Comment

Representation ID: 2342

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: claire hepworth

I&O_2471
yes transport and parking, infrastructure/local businesses, healthcare, Schools and protecting existing green spaces/trees/hedgerows to maintain local character, biodiversity, and prevent urban sprawl and help with climate crisis.

Comment

Representation ID: 3315

Received: 22/08/2025

Respondent: claire hepworth

I&O_3489
yes transport and parking, infrastructure/local businesses, healthcare, Schools and protecting existing green spaces/trees/hedgerows to maintain local character, biodiversity, and prevent urban sprawl and help with climate crisis.

Comment

Representation ID: 3361

Received: 18/08/2025

Respondent: Mr Paul Holt

I&O_3535
Response to consultation proposals referred to in email title - CWAC UDP 2025 Local Plan, Neston and Parkgate We are in general agreement with the Parkgate Society Response and would reiterate the following: The Greenbelt. The greenbelt as currently designated should not be developed. The impact on the environment. The current sewage disposal and resultant pollution of the River Dee is unacceptable. Building 100s more new houses would require a new sewage treatment works and a properly designed storm drain system that can cope with new impermeable surfaces created by new houses and other buildings Impact on traffic and transportation. Currently traffic loads are already too heavy and parking provision is inadequate. The council can’t afford to maintain the roads we have so building more roads and increasing traffic loads will exacerbate that situation. Impact on local amenities. The local schools are at full capacity. Would there be a Section 106 to force developers to build/fund school new builds or extensions ? How will doctors and dentists practices cope with the additional load ? Current developments/oppotunites. Why has the apartments development stopped at Church Lane ? Why not allow change of use to redevelop Brook Street into apartments and social accommodation ? The A540 To even consider building 100s of houses in and around Parkgate and Neston, the A540 would need to be a dual carriageway all the way through to Heswall

Comment

Representation ID: 3620

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Deryn O'Connor

I&O_3802
No

Comment

Representation ID: 3685

Received: 23/08/2025

Respondent: Nigel Miller

SS55
I&O_3867
I believe that the areas shown as NP04,05, and 06 are unsuitable for development unless a significant change to infrastructure is made. Whilst close to or even bordering the A540, big changes would be needed to create safe entry and exit points along the stretch from Hinderton towards and beyond Leahurst. The priority for transport has to be towards reducing road use, however, and any developments in these areas would still be sufficiently far away from either Neston or Hooton stations that increased rail use without driving would be impractical.  

Comment

Representation ID: 3975

Received: 24/08/2025

Respondent: Janet Hooke

I&O_4158
Drainage and water courses.

Comment

Representation ID: 3986

Received: 24/08/2025

Respondent: Robert Perry

I&O_4173
Improving the rail and bus services would be paramount to this scale of development. Failing shopping facilities in Little Neston would need to be boosted. \heritage value of Little Neston mining should be valued.

Comment

Representation ID: 4109

Received: 25/08/2025

Respondent: Terence Nolan

SS5 Question 55
I&O_4338
Areas NEP01 and NEP 02 lie within the narrow strategic gap between the settlements of Neston/Parkgate (Cheshire) and Gayton (Wirral Borough). Development in these areas would significantly erode that gap leading towards a total merging of the two settlements. Area NEP01 is adjacent to the recreational areas of Parks Field, Parkgate and the Wirral Country Park and bisects a national cycleway (No.56).  Additionally, NEP01 is adjacent to an ASCV, is proximate to a conservation villageand an area with several protected coastal designations. Area NEP01 is prone to flooding owing to surface water draining from higher ground to the Dee estuary, the relevant sewage treatment facility is already overcapacity.    

Comment

Representation ID: 4852

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Andrew Malone

I&O_5203
I feel the development in Neston and Parkgate needs to be very carefully considered in context, as on paper I can completely see why some of the benefits of area would be seen as reasons for larger developments, but reality they are quite different. Please see below. Place and character The greater Neston area on a map looks like one area, but actually consists of 4 sub areas, each with their own distinct history and character. Neston is a traditional market town with boundary industrial area. Parkgate is a small historic Victorian seaside resort. Ness is a rural hamlet with a mining history and a local conservation order. Little Neston is a more modern suburban infill between Neston and Ness. Surrounding those you have the characterful village of Burton and nearby settlements of Willaston and Thornton Hough. Development in these areas should be done in context of those sub areas, not the area as a whole as it risks fundamentally damaging the character, value and appeal of each of these distinct places. Infrastructure Neston has a train station, bus routes and road access. but again these need contextual knowledge. Trains: The train station is on a line from Bidston to Wrexham, and do not allow residents to easily access Chester, Liverpool, Manchester or beyond easily without multiple changes. Most train using residents drive their private vehicles to stations elsewhere on the Merseyrail network (e.g. Hooton or Spital to utilise the better connections there and the large car parks). Buses: Bus routes have been extensively cut reducing daytime services to urban centres, and cancelling late routes entirely. While I do not use buses myself often, local residents have been vocal on this continuing reduction in service and the impact on the community.  Roads: Neston is located near the A540 (Chester High Road). However, the Neston area is situated towards the Dee Estuary and is only connected to the A540 via two main roads (leading to Hinderton and Clayhill junctions). Additional connections can be seen on the map in the form of Leighton Road, Lees Lane and Mill Lane, however all these roads are small, narrow (single track with passing places) and unsuitable for larger volumes of traffic. Local residents already bemoan the situation on some of the vital connection routes so increased population (by large amounts) would exacerbate the issue further. Environmental  and wellbeing impact Neston is at its core a small rural town, naturally isolated from industrial areas like Ellesmere Port, and offering different benefits. While it has less infrastructure and amenities, residents benefit from access to the Wirral Way, the King Charles Coastal Path, footpaths and rights of way across agricultural land (such as Cumbers Lane to Woodfall Lane and Cuckoo Lane) providing areas to walk in nature directly from their homes. Bike riding and exercise is easily accessible to all. The Local Plan should consider these things carefully when approving areas of development so people are not cut off from accessing, or removing them completely from existing residents. From an environmental point of view, the area has a rich tapestry of agricultural land, meadows and woodland, and also hosts special sites of significance. The SSSI Dee Estuary reserve (RSBP managed) which extends the length of the Neston/Parkgate area and beyond, Ness Botanic Gardens with it's diverse range of plant and tree species, and smaller areas such as Ness Woods which is ancient woodland. These areas need to be considered not just from the point of view of direct protection from development, but also from the impact of development in surrounding areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 5227

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Prof Robert Smith

I&O_5591
Mill lane and roads up from Neston to Little Neston and NEP06 are small and would require significan widening before this option could be developed. For development of more than one of NEP01-5 the A540 would need to be dual carraigeway and this may have impact on the viability of the farms depending on the route chosen. 

Comment

Representation ID: 5231

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Helen Hutchinson

Q SS 55
I&O_5595
Neston desperatly needs better public transport for its existing polulation, so growth would make this more urgent. The railway does not connect to Liverpool / Birkenhead or to Chester - this is insane! The bus service to Chester is poor (slow, only hourly). The service to Liverpool is slow. There is poor bus access to other parts of Wirral pr to Ellesmere Port. Primary schools and GPs are at capacity already. Neston High is oversubscribed, and access to other comprehensive schools is non-existant. The sewerage system is currently inadequate. No NHS dentists taking on patients at present.

Comment

Representation ID: 5745

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Sharon Cope

SS55
I&O_6117
See response in SS54

Comment

Representation ID: 6388

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Mr & Mrs Ruscoe

Agent: Fisher German LLP

I&O_6801
The land is largely unconstrained in development terms. It is not affected by flood risk or tree preservation orders, nor does it contain any public rights of way. Although the site lies within the Green Belt, its location on the edge of the existing settlement and its clear, defensible boundaries makes it a strong candidate for a carefully considered release, consistent with national policy where Green Belt alterations are justified to meet identified housing needs. While a listed building is located adjacent to the site, any future proposals would be designed sensitively to respect its setting and preserve local heritage character. Infrastructure provision in Neston is generally robust, with nearby access to schools, shops, healthcare facilities, and public transport. The site’s location adjacent to Neston High School is particularly valuable, offering a sustainable opportunity for family housing within walking distance of education facilities. While localised improvements to transport or community services may be appropriate, these can be delivered through developer contributions and coordinated planning. The landowners are fully committed to bringing the site forward, and early engagement with the Council is welcomed to ensure successful delivery of residential development in a way that aligns withstrategic infrastructure objectives and community needs.

Comment

Representation ID: 6913

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Robin Gwyn

I&O_7381
Regarding NEP06, there are very limited services and facilities available in Little Neston and Ness.  Access to the A540 is via narrow, rural roads.  These factors mean that NEP06 is less suitable for development.

Comment

Representation ID: 6946

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Gareth J

I&O_7414
Massively so in options NEP06 where multiple roads would need constructing or exisitng roads need widening and new juntions/expansion/improvment of exisitng junctions (Mill Lane/Damhead) would need widening/staggering. This would have a massive potential knock on effect on traffic through town and Burton and traffic and air pollution levels would be adversely impacted without such changes particularly for the number of houses proposed. NEP05 similar and then less so particularly for NEP02 and perhaps NEP03 

Comment

Representation ID: 7566

Received: 21/08/2025

Respondent: Ruth Annakin-Smith

NEP01, NEP02
I&O_8053
Should any landowners in Neston be willing to sell their land in the proposed area, (which, at the public meeting said they would not) there would need to be substantial investment to put in adequate drainage to avoid flooding issues following heavy rainfall. The current drainage system cannot cope with the run off as it stands. I also understand that the local sewerage station is running at capacity and sometimes discharges into the Dee Estuary. This would become commonplace if many more houses were built. This would, in turn, alter the biodiversity of the salt marsh and could affect the RSBP reserve. There are many other important considerations too, including: increased traffic around narrow lanes; increased need for education places, GP and health services – the present surgeries have no scope to enlarge their existing premises.

Comment

Representation ID: 7785

Received: 24/08/2025

Respondent: Jean Cooke

NEP01
I&O_8273
Increased population in Parkgate and Neston would require increased services like doctors, schools and other essential services and there is little room in this small area to provide these increased services. There are only a limited number of exit roads from Neston and Parkgate leading to the A540 Chester High Road which is the main artery route in this area - these roads are Boathouse Lane, The Runnel (which is very narrow and accessed from Leighton Road and where these roads meet, is frequently under water), Liverpool Road, Raby Park Road (which has traffic calming measures and provides access to Neston High School and Brio Leisure Centre), and Hinderton Road, all of which are artery routes from existing housing estates and Clayhill Industrial Estate. 

Comment

Representation ID: 8695

Received: 26/08/2025

Respondent: nigel Williams

I&O_9187
I object to the obsurd proposals to developing areas for housing,  you have designated NEP05 and NEP06 at the head of Woodfall Lane/Gorstones lane.   There are many reasons which demonstrate these proposals to be irresponsible and lack foresight.   The safety of school attendees in Woodfall Lane is already compromised by the cronic situation of parents driving and parking with complete disregard and inconsideration for others .. ignoring 'no entry signs in Victoria road, parking on yellow lines and mounting verges to get nearer to the school, which the school show no interest in dealing with the problem. The immediacy of this development will significantly compound the problem of safety attending the school and road users. There is already limited infrastructure in this area to support such an increaase in population, dentistry, doctors and the local narrow road network. The development is disproportionate to Little Neston village. The area now provides green belt openness for existing residence which once lost, will never be regained. There are many brown field sites within Cheshire, in Runcorn, Warrington and Ellesmere Port to comply with your building targets. Why therefore should we lose this precious commodity, which besides impacting the environment for nesting, will be a retrograde step. There is already significant housing development in nearby Hooton on a large brownfield site, which contrary to the Council's objective for low cost housing, as only seen the building of larger 'executive' houses. It questions the vision and control the Council should be held accountable for this contradiction to their policy.

Comment

Representation ID: 10138

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Anne Williamson

I&O_10635
SS 55 Some roads into Neston area are narrow, windy and unsuitable for large vehicles, Leighton Road, The Runnel, Wood Lane, in Parkgate, Mill Lane Ness, and Lees Lane in Little Neston.  There is a height restriction under the railway line on Liverpool Road Neston, and possibly on Burton Road. Sewage/water treatment, Old Quay Lane is at capacity. Car parking at Neston train Station is minimal and cannot be extended.  The train goes to Wrexham and to Bidston, not very useful so most people drive to Hooton Station to get to Liverpool or Chester.  A new station at Little Neston would be useful for south Neston residents to access work at Deeside Industrial Park. Car parks in Parkgate are frequently at capacity on sunny days but should not be extended.  No more cars are needed as The Parade becomes dangerously packed with people, bicycles and cars. SUGGESTIONS Building should be allowed  1) the derelict garage/filling station, Chester High Road/Dunstan Lane, 2) the vacant caravan storage site, Chester High Road/Mudhouse Lane, 3) in Neston town centre the Old Wetherspoons pub and adjacent shops eyesore, 4) general town infill and flats above shops.

Comment

Representation ID: 10162

Received: 24/08/2025

Respondent: Elaine & Mike Jackson & O'Sullivan

I&O_10659
What will be the impact of all the new homes on … Infra Structure: Connections issues for non car-users: Currently connections for non-car families are POOR Bus Services – currently POOR. Buses are infrequent to & from Chester, only one per hour Earliest to leave Neston is currently 06.39, arriving Chester 07.11 – then hourly until 17.38 – none later than this in evening. Returning from Chester are also hourly, the last one leaving Chester 17.30 at & arriving Neston 19.08 – so impossible to use buses to go into Chester for the evening. The bus service is slightly better to Liverpool. Railway: Currently POOR Trains from Neston operate on an hourly basis, but only travel to Wrexham southbound and to Bidston northbound – no DIRECT trains to either Liverpool or Chester . Passengers for travel to Liverpool and beyond have to change at Bidston for connections onto the Wirral Lines. In addition, car park at Neston Station is too small for more extensive use of rail service. Cyclists: Wirral Way to Hooton Station – very congested at times with walkers & cyclists travelling too fast. Cyclists: Current roads e.g. to & from Parkgate, through Neston town centre & through local villages are in places far too narrow & too busy for speeding cyclist, pedestrians & cars. All road users : Even before any future development of additional houses, roads, pavements/footpaths are too narrow in places & need to be brought up to standard in order to support the number of current users. Roads: Roads – issues including access on & off A540 i.e. any roads trying to join A540 from either side; through the centre of Neston (already a bottle neck at The Cross); access in & out of Parkgate & along Parade (already congested & lacking parking in appropriate places) & through Heswall (already a bottle neck); A540 at Windle Hill where it goes from dual carriageway to two lanes; Roads: Pedestrian crossings in Neston & surrounding areas – already need to be replaced with Pelican Crossing to protect current population rather than zebra crossings … zebra crossings too dangerous g. pedestrian crossing on High Street, Neston followed by traffic lights can be confusing for drivers who do not know the area. Roads: Up-keep of roads – at moment, cannot maintain roads already established for the current usage, so additional houses with cars will make this even worse. Roads: Access to development sites when homes being built? Even as things stand, before considering additional houses, why cannot Wood Lane be up graded & adopted by the Council, taking the pressure off Leighton Road, particularly at the dangerous ‘Bends.’ Will access for emergency services – fire, ambulance etc. be maintained & a priority – i.e. will roads on new developments be wide enough for parking & access for emergency services & cars. On some new developments, roads are not even wide enough to get the ‘bin’ lorry down each week. Pavements: Will greater maintenance of pavements be a high priority? In many areas in Neston & Parkgate, pavements are in poor condition, rather narrow in places, difficult for wheelchair users, young mums with prams, push chairs, toddlers etc. Roads & Parking: Will houses be built with adequate parking / garage facilities for each home? Will additional parking be available in Neston Town Centre? Will there be additional parking in Parkgate, near the Parade, pubs & restaurants? Sewage: Are the main sewage pipes capable of supporting all the new homes? Currently large number of sewage spills in the area, as systems cannot cope with number of houses already here. Will a wastewater treatment plant be required to treat the sewage generated by new housing developments – where might this be located & how will the council ensure this is adequate & robust to prevent sewage spills, which could impact on the marshes, RSPB sanctuary, tourism & other agricultural and open spaces. Will the Housing Developments need their own Pumping Stations, like recent developments e.g. Belvedere Park & others? Water: Can the current water supply support all the new homes – will we be able to cope with extra water required Impact On Climate Change: What will the impact be on Climate change, taking agricultural land, green spaces etc. out of use and building homes, laying tarmac for roads, parking spaces etc. etc. Telecommunications What will the impact be on Internet Services, Telephones etc. Medical Facilities, Doctors & Dentists: With additional new houses, will new additional medical facilities be required (Doctors’ Surgeries / Dentist), will they be built & opened, adequately staffed with GPs, NHS Dentists etc. How will the Council ensure this happens in a timely manner? Schools : Impact on local schools, school places etc. Will a new Primary School be required? If so, where & will consideration be taken into account of the road layout round the school, with parking for parents dropping & picking up children each day, children will be safe & so residents are not inconvenienced. Financial Facilities: Currently, Neston area does not have good access to cash, as it is lacking financial facilities – no PO, no Bank, no Building Society, no Banking Hub etc. Another ‘hole in the wall’ is totally INADEQUATE! Will Neston get a Post Office – to serve current population as well as additional population? Will Neston get a Banking Hub – to serve current population as well as additional population? Another ‘hole in the wall’ is totally INADEQUATE! Policing: Currently lack of policing in Neston, Parkgate & surrounding area. Will consideration of increasing Police presence in Neston be made? Drugs? Money Laundering? Theft? Shop Lifting? Speeding Motorists? Speeding Cyclists? etc. Social Services: Will there be an increase in support from Social Services for vulnerable people, including those already living in the area? Will there be an increase in support for the elderly, in their own homes etc. as well as care facilities? Will there be any consideration from housing developers to build low cost houses & houses suitable for vulnerable / disabled members of the community? Will there be any consideration from housing developers to build bungalows, so elderly people can down-size & make room for families to buy the larger homes some elderly currently live in? Finally, will we be provided with a response to our questions & areas for consideration before a large number of homes are built? Will the issues brought forward by current residents be shared with our local MP & will her responses be shared?

Comment

Representation ID: 10164

Received: 24/08/2025

Respondent: Martin Holmes

I&O_10661
What will be the impact of all the new homes on … Infra Structure: Connections issues for non car-users: Currently connections for non-car families are POOR Bus Services – currently POOR. Buses are infrequent to & from Chester, only one per hour Earliest to leave Neston is currently 06.39, arriving Chester 07.11 – then hourly until 17.38 – none later than this in evening. Returning from Chester are also hourly, the last one leaving Chester 17.30 at & arriving Neston 19.08 – so impossible to use buses to go into Chester for the evening. The bus service is slightly better to Liverpool. Railway: Currently POOR Trains from Neston operate on an hourly basis, but only travel to Wrexham southbound and to Bidston northbound – no DIRECT trains to either Liverpool or Chester . Passengers for travel to Liverpool and beyond have to change at Bidston for connections onto the Wirral Lines. In addition, car park at Neston Station is too small for more extensive use of rail service. Cyclists: Wirral Way to Hooton Station – very congested at times with walkers & cyclists travelling too fast. Cyclists: Current roads e.g. to & from Parkgate, through Neston town centre & through local villages are in places far too narrow & too busy for speeding cyclist, pedestrians & cars. All road users : Even before any future development of additional houses, roads, pavements/footpaths are too narrow in places & need to be brought up to standard in order to support the number of current users. Roads: Roads – issues including access on & off A540 i.e. any roads trying to join A540 from either side; through the centre of Neston (already a bottle neck at The Cross); access in & out of Parkgate & along Parade (already congested & lacking parking in appropriate places) & through Heswall (already a bottle neck); A540 at Windle Hill where it goes from dual carriageway to two lanes; Roads: Pedestrian crossings in Neston & surrounding areas – already need to be replaced with Pelican Crossing to protect current population rather than zebra crossings … zebra crossings too dangerous g. pedestrian crossing on High Street, Neston followed by traffic lights can be confusing for drivers who do not know the area. Roads: Up-keep of roads – at moment, cannot maintain roads already established for the current usage, so additional houses with cars will make this even worse. Roads: Access to development sites when homes being built? Even as things stand, before considering additional houses, why cannot Wood Lane be up graded & adopted by the Council, taking the pressure off Leighton Road, particularly at the dangerous ‘Bends.’ Will access for emergency services – fire, ambulance etc. be maintained & a priority – i.e. will roads on new developments be wide enough for parking & access for emergency services & cars. On some new developments, roads are not even wide enough to get the ‘bin’ lorry down each week. Pavements: Will greater maintenance of pavements be a high priority? In many areas in Neston & Parkgate, pavements are in poor condition, rather narrow in places, difficult for wheelchair users, young mums with prams, push chairs, toddlers etc. Roads & Parking: Will houses be built with adequate parking / garage facilities for each home? Will additional parking be available in Neston Town Centre? Will there be additional parking in Parkgate, near the Parade, pubs & restaurants? Sewage: Are the main sewage pipes capable of supporting all the new homes? Currently large number of sewage spills in the area, as systems cannot cope with number of houses already here. Will a wastewater treatment plant be required to treat the sewage generated by new housing developments – where might this be located & how will the council ensure this is adequate & robust to prevent sewage spills, which could impact on the marshes, RSPB sanctuary, tourism & other agricultural and open spaces. Will the Housing Developments need their own Pumping Stations, like recent developments e.g. Belvedere Park & others? Water: Can the current water supply support all the new homes – will we be able to cope with extra water required Impact On Climate Change: What will the impact be on Climate change, taking agricultural land, green spaces etc. out of use and building homes, laying tarmac for roads, parking spaces etc. etc. Telecommunications What will the impact be on Internet Services, Telephones etc. Medical Facilities, Doctors & Dentists: With additional new houses, will new additional medical facilities be required (Doctors’ Surgeries / Dentist), will they be built & opened, adequately staffed with GPs, NHS Dentists etc. How will the Council ensure this happens in a timely manner? Schools : Impact on local schools, school places etc. Will a new Primary School be required? If so, where & will consideration be taken into account of the road layout round the school, with parking for parents dropping & picking up children each day, children will be safe & so residents are not inconvenienced. Financial Facilities: Currently, Neston area does not have good access to cash, as it is lacking financial facilities – no PO, no Bank, no Building Society, no Banking Hub etc. Another ‘hole in the wall’ is totally INADEQUATE! Will Neston get a Post Office – to serve current population as well as additional population? Will Neston get a Banking Hub – to serve current population as well as additional population? Another ‘hole in the wall’ is totally INADEQUATE! Policing: Currently lack of policing in Neston, Parkgate & surrounding area. Will consideration of increasing Police presence in Neston be made? Drugs? Money Laundering? Theft? Shop Lifting? Speeding Motorists? Speeding Cyclists? etc. Social Services: Will there be an increase in support from Social Services for vulnerable people, including those already living in the area? Will there be an increase in support for the elderly, in their own homes etc. as well as care facilities? Will there be any consideration from housing developers to build low cost houses & houses suitable for vulnerable / disabled members of the community? Will there be any consideration from housing developers to build bungalows, so elderly people can down-size & make room for families to buy the larger homes some elderly currently live in? Finally, will we be provided with a response to our questions & areas for consideration before a large number of homes are built? Will the issues brought forward by current residents be shared with our local MP & will her responses be shared?

Comment

Representation ID: 10178

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Northern Trust Land Limited

Agent: Savills (UK) Limited

I&O_10675
There are no known constraints, including those concerning infrastructure provision that should be considered for Neston and Parkgate when developing the New Local Plan. It is noted that residential development can bring various social, environmental and economic benefits, including for infrastructure. The Council is encouraged to be ambitious and plan to meet its housing needs in full within the Plan period, in accordance with the NPPF. Section 106 agreements, as well as CIL contributions, will ensure that sufficient financial contributions will be made to the expansion of existing facilities, or provision of new ones, should they be required to make development acceptable in planning terms.

Comment

Representation ID: 10219

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Neston Town Council

I&O_10716
Please find the comments from Neston Town Council for the Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan issues and options (Regulation 18) consultation. Comments relate to Section 11 – Neston & Parkgate and Section, as well as the Option A, B and C Site maps from Section 5 Spatial Strategy (Map 5.1, Map 5.2, Map 5.3). Map 5.14 (Neston & Parkgate Growth Options), Questions SS53, SS54 and SS55. Formal response to the CWaC Local Plan Consultation (Issues and Options): “In principle, Neston Town Council agrees that development is necessary, angled strongly towards a high percentage of affordable and social housing. Infrastructure needs to be increased and improved for this to happen. In the first instance, there needs to be a focus on derelict and unused sites. Neston will look chiefly at areas of significant green belt which needs to be retained for recreation. Any land identified as brown belt is to be developed first, followed by grey belt. Neston Town Council considers that NEP02 would be suitable for some mixed-use development as well as NEPO3 for potential sites. Neston Town Council does not consider that NEP01, NEP04, NEP05 or NEP06 are suitable for any development. Constraints for any developments would need to include new schools. Any further development would require a new water treatment centre and sewerage system upgrades. Appropriate upgrades of all essential services and improvements to public transport are a must. Neston Town Council considers that a blend of a healthy amount of all options would be most suitable, whilst retaining as much of the green belt as possible from Option ‘A’ with not as many houses as suggested in Option ‘C’. The Town Council notes that increased development in the area could have a big impact on wildlife and wishes to preserve the town’s sanctuary for wildlife and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Neston Town Council is mindful that there needs to be a balance of nature with its significant impact on tourism and businesses.” It was RESOLVED: To submit the above formal response in full to Cheshire West & Chester’s Local Plan Consultation.

Comment

Representation ID: 10258

Received: 16/08/2025

Respondent: Dr Christine Wetherell

I&O_10755
There is already grave inequality in Neston – adding more housing will only increase that inequality and access to vital services (below).  Perhaps you should concentrate your local efforts in actually reducing inequality in our area.  I have looked carefully at your Key Outcomes Summary . Whilst they are excellent ambitions, many local businesses haven’t decarbonised, we have few if any local charging points, and if you build on our only bit of Greenbelt, where are you going to put any woodland? If you want local people involved, you need to make sure that people ARE involved and know about your plans. I only picked this up second-hand, even though I get the Green Bulletins, it passed me by, as it was very carefully worded – and didn’t exactly explain what your propositions might mean for our local area, nor apart from an email address, when any local hearing was.  Hardly a way to establish local partnerships or have local voices. We have many people in the upper part of the town, near where you potentially plan to build further, who are already in need of social services, local charities and much more. Many live in great poverty already.  I trust you are going to invest in these areas first ….  And there are now new affordable houses in these areas.  Many already have no work, are single-parent families etc. Ageing – there are a large number of older people in the town, with no facilities for travel to get to at least one of the doctor’s surgeries, or the clinic (unless you live on the edge of Neston). This needs to be sorted before any new housing is even considered. Education – see below. Are you going to build extra primary schools?  How can you extend Neston High which is already at full capacity? We don’t seem to have any facilities in this area for faster discharge from hospitals. Other comments on your latest plan According to the latest census, Neston had a population of 15,392, and Parkgate, 4,972. We are NOT a village of 100 people.  I don’t think your ‘map’ is indicative of our population in any sense. I am pleased you acknowledge the effects of climate change – (see below the figures). In which case, we need our green areas around us (see above and below) to maintain our health and local infrastructure, our wildlife, the relative health of our population.  I am part of several local groups across Wirral and one in Neston (a member – not on The Board) (Neston Community Energy).  The others are Faiths4Change which works across Wirral and with Wirral Borough Council and also works in Liverpool – it encompasses all faiths.  We attend church at The Lighthouse Church in Heswall (where we attended before moving to Neston 8 years ago).  I was part of the team responsible for the build, the vision, and we won the national 2024 Green Church Award (covering all denominations throughout GB).  I am a member of our local eco group, and also the Chester Diocesan Environmental Group, which covers the whole of Cheshire and The Wirral.  Transport services – poor – covered elsewhere. We don’t have enough trees around us – don’t build on anymore land. Building on local fields will not fit in with any of your aims.  Health inequalities covered. All your ‘aims’ are great. I wish we could see them in our town’s deprived communities; that we had more green space in the town; that there was public transport that was sufficient; that our schools had more land; that half our shops weren’t empty; we need the green fields around to town to retain a somewhat healthy environment for these communities especially. My comments on ageing are covered One thing Neston does do – is care for its neighbours and community. Despite a huge range of social levels, it is a place of equality, friendliness, respect and manners.  Everyone smiles at one another, thanks people who ‘give way’, makes friends easily.  Many have lived her generations, others of us are ‘newer’, (though we lived in Burton for 10 years and have always lived on The Wirral – before ‘Merseyside’ was created.  Prior to living here, we lived in Thornton Hough, in half a Leverhulme house next to The Manor, and knew Lord Leverhulme, a man of extraordinary kindness, a giver to the community and beloved by the village.  The whole village ‘changed’ after his death.  This is our ‘final’ home – disabled-friendly, with downstairs and upstairs bedrooms, all with accessible shower-rooms. We moved here deliberately, having got to know it during our time in Burton, before supermarkets.  We love the market, the accessibility of everything, but – capacity is limited, even down to room for parking.) Education We have three primary schools in Neston, one in Parkgate and one Secondary School – no doubt all full. Can you explain if you do decide that you will increase housing, where the ‘new’ children will be educated. Health We have two doctor’s surgeries – already at capacity. Can you please explain how they and Neston Clinic will cope with any extra population?  The local hospitals are already at breaking point too, with often long waiting-lists.  Locally, we do not have the capacity for extra people.  Unless you can explain how the NHS will be investing specifically in this area. Our dental practices our full. We have one optician We have three chemists (one out by Neston Clinic), only two in the town. You mention increasing access to health and well-being. How exactly will you achieve this?  Who will pay for it? Us?  Many communities are at full-capacity, as is the case for Neston and Parkgate.  And building on the small amount of Greenbelt that separates us from the A41 will not help anyone’s health or well-being Communication In large parts of Neston, we rely on broadband within our homes – externally, we are lucky to get 3G. This is another reason not to add to the population capacity. Transport (mentioned below) We have one hourly bus to Chester and Heswall in most of the town. We have ½ hourly trains which do not connect to the Wirral Network and it costs rather than being free or paying for an annual pass.  And you have to change at Bidston to go to Liverpool or Chester.  Therefore almost everyone relies on their own cars, taxis, friends.  We do not have the necessary infrastructure for any more people, as it is already well below what a population this size should expect. Many of the roads are poorly surfaced, or with potholes (especially Boathouse Lane), or are small and twisty. Cyclists use them because there are insufficient cycle-ways – with only The Wirral Way, which is at capacity with walkers, dogs, children and families on bikes, horses etc.  Any extra population would exacerbate this issue, cause more accidents and (as below) add to pollution (NO x ) Greenspaces There are already very few greenspaces within the town, only two playgrounds and two small parks, and a further playground in Parkgate. There are Neston Fields which are accessible from the area around Parkgate or Neston, both accessible from The Wirral Way.  One generally has horses grazing on it; the other is a space for dogwalkers.  Neither are particularly suitable for young families.  Much of Neston is already closely built-upon.  We need the areas of agricultural fields above the town and between us and the A41 to reduce pollution and provide clean air for the town.  It also means we are a ‘community’, which for the long-standing populations of Neston and Parkgate is extremely important, in caring for one another, being active in the community in many ways.  Wirral one huge conglomeration of people, with the exception of Leverhulme Land.  The general area is already over-populated as a result, with local resources in many areas over-stretched, many of which we have to use.  Greenbelt - The area around Neston and Parkgate is designated as Greenbelt. This is for very good environmental reasons as in The River Dee area is vulnerable to urbanisation The River Dee area is vulnerable to changes in water quantity, level and flow Sewage –Any extra building will exacerbate the issue of poor sewage infrastructure. The impacts of sludge and sewage are discussed in various areas of your Strategy 8 – Rural areas 33 The main risk associated with the CW&C Local Plan is the discharge of treated sewage effluent from Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTWs) serving the Plan area. This could increase the nutrient concentrations in the water feeding Habitats Sites that are hydrologically linked to waterbodies that receive treated wastewater. In 2023, this sewer storm overflow spilled  127 times for a total of  1029  hours, or about  43  days non-stop  In 2023, this sewer storm overflow spilled  117  times for a total of  1217 hours, or about  51 days non-stop  Neston. The Dee - where there have been  1,462 sewage spills  in the past year. You will be aware that Neston and Parkgate outages are barely a mile apart, and they go straight onto a protected RSPB area, which maintains some rare wildlife and birds, including bitterns, marsh and hen harriers, water rails, great and cattle egret, and many more, especially migrating birds overwinter.  This is unacceptable, even for the weather we have had.  We are at the top of the scale of the most sewage spills. From the RSPB in reply to my concerns: The local Dee Estuary team are aware of at least five Combined Sewage Outflows (CSOs) along the marsh that flow onto our RSPB landholding. These outflows are managed by Welsh Water (rather than United Utilities), and prior to last year, we have struggled to engage Welsh Water in the pollution issues associated with the CSOs. However, through our involvement with the NLHF-funded ‘Our Dee Estuary Project’, our Dee Estuary Site Manager now sits on a group called the Water Environment Group, that also includes representatives from the water companies, that is developing partnerships to look at tackling water quality issues. Through that group, we now work with Welsh Water’s River Quality Liaison Manager, and we have been able to demonstrate to them the impact of the outflows on the marsh. Welsh Water have now engaged their Storm Overflow Assessment Framework Team to look at issues on this part of the Dee to understand the levels of investment needed. However, with deteriorating infrastructure and lack of any current investment on modernising outfalls locally, problems will continue to persist. So, we are continuing to push for serious improvements to these CSOs, or their closure, and are engaging Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, and the Environment Agency, as well as to local council representatives, including Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council to lobby for that outcome.

Comment

Representation ID: 10530

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Stephanie Saul

I&O_11028
I am writing formally with my comments regarding the proposed planning for residential development on designated Green Belt land around Ness and Little Neston; NEP06.     ⸻   Impact on Road Infrastructure and Safety   The proposed development would increase traffic through surrounding rural roads.   Mill Lan, Ness is already unsafe with blind spots and passing places. It is often used as a 'rat run' when the A540 is busy. It is single track at many parts and also National speed limit at the passing places and blind bends.    It is simply dangerous.   I have had many near misses when people unfamiliar with the road travel down it at National speed limit unaware of the blind bends and passing places. There are no pedestrian walkways in most of Mill Lane once it turns to a 20mph zone. There are bridal paths leading onto the road. 20mph zones do not mean it is acceptable to have residents walking in the road way.   If more homes are built, will you require them to use an already dangerous road and walk around the village in the roads due to lack of pavements or lack of wide pavements (eg Neston Road going through Ness where there are pavements, they are narrow).   The village of Ness in general has limited pedestrian walkways. I have raised my children here but would never allow them to walk alomg Mill Lane without me (even now in teen years) due to the lack of any pavements or safe pavements  in the village. Especially considering the speeds some cars drive at along Mill Lane and Neston Road.   Mill Lane at it's exit to Neston Lane is another dangerous blind bend.    Increasing the population on Mill Lane without considering dramatically changing the road structure would demonstrate the Council putting residents at grave risk.   Even if the proposed building work does not go ahead the Council has a duty to it's residents  to consider how unsafe Mill Lane currently is. Pavements are needed in many parts of the village and safer vantage points for exiting my own street and then again the turn onto Neston Road are needed. Mill Lane should not be National speed limit at any point of that road. That is an easy change, please can you consider that change regardless of the local planning issues.   Damhead Lane at the other side end of Mill Lane has vehicles needing to cross a single track bridge. It is the main route from Ness towards Clatterbridge. If that road is ever closed, approximately 10 mins is added to your journey as the routes out are so limited.   Parking in Ness is already an issue. Many residents seem to be using the abandoned Wheatsheaf's pub car park as the local car park to alleviate the difficulty of where to park when people visit.   It is noted that the consultation seems to state that car ownership is the preferred method of travel nowadays. That is very generalised and does not take into account the ageing population of Ness and Little Neston. My own house is actually on the market as I am concerned about getting older in Ness due to the already limited infrastructure in the village.   If I grow old here, I will be isolated. I have lived here 20 years and will be sad to leave but I see no safe future for me here.   After getting to a bus stop, having had to walk in the road due to lack of pavements, hoping not to get run over, public transport is infrequent, if mobility were to become an issue for me as I age, I would have to walk too far to get to a GP, the railway in Neston is already too far for me to walk (even now without mobility problems).  The nearest supermarket is in Neston Town Centre, too far for the elderly to be walking into town. There is a local shop in West Vale, Neston. But no local shop in Ness. West Vale is too far to expect elderly residents to walk.   Bus 487 seems to be the main bus route. Whilst it has many stops, it impacts on how long it takes to get anywhere. Should the elderly and those unable to drive be expected to spend long periods of their day on the bus due to lack of routes available to them? Neston railway is also unreliable and has no direct route to Liverpool. I believe 2 changes are needed. If you wish to build homes for a younger population, how would they easily travel to work? Car insurance for younger generations is cripplingly expensive. You simply cannot presume that everyone will drive.   How will you resolve the road infrastructure being already inadequate and extremely unsafe?  How will you attract people to live here when it is so difficult to travel anywhere by public transport?   An influx of additional vehicles will:      Create congestion at peak times      Increase the already present road safety risks for pedestrians, cyclists, elderly residents and school children who already use these roads      Add pressure to limited parking and access in the village centre      Isolate the elderly if the public transport system is not improved putting them at risk in terms of health and well being and socially- you cannot presume the elderly will all still be driving cars  

Comment

Representation ID: 10531

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Stephanie Saul

I&O_11029
Health and Well Being    As mentioned above, I am already looking to move away from Ness as I do not wish to grow old here. There is not a doubt in my mind that I would be isolated if I stay in Ness. My local healthcare provider is not within reasonable walking distance. I cannot simply walk to a local shop to get simple provisions. I am trying to leave now as my children are entering teen years and I feel I have isolated them by remaining in Ness. It will be the same for me once my own independence decreases in the next couple of decades .   Ness has unsafe roads. Your residents are at great risk due to Mill Lane's present format.   Again, the nearest healthcare provider is not within a reasonable walking distance. Saying the health carers will visit is not the answer for everyone. Not everyone wants a future sat in a house frightened that it is too far to walk or worrying the bus won't show or it will take hours out of the day to travel anywhere locally. However that would be the reality for me if I grow old in Ness.    Ness has no local shop or post office, leading to more isolation for the future residents if this is not resolved in your future planning.   Ness is not a young demographic. It is an ageing population with poor infrastructure. With that in mind, the thought of remaining here as I age literally makes me want to leave.  

Comment

Representation ID: 10534

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Stephanie Saul

I&O_11032
Green Open Space and Biodiversity   The proposed site lies within designated Green Belt, which carries strong protection under the NPPF.  As stated above I am looking to move away as I have concerns for my future should I remain here and some change is needed.   However, any future development would result in the permanent loss of open countryside that contributes to the rural character of Ness and the Wirral Peninsula. From a heritage point of view, the open land has marked important separation between settlements.   The local area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bats, birds of prey, owls and hedgehogs. Does the proposal not conflict with national and local planning policies requiring the safeguarding of Green Belt and the protection of biodiversity and open space?

Comment

Representation ID: 10536

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Stephanie Saul

I&O_11034
I do think before Ness and Little Neston is considered for development, the already limited and failing infrastructure needs to be addressed. Adding more people to the population is going to make road safety much worse than it already is, it will isolate more people unless you also build more healthcare and local support centres for residents. Public transport could not be left as it is. We are miles from most frequent rail and bus routes. If you want employed people to live here, they will need to be able to get to work. It would be a great benefit to the community of road safety and public transport could be addressed. But housing plans could not go ahead without that. The knock on effect without overhauling public transport would be more isolation for people unable to drive and potential unemployment for non drivers who couldn't easily get to work. I have concerns over plans for the NEP06 area housing developments unless there are also wider plans to overhaul the entire area of Neston, Little Neston and Ness.

Comment

Representation ID: 11201

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Mineral Products Association Ltd

SS 55
I&O_11699
It is unclear from the Issues and Option document if minerals safeguarding has been considered as a constraint for any of the above potential growth areas. We would welcome sight of detailed MRAs for each of the sites being proposed where known MSAs exist. Frustratingly, the settlement area and key constraint plans do not show MSAs and as such it is not possible to provide meaningful comment on site specific policy proposals.

Comment

Representation ID: 11555

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: CPRE Cheshire Branch

I&O_12053
The Green Belt, the salt marshes of the Dee Estuary and the Sandstone Ridge that Neston sits on. In addition, any areas which are marked as grade 2 or 3 farmland on the Natural England map (and which therefore may be BMV – see our response to SS20) should be subject to detailed site survey (i.e. not just desk-based) carried out in accordance with Natural England guidance to inform any decisions about future development.