that this site should be screened out. This whole of area FRO/003 is in the Green Belt but there may well be a case for that to be underlined in some way as it is a key settlement gap.        FRO 01 Land to the east of the Lakes Estate up towards Bradley This location was screened out for the following reasons: This area was at the heart of the community’s concerns when they responded in the development of the Frodsham Neighbourhood Plan. The loss of amenity in this area will be significant and the slopes of the Weaver Valley should remain fully in the Green Belt. Any incursion in this area will gradually see development creep towards the ancient woodland of Hob Hey Wood, (which is protected in perpetuity under Fields in Trust) and down to the River Weaver. The response on social media to the inclusion of this area of land was considerable and totally against any development here. Further concerns include more traffic congestion and pressure on the Fluin Lane Junction and access to and from Langdale Way along with the historical service issues and surface water drainage on the Lakes Estate. Development here may also be curtailed by the potential for the area to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and its recognition as a key part of the Sandstone Ridge designation in the near future.   FRO/ 002 Land to the east Kingsley Road up at Five Crosses and back towards Bradley. This site was screened out for the following reasons: The feedback during the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan was clear, as is the current social media response which was over whelming and completely negative. Access from Overton and Five Crosses to the centre of the town and its services is difficult. This encourages people to drive, as the distance and elevation just does not support active travel. This was confirmed in the Background to Frodsham Draft document. There was also a comment that Frodsham “does not need more million-pound houses”. It needs to facilitate downsizing and first homes as well as more social housing as identified in the housing needs survey with the NP.   In studying the consultation documents, we believe that there are opportunities to meet the housing targets on alternative sites, both within Frodsham’s settlement boundary and using registered brownfield sites, whilst acknowledging some other suggested sites have attributes that will require the release of green belt. The sites below have been identified in the HELAA, or CWaC’s desktop review. Comments and concerns are outlined against each site. The FNPMG recognise the challenge facing CWAC and we believe that our pragmatic and practical way of considering how best to develop a solution can make a useful contribution. The Community clearly want as little development as possible, many wanting none at all. These suggestions maximise the opportunity within the settlement boundary, brownfield sites and look to FRO/003 to provide the way forward, screening out FRRO/001 and FRO/002 from further consideration.

Comment

Representation ID: 7686

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Dominic McDermott

SS 42
I&O_8173
I am a local builder and dismayed at the rough shod way the local plan has been discarded !  Frodsham is a market town ! The infrastructure is not in place for an additional 1000 houses god forbid 3000 . If the motorway closes the traffic blocks the main road through Frodsham and Helsby , the swing bridge at Sutton weaver is to be close again for months of repairs again after its closure several years ago !  The other obvious reasons which don't support the size of the proposed hosing in amenities, Surgeries, schools , dangerous road, bottlenecks .  Most of all we need to keep protecting the green belt !  Frodsham's housing which yearly does need to increase proportionally which I support for young people to get their own homes and elderly to buy smaller homes but there are large belts of land down to the M56 corridor which was reclaimed after the ship canal was built . There is ample space to create small new communities with its own infrastructure rather than ruining a market town green belt .

Comment

Representation ID: 7698

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Amanda Keoghan

I&O_8185
We must not allow the destruction of Hob Hey Wood, ancient woodland. That supports many animals and rare species of plants. This woodland was a haven for myself and my young child, particularly during Covid. Not only that, this area is already a bottle neck for traffic whenever an incident occurs on the local motorways. Everyone just comes off and heads through Frodsham. It cannot be expected to take on another x amount of cars from people living in hundreds of new homes.

Comment

Representation ID: 7702

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Lindsay Beaumont

SS 42
I&O_8189
Please accept this email as objection to proposals FRO1 and FRO2.   I am third generation born and raised in Frodsham and can not comprehend how anyone would think that these proposals are a good idea - presumably proposed by non-Frodsham residents.   Not only are proposals disastrous for the wildlife that will be destroyed but the impact on the local community would be enormous.   Has anyone who has proposed this tried to get out of Langdale Way and Fluin Lane after 8 am on a school day?  Has anyone who has proposed this seen the bottleneck of traffic experienced on Fluin Lane and Langdale Way when there is a traffic incident on the M56?   Has anyone who has proposed this tried to get a doctor's appointment at Princeway and not had to wait at least 3 weeks?   Has anyone who has proposed this tried to get a Dentist appointment?  I'm registered in Helsby and pay into Denplan and still had to wait 4 months for a check-up appointment.   I can not understand why the massive brown field area behind the Garden Centre has not been considered for these proposals that would not impact the Green Belt but obviously would still badly affect local services.   Does Frodsham really need this amount of housing and who exactly is going to buy them?  Mortgages are going to be harder to come by as AI has an impact on the job market; lenders are already refusing applicants who are in roles that are going to be taken over by AI.   Please re-consider and take note of resident's objections - we have a right to be listened to.

Comment

Representation ID: 7713

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Mr Dennis Keight

I&O_8200
I have just heard of the proposal to allow building on protected Green Belt land next to Hob Hey Wood.    I'm sure that you are well aware of the unique characteristics of Hob Hey Wood in terms of wildlife habitat and ecological niche, but it is also an extremely valued amenity for all nature lovers in this area. Intensive development next to it will result in it being isolated and the elimination of wild life corridors to and through it. If allowed this will blight this area forever: it can never be replaced.    So I object to this development in the strongest possible terms.   There is still plenty of land in this area which could be used instead, without such deleterious effects.   I urge you to reject this proposed development  

Comment

Representation ID: 7720

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Maggie & Malcolm Davies

SS 42
I&O_8207
The area Fro01 and FRo02 represents a massive area to the east of Frodsham.   The area is green belt being made up of agricultural land and ancient woodland. There is also evidence of ancient earthworks in certain places in the Bradley Lane area. To destroy this beautiful area would be an absolute disaster, and may lead to increased flooding in the area, as has happened in the past. Furthermore Hob Hey Wood, a site of ancient woodland which houses many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, would be severeley impacted by this development. Already traffic in Frodsham, and the access roads to and from Frodsham, can be a nightmare, especially if there is an incident on the M56 or any problems with the swing bridge over the River Weaver. Townfield Lane, close to the proposed development, is already difficult to drive along due to the many cars parked and the narrowness of the road in places. The infra structure of Frodsham is already at breaking point so any huge proposed development would have a detrimental effect on our schools, dental and GP services not to mention the utility services. There has been a significant rise in antisocial behaviour in the last few years which the current policing of Frodsham seems unable to cope with. A large number of new properties can only exacerbate this.   Frodsham is an ancient market town with limited access and egress and the building of an excessive amount of new properties will be profoundly detrimental to this. The green belt, ancient woodland and earthworks must be protected so we totally oppose these irresponsible plans.   While a few landowners may benefit financially it will be to the detriment of the majority of the citizens of Frodsham.

Comment

Representation ID: 7726

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Mrs Barbara Bazley

I&O_8213
I wish to object to policies SS41/42/43 Ref FRO01 and FRO02. These planning proposals could have a devastating impact on Hob Hey Wood and surrounding areas, both for people and wildlife. It is a much loved area and an oasis of tranquility where people can go to destress and enjoy this ancient woodland, if this habitat is destroyed it will not be recoverable. It is somewhere that is treasured and needs your protection. Please listen to our objections. I live at [address redacted] Runcorn and so it is not just the people in the local vicinity of Hob Hey Wood who will be affected, but the loss of the wood will have far reaching consequences for the wider population as well who enjoy this peaceful spot.

Comment

Representation ID: 7727

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Ms Heather Rogers

I&O_8214
I am emailing to submit an objection to SS41, SS42, SS43, policies on the ground of insufficient infra structure, rods, drains, do tors and schools to support and the loss of a valuable green lung and nature habitat at the end of the weaver valley and sandstone trail

Comment

Representation ID: 7733

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Mr John Hughes

I&O_8220
I wish to object to policies SS41,SS42 and SS43. Frodsham does not need  any more homes ,especially there are no plans to develop the infrastructure, ie.  health services,schools and roads. Hob Hey Wood  is an area of natural beauty and there should not be any building anywhere near it  We also do not not beed any building off Dig Lane as well.

Comment

Representation ID: 7737

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Mr Jonathan Deakin

I&O_8224
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: 7740

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Idris Roberts

I&O_8227
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: 7743

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Malcolm and Sheila Cleworth

I&O_8230
We are strongly against and building on Green belt lend we are losing too much country side and killing our wild life we're objecting to policy SS42

Comment

Representation ID: 7746

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Shaun Adamson

Hob Hey Wood
I&O_8233
I am writing to formally object to the proposed housing development on protected Green Belt land adjacent to Hob Hey Wood, as outlined under policies SS41, SS42 and SS43. My reasons for objection are as follows: 1. Green Belt Protection: The proposed site lies within designated Green Belt land, which is intended to prevent urban sprawl, preserve the countryside, and maintain the distinct character of local communities. Allowing development here would set a damaging precedent. 2. Environmental Impact: Hob Hey Wood is an important area of ancient woodland and a vital wildlife corridor. Development in this location would destroy habitats, harm biodiversity, and irreversibly damage a natural resource that should be safeguarded for future generations 3. Flood Risk: Building on this land would increase surface water runoff and heighten the risk of flooding locally, putting further pressure on existing flood management systems. 4. Infrastructure Pressure: Frodsham already faces significant strain on essential services, including GP surgeries, dental practices, and schools. Additional housing would exacerbate this situation, reducing the quality of healthcare and education provision. 5. Traffic and Pollution: The development would generate more traffic, worsening congestion on already busy local roads. This would increase air pollution and noise, directly affecting residents’ health and quality of life.  6. Community Impact: The loss of countryside and open space would erode the character of Frodsham, diminish community wellbeing, and reduce the value of nearby properties. For these reasons, I strongly urge Cheshire West and Chester Council to reject this proposed development and uphold the protection of our Green Belt.

Comment

Representation ID: 7750

Received: 03/09/2025

Respondent: Mrs Angela Slater

I&O_8237
I wish to register my objection to the following policies: SS41, SS42, SS43.

Comment

Representation ID: 7752

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Julie Laughton

FRO01, FRO02
I&O_8239
As a lifelong resident born and bred in Frodsham, I am writing to formally object to the planning application regarding the proposal development on and around the Hob Hey Wood, Frodsham area - policies SS41, SS42 & SS43.  The proposed site lies within designated Green Belt land and National and Local planning policy clearly states that such land should be protected from inappropriate development except in special circumstances. This proposal of hundreds of new houses does not demonstrate such circumstances.  The development would result in the permanent loss of our precious countryside along with the destruction of local wildlife and their habitat. Hob Hey Wood is a local beauty spot consisting of ancient woodland which Wylde be destroyed forever.  The local infrastructure of Frodsham could not cope with the influx of hundreds of new homes. The local roads and lanes are narrow and often congested. The junctions of Bradley Lane and Townfield Lane are already notoriously hazardous. The local GP surgeries struggle to find appointments for the existing population of Frodsham and the supermarkets are small with cramped access for cars. The development would destroy the village community and be a blot on the much loved landscape. For all these reasons I strongly urge the council to reject this application and uphold the principle of Green Belt protection which is there to serve the existing residents and preserve for the next generation. 

Comment

Representation ID: 7757

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Phil Singer

FRO01 and FRO02
I&O_8244
I am a Frodsham resident and object to the inclusion of FRO01 and FRO02 as growth areas.   The reasons for my objections are: Green Belt policy Both sites sit within the North Cheshire Green Belt. No exceptional circumstances or brownfield-first alternatives have been demonstrated. Hob Hey Wood – ancient/semi-natural woodland & Local Wildlife Site (SBI) Adjoining ancient/semi-natural woodland. Development would sever wildlife corridors, increase disturbance (pets/traffic), and introduce lighting harmful to bats and other nocturnal species. Flood risk & drainage Replacing permeable fields with hard surfaces would increase run-off, stressing drains/sewers and raising flood risk to nearby homes and streets. Highway capacity & safety The A56 is already congested and worsens when M56 traffic diverts through town. Extra trips would harm safety and delay emergency access. Air quality & amenity More traffic means more air, noise and light pollution. Infrastructure capacity GP practices and schools are under pressure; no funded capacity uplift is identified.   If some growth in Frodsham is unavoidable, FRO03 appears least environmentally sensitive and should be considered ahead of land bordering Hob Hey Wood—subject to brownfield-first delivery, biodiversity net gain, low-traffic design, and secured infrastructure. Please remove FRO01 and FRO02 and refocus on brownfield opportunities. 

Comment

Representation ID: 7760

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Mr Mike Howard

Hob Hey Wood
I&O_8248
I am writing to object to the proposed building of houses around Hob Hey Wood. In particular policies ss41 42 &43.

Comment

Representation ID: 7762

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Ms Megan Hatton

I&O_8250
Hello   As a resident of Frodsham I am emailing to protest against the proposal to build homes on land next to Hob Hey Wood, which are under consideration. Please can you keep me updated on developments around this proposal?

Comment

Representation ID: 7764

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Kathleen Stockdale

I&O_8252
The reasons for my objection are as follows. There will be more grid lock on Frodsham roads. Whenever there is a problem on the motorway it causes a gridlock which often blocks the whole of the Lakes estate right up to the top of Langdale Way.  There will be a greater strain on GPs, Dentists and schools. All of these are struggling now. There will be destruction of wildlife corridors and ancient woodland. This is detrimental to our biodiversity. There will be worse air quality and light pollution affecting everyone’s health in the area. The loss of community and green space will be detrimental to people’s mental health.     While I appreciate the need for affordable housing in the area there must be other and perhaps smaller areas that cold be used without taking up such a vast expanse of important land.

Comment

Representation ID: 7769

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Paul & Susan Crabb

FRO01, FRO02, FRO03
I&O_8257
RESPONSE TO JULY 2025 LOCAL PLAN PROPOSALS FOR FRODSHAM We write to object to the Issues and Options (Regulation 18) Local Plan proposals for Frodsham published in July 2025. We focus primarily on FRO01, as that is the site closest to us, but our observations about infrastructure also apply to FRO02 and FRO03. Our first concern is for Hob Hey Wood. This fragment of ancient woodland is a rare asset that Frodsham is lucky to have. It was part of a large forest, most of which has been lost, but what is left has been in great measure protected by the surrounding farmland, which has offered wildlife corridors and buffer zones between the wood and the urban environment. Speculators have recently acquired several fields and have sold on building plots to people who, we hope, are being over-optimistic about their chances of being granted planning permission to build. If such permission were to be granted, it would menace the survival of many of the species to which Hob Hey wood is home. In doing so, it would – to be anthropocentric for a moment – further erode the natural surroundings in which we as a species live and from which we draw succour, for our physical wellbeing and our mental health. People care about the wood. That much is obvious from the level of activity and dedicated conservation work undertaken, almost entirely on a voluntary basis. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world (it’s in the worst 10%) and we should be planning to improve the position, not to make it worse. It is not possible to reconcile the addition of acres of buildings, hard surfaces, streetlights and all the other paraphernalia of urban life with efforts to make that improvement. Our second concern is over the lack of infrastructure in the town in general and in the area of Townfield Lane in particular. The current provision of medical services and schooling is already inadequate. Pressure on the road system is at times extreme. The sewerage system in the Townfield Lane area will not have the capacity to deal with more homes. Our third area of concern is that the land in question is in the Green Belt and there would need to be extremely compelling grounds for development to be appropriate there. Moreover, it is quite plain to see that Townfield Lane, where it faces FR001, forms a clear edge to the town, preventing urban sprawl. The search for development sites should be focused on brownfield land, not the Green Belt.

Comment

Representation ID: 7771

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Joan Astbury

I&O_8259
I object to policy SS 42 I do not know if you are aware but the area surrounding Hob Hey Wood is composed of marl which is a very unstable medium for building houses also ground water will rise through the marl and into the brickwork causing the houses to be permanently damp.  

Comment

Representation ID: 7774

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Mr David Bayston

I&O_8262
Any development of FR001 & / or 2 would have a severe impact on Hob Hey Wood, an Ancient Woodland which is an increasingly rare habitat in England. Hob Hey is a site of Biological Interest. It 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. The wood is a haven for both wildlife and local people who enjoy walking the woodland and reaping the health benefits of doing so. Hob Hey Wood is more than 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 would break those links forever. Hedgerows can’t be replaced or  breeding grounds regenerated once they’re built over or significantly disturbed as they would be by construction of the proposed development.   Additionally Hob Hey is relatively secluded. Building hundreds of houses nearby could lead to significant permanent 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 alsodisturb wildlife and their faeces have been shown to cause nitrogen and phosphorus pollution.   Frodsham’s attraction to date has been as a small market town with excellent access to the immediate Green Belt countryside and its amenities. Property values in the town have reflected this and we cannot but help feel they would be adversely affected by the changes and subsequent pressures the developments would bring, leaving developers as the only beneficiaries.  

Comment

Representation ID: 7777

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Dominic McDermott

Map 5.10
I&O_8265
I object to SS41 SS42 SS43 Protect our green belt ! 

Comment

Representation ID: 7782

Received: 24/08/2025

Respondent: Cheryl Rowland

I&O_8270
I strongly object to the planning policies as above as they will allow even more destruction of our ancient forests.   It is your duty to protect them, not destroy or have a hand in destroying them.   Perhaps a look at the amount of empty or derelict properties that could be addressed and provide housing should be a consideration in today's climate of earth's devastation by man!

Comment

Representation ID: 7787

Received: 24/08/2025

Respondent: Rob Hastings

I&O_8275
I wish to object to the policy as follows:   SS42. objection, are the inability of the road network to cope with the increased population, as witnessed on a daily basis now with the M56 and A56 roads regularly at over capacity.   The loss of farmland and wildlife habitat and its  repercussions including water run off to feed the Hob Hey area of ancient woodland.   The steady erosion of valuable green belt land, which has aways been a cornerstone of town and country planning, and has served our wonderful country so well.   I feel that more emphasis should be put on building and development on so called brownfield sites. 

Comment

Representation ID: 7788

Received: 24/08/2025

Respondent: Rob Hastings

I&O_8276
I wish to object to the policy as follows:   SS43. objection, are the inability of the road network to cope with the increased population, as witnessed on a daily basis now with the M56 and A56 roads regularly at over capacity.   The loss of farmland and wildlife habitat and its  repercussions including water run off to feed the Hob Hey area of ancient woodland.   The steady erosion of valuable green belt land, which has aways been a cornerstone of town and country planning, and has served our wonderful country so well.   I feel that more emphasis should be put on building and development on so called brownfield sites. 

Comment

Representation ID: 7794

Received: 24/08/2025

Respondent: Rupert Battersby

I&O_8282
With reference to proposed growth area FRO01 and FRO02, I wish to object on the following grounds in relation to the congestion which this development will cause if approved, and other points raised below. FRO01 and FRO02 The proposals do not fit with: National policy 10.1 Plans should promote sustainable patterns of development including making effective use of land in urban areas (NPPF, paragraph 11) and align growth and infrastructure. 10.2 Planning Policies should set out a clear economic vision and strategy which positively and proactively encourages sustainable economic growth (NPPF, paragraph 86a) and should support the role that town centres play at the heart of local communities by taking a positive approach to their growth, management and adaptation (NPPF, paragraph 90). 10.3 The government attaches great importance to Green Belts. The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; the essential characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and their permanence (NPPF, paragraph 142).

Comment

Representation ID: 7795

Received: 24/08/2025

Respondent: Mrs D C Lawson

I&O_8283
As a long term resident of Frodsham (over 50 years), I would like to object to the planning application for housing, your references SS41, SS42 and SS43.  We have walked and enjoyed Hob Hey wood for a significant part of that time. I still walk it at least once a week despite being in my 80's. I also used to keep paths clear and repair damaged sections as part of the tree group. When on the town council and footpath committee, roughly 1990 , I identified three SSSI in Hob Hey wood, confirmed by Manchester University.  Confirmation of this should be available in Council records. I also have concerns about: Increase in flood risk More gridlock on Frodsham roads, which are often bad, especially when there are issues on the motorway Excessive strain on already overloaded facilities such as doctors, dentists and schools Effect on wildlife corridors Damage to acknowledged ancient woodland Impact on air quality and light pollution Impact on existing houses, financially and aesthetically Loss of community and green spaces I also note that a previous request to place a golf course on the fields behind Fairways was refused by Cheshire council on the grounds that access was only via a lane which could not handle the Increase in traffic. I would be grateful if you would acknowledge my objections.