Comment

Representation ID: 12155

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tania Coventry

I&O_12669
Neston itself does not have the infrastructure to support substantial development.  In particular, its transport links are limited with many access roads into Neston (and its surrounding villages) being narrow and unable to support an increased traffic burden.  The train station in Neston should be disregarded when considering its suitability for development as it Is of limited use to commuters, with no direct train to Liverpool, Chester or Manchester.

Comment

Representation ID: 12740

Received: 27/08/2025

Respondent: Mr & Mrs Tim & Annette Jones

I&O_13258
Infrastructure: Demonstration of active and sustainable modes of transport: There is no capacity for the consideration of developing Neston due to the small and tight road network and the infrastructure of the Leighton Rd specifically is very limited. The aim is for the Council to provide housing around railway stations however for a family with push chairs or a wheelchair user, elderly or young people walking into Neston from the proposed Leighton Rd site would be extremely challenging and unsafe. The footway widths are unsuitable and the area by Turner’s View has considerable footpath parking making it difficult to navigate. The camber and uneven surfaces are unsafe. The pavements from Boathouse Lane to the start of the main housing on Leighton Rd do not exist and there is no street lighting. Then from the existing houses walkers would have to navigate a busy road with lots of parked cars and the pavements switching from one side to the other with no capacity to develop or resolve. There are several guidance documents for people walking which the council would need to comply with. Leighton Rd is inappropriate for this kind of development. There are no buses down Leighton Rd and the road is totally unsuitable for buses going forward. The residual cumulative traffic impact would be considerable; there would be a reliance on private vehicles to access the railway station and without any additional provision for parking this would be unsustainable and does not support the environmental agenda of reducing carbon. Sustainable transport should have a low impact on the environment – this would not be the case with residents’ reliance on private vehicles for the above reasons. The railway line is the least used in the area with destinations from Wrexham to Bidston and changes to Merseyrail. Current users prefer to drive to direct stations such as Hooton and Spital. The trains are infrequent and unreliable for commuters. This does not provide a genuine mode of travel. Heavy high vehicles for construction would damage the ancient trees on Leighton Rd, protected with TPOs, as would buses. This has been witnessed when the trees are damaged, with huge branches torn off, when articulated lorries drive down Leighton Rd. The schools, doctor’s and other service providers are at maximum capacity. As an example of the school capacity see the chart below: Ref: CWAC Secondary School Guide 2024-25, Primary School Guide 2025-26, Updated Admission Numbers [see page 2 of attachment for table] The Updated Admission Numbers indicate the small numbers of admission variances which show the limitations of potential capacity. Question: How will the Council demonstrate deliverability on the anticipated total growth target for the local green belt areas of 4,393 new properties under Options B and C. Sufficiency Duty: The council has a legal duty to ensure there are enough school places. Schooling for 4,393 houses) is obviously not achievable meaning that significant numbers of children will be travelling distances to get to schools. The Council only submitted the proposal for the new Free school at Kingsmoat after the housing development was agreed. Ref Opening a new Free School ‘Following the progress of the housing development in Kingsmoat in Chester, we have identified an increased need in primary school places and seeks to establish a new 1.5 form entry (FE) 315 place, mainstream, mixed primary free school and 26 place nursery, for ages 3 to 11. It is proposed the new school and nursery would open at the earliest in September 2026.’ Ref Free School Presumption consultation - Ledsham Road ‘We are proposing to provide a new 1.5 Form of Entry (FE) primary school as part of strategic development, Ledsham Road. The school will initially be a 1FE, with the intention to provide a further 0.5FE as the need arises. The provision is expected to be open from September 2026. This in turn will provide an additional 210 primary places, with a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 30, with the intention to provide a further 105 places.’ Question: How is the Council going to demonstrate deliverability on the provision of infrastructure in Neston & Parkgate before designating green belt for development? Question: Will consultation on a new school be undertaken after the approval of a housing development as with the examples above or as part of a deliverability plan prior to earth being disturbed? Question: Can the Council demonstrate that the infrastructure in areas such as Malpas and Hooton have been met? Specifically in schools, doctors and dentists? Developers build houses and make promises to increase capacity for local schools etc Question: How is the council ensuring the building developers deliver the infrastructure in advance of developments? Or within a given period after x number of houses are built? Can this be demonstrated? Take the Hooton development around the train station – some residents in these developments cannot get places for their children in local schools as they’re full. Cheshire families then must send their children to Wirral schools? This is an example of how houses have been built without due diligence on the infrastructure. There’s no room for the local Cheshire school (Willaston CE Primary) to develop as it's a very small site. Although the school is having a small extension to the building this does not increase the PAN or provide any capacity to increase the PAN. [see pages 3-4 of attachment for table] Question: How did the council demonstrate deliverability for the huge housing development at Hooton, ensuring capacity for children’s school places? What have the developers done to provide essential services for families in these areas?

Comment

Representation ID: 12887

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Dr Jaco Barendse

I&O_13406
The existing access roads are narrow and already overused, and school traffic at Woodfall Primary is an issue, and the accompanying air pollution. On wind-still mornings the vehicle emissions hang in the air for extended periods. Furthermore, these areas are located some distance from Neston Town Centre and public transport is infrequent and inadequate. Water and sewerage provision will be an issue. The grounds are very rocky and being located near the summit of the hill the current water reservoir will not be adequate. Illegal wate water discharges into the Dee Marsh are already an issue and more houses would exacerbate this. In conclusion, extensive Green Belt release would be detrimental to the prosperity of Neston and Parkgate and would make it a less desirable place to live, with associated negative socio-economic impacts. It should be a last resort once all other options have been exhausted. Rather look at Brown and Grey Fields and upgrading existing buildings, or a help-to-buy system to make us of the numerous properties on the market.

Comment

Representation ID: 12896

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheryl Carless

I&O_13415
Further, the area would not cope with a significant increase in population.    Having been a resident of Parkgate for over 10 years, I have seen a significant increase in the numbers of people coming here. Locals avoid parkgate front because of the volume of visitors. Adding a devastating amount of homes into the mix - you won't be able to move, not to mention the volume of traffic it will add. Neston and Parkgate roads/infrastructure would not be able to cope with such an increase plus the harmful impact it will have on the environment and its residents.    

Comment

Representation ID: 13189

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Michael Scott

I&O_13708
Beyond its environmental value, there are significant practical concerns about the sustainability of further large-scale housing in Neston: Educational Capacity – Local high schools are already under pressure, with limited space available to accommodate additional pupils. Healthcare Access – GP surgeries are struggling with demand, and more residents will only increase waiting times. Parking and Transport – Parking is already a major issue in and around Neston, including the town centre and train station car park. Expanding housing without addressing this will worsen congestion and accessibility. Rail Connectivity – Neston’s train line is limited to small local towns and does not provide direct links to major cities. The public transport infrastructure is not sufficient to support a significant increase in population. Traffic Impact – Increased car dependency will add pressure on local roads, which are already busy at peak times. Loss of Tourism Value – Visitors are drawn to Neston for its countryside, wildlife, and natural beauty. Eroding the Green Belt risks reducing tourism and the economic benefit it brings to local businesses. National Policy Considerations – The purpose of Green Belt designation is to prevent urban sprawl, protect the countryside, and preserve the character of historic towns. Developing this land would go against these principles. For these reasons, I urge the Council to reject any proposals to develop Neston’s Green Belt. There are more sustainable alternatives, such as regenerating existing brownfield sites, improving unused urban spaces, and focusing development where infrastructure is already in place.

Comment

Representation ID: 13267

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Mr Neil Heather

I&O_13786
Neston and Parkgate are one of the more isolated towns on the Wirral and not well served by public transport. Infrequent and lengthy bus service and the railway line between Wrexham and Bidston, heavily subsidised by the Welsh Government which would certainly close should this end. The infrastructure of the area would be put under great strain, roads and particularly the sewerage system (operated by Welsh Water) I believe it would take many years to upgrade bearing in mind that this exercise is being conducted for many areas throughout the Country. As with all necessary services, particularly sewage, It is difficult to see how all this could be achieved in the time scale envisaged.

Comment

Representation ID: 13592

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Sarah Hinsey

I&O_14111
  I strongly suggest an Impact Assessment of the proposed developments is needed before any future developments can be proceeded with. Impact Assessment areas to be considered:   Public Utilites: sewerage (as highlighted by the Parkgate Society). Grid. The grid will need upgrading to accommodate the amount of new housing planned if the Council is to meet a reduction in fossil fuel use. Phone reception. Mobile phone reception is very poor in Ness. Impossible to conduct voice calls   Medical Facilities: Doctors surgeries are at near capacity now.  b .Extremely hard to get prebookables and/or 8am in the morning appointments.  Additional doctors surgeries will be required.   Schools: Neston High School is oversubscribed and at 99% capacity . Again are there plans to build an additional High School.   Banks/Post Offices: a.There are no banks in Neston.  There is no Post Office in Neston - other that 2x a week a mobile unit visits.  There are 2 ATMs but they are frequently cashless.   Local Transport: Currently the 487 bus  terminates at Ness Gardens and more recently the temporary addition of the 22. The train from Neston terminates at Bidston.   In Ness cars are needed.   Local Shops: There are a lot of empty units in Neston and no shops in Ness.   Green Belt: Migratory birds - Canada Geese - feed on the surrounding green belt fields, after the farmers have gathered in their crops, and onto the Marshes before the geese fly onwards to Africa.    Traffic: Despite the assertions that traffic is not a valid objection, the impact of increased traffic on current residents quality of life should be taken into account.  Neston Road is an importatnt route for cyclists and equestrian pursuits  Lanes such as Mill Lane will almost surely have to be widened if there is a housing estate between Mill Lane and Haddon Lane in order to accommodate considerabley more traffic. Currently Mill Lane is a useful speed reducer.  Burton is not ear-marked for development but the residents of Burton will be impacted by additional traffic whether cars or local transport.   Conservation Areas: As the Pargate Soceity mentioned, there is no consideration given to the impact on conservation areas - of which Ness is one. Ness is an historic mining village and shortly the platfom recently constructed on the village green is to have statues of miners installed in a ceremony to commemorate the miners importance to the area. 

Comment

Representation ID: 13759

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Ray and Sue Macklin

I&O_14279
Please see above in respect of the necessity to provide secondary school provision, healthcare services, improved rail links and additional road building to service 4393 new houses.  In addition our hospitals, like most, are at bursting point and could not cope with extra pressure of this many people.  Who would fund this shortfall in service?   The same would apply to our fire and refuse services, how would this shortfall be funded and where would the new hospitals, fire stations and refuse sites be located?

Comment

Representation ID: 14502

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Jane Edwards

I&O_15047
I’ve lived in Neston for over 50 years. I’ve seen this town grow, but always with care for its heritage and natural surroundings. I’m writing to strongly oppose the proposed development on Green Belt land in and around Parkgate and Neston.   This area is more than just countryside—it’s a vital habitat for wildlife, a peaceful retreat for residents, and a living part of our history. The Dee Estuary is internationally recognised for its birdlife and biodiversity. Parkgate’s salt marshes and surrounding green spaces are home to countless species, and they offer a rare connection to nature that generations have cherished. Once lost, these habitats cannot be replaced.   Neston and Parkgate are small towns with deep historical roots. From the old port days to the quiet charm of the Parade, this area has always been defined by its character—not concrete. The roads are narrow, the access limited, and the geography hemmed in by the estuary and surrounding villages. It’s simply not suitable for large-scale development.

Comment

Representation ID: 15501

Received: 21/10/2025

Respondent: Wirral Borough Council

I&O_16060
Any future development should take account of the impact on the capacity of the A540 and its junctions between Wirral and Cheshire West and Chester.