Comment

Representation ID: 10986

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Weaverham Parish Council

I&O_11484
Council supports the suggested policy approach.

Comment

Representation ID: 11163

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Satnam Investments Ltd

Agent: Satnam Planning Services Limited

I&O_11661
Although these percentages are yet to be defined, we understand that they will be informed by the findings and recommendations of a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) to be prepared in due The HNA should not only consider the mix and housing type requirements at a Borough- wide level but should also consider the requirements of smaller sub-areas to inform the approach to be taken at a more local level. We support the suggested policy approach as long as the policy requirements are fully evidenced and justified. We ask that CWaC does not apply the policy requirements rigidly to bevery new housing site across the Instead, there should be a degree of flexibility in the application of the Policy which should be applied on a site-by-site basis to account for market factors, viability, constraints and locational requirements. This is in recognition of the fact that a different housing mix may be more appropriate in a specific location e.g. 1- and 2-bedroom dwellings may be more suited to Chester City centre whereas larger 3- and 4-bedroom properties may be more suitable in edge-of­ settlement locations. We request that the wording of the policy accounts for a suitable level of flexibility in the percentage mix and tenure This will ensure that residential proposals on sites address the housing requirements of the local area specifically, rather than a 'one size fits all' borough-wide requirement.

Comment

Representation ID: 11339

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Habiko LLP (c/o Muse)

Agent: Turley

I&O_11837
Habiko is supportive of the approach to providing a range and choice of homes to meet the needs of the local area and agrees that the emerging Local Plan should encourage a mix of house types, sizes and tenures to be delivered across the Borough, helping to ensure choice for homebuyers. The Council intends to ‘substantially amend’ current planning policy concerning housing mix – namely Local Plan (Part One) policy SOC 3 and Local Plan (Part Two) policy DM 20 to reflect the evidence of the Housing Needs Assessment. Such an assessment is yet to be prepared however the R18 LP proposes to introduce specific policy requirements regarding mix and tenure (e.g. x% of 1-2 bed dwelling). In response to Questions HO 1 and HO 2, it is considered that the Council’s current policy allows for a greater degree of flexibility to account for particular and changing market demands. To this extent it is requested that the future policy be worded in a similar way which isn’t proscriptive and allows for mix to be determined based on particular market considerations, not least differing market requirements within the Borough’s urban and rural areas. In any event, the policy will need to be carefully worded so as to take account of viability and defined housing markets.

Comment

Representation ID: 11353

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Frodsham Town Council

I&O_11851
Yes

Comment

Representation ID: 11666

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: CPRE Cheshire Branch

I&O_12164
In broad terms, yes. CPRE agrees that the mix and type of housing must be informed by a housing needs assessment. However, the policy must be robustly drafted to ensure that the mix of house sizes provided reflects the mix that is needed, and to avoid any tendency for developers to skew delivery towards the larger dwelling types, which tend to be built at lower, more “land hungry” densities. Information from the 2021 Census indicates that 68.8% of households in England were living in under-occupied dwellings (with one or more spare bedrooms)3. Whilst a degree of under-occupation can be expected given people’s expectations of having spare bedrooms to accommodate guests etc., there are likely to be many households e.g. people in their 70s and 80s who may be struggling to cope in a large family home where the occupier would like to move into a smaller dwelling. Allowing for this down-sizing will help address social care needs as well as free up existing larger housing for families which need it. This is of interest to CPRE as it would facilitate more efficient use of the existing housing stock and hence reduce pressures for yet more housing estates in countryside areas. For these reasons, we support the provision of specialist accommodation for the elderly provided this is in accessible areas close to a range of facilities.   3 See https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/articles/overcrowdingandunderoccupancybyhouseholdcharacteristicsenglandandwales/census2021

Comment

Representation ID: 11763

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Beck Homes Limited

Agent: NJL Consulting

I&O_12261
Beck Homes agree that a percentage approach should be given to provide guidance to what is expected and needed in the borough. However, this should be a flexible approach given changing needs throughout the plan period and allow for evidence to be provided at the time of submission of an application if any deviations from mix, type or specialist housing is required. At most, a percentage approach would need to enable a range of percentages (e.g. 5-10%) to account for individual site needs and constraints. A flexible approach also requiring consideration against the Housing Needs Assessment (or any such later document) would enable sites to more accurately meet local market demands and respond to updated assessments in real time.

Comment

Representation ID: 11935

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Tarporley Parish Council

I&O_12449
Tarporley Parish Council agrees in principle to the suggested policy approach but requests that housing needs surveys are undertaken at a level which identifies the housing needs for the key service centres including Tarporley, rather than for the Borough as a whole. The housing needs survey should also take account of any long-term empty properties which should be brought back into use.

Comment

Representation ID: 12020

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Mr and Mrs R Basford

Agent: Grimster Planning

I&O_12534
It is accepted that a mix of house types and tenures are needed over the next Local Plan period to meet the needs of all age groups; be it Affordable Homes, including First Homes, family housing, and accommodation for the Over 55’s in the form of apartments and smaller homes (i.e bungalows). However, there are site-specific and locational considerations to be taken into account as to whether all house types and tenures would be appropriate on all sites, as part of a “one size fits all” strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 12076

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Beneficiaries of E C Francis

Agent: Grimster Planning

I&O_12590
It is accepted that a mix of house types and tenures are needed over the next Local Plan period to meet the needs of all age groups; be it Affordable Homes, including First Homes, family housing, and accommodation for the Over 55’s in the form of apartments and smaller homes (i.e bungalows). However, there are site-specific and locational considerations to be taken into account as to whether all house types and tenures would be appropriate on all sites, as part of a “one size fits all” strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 12132

Received: 28/08/2025

Respondent: Linda Knight

I&O_12646
There is a need for smaller housing units for starter and retirement homes. Also bungalows. The homes could be included in a mix of housing BUT developments should not be high density and should make ample provision for cars with ample spaces/ home for vehicles and wider roads for traffic access. Green spaces to be included for health and wellbeing too.

Comment

Representation ID: 13478

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Harworth Group

Agent: Turley

I&O_13997
Harworth is supportive of the approach to providing a range and choice of homes to meet the needs of the local area, and agrees that the emerging Local Plan should encourage a mix of house types, sizes, and tenures to be delivered, helping to ensure choice for homebuyers. However, Harworth believes that any policy must be applied flexibly and not be overly prescriptive, in order to prevent housing delivery from being compromised or stalled. Policies of the emerging Local Plan should also make an allowance for changes in market demand. Any housing mix policy should also allow regard to be had to the scale of the site, not being rigidly prescriptive in the mix provided if this is not the most suitable approach allowing for site constraints and having regard to the potential impact of housing mix on viability. There should not be a need for the developer / applicant to provide significant amounts of additional evidence to justify the proposed housing mix.  Harworth notes that the Council suggest that if justified by evidence a new policy will be brought into require Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS). UK Government has made clear that the NDSS are intended to be optional and should only be introduced where there is a clear need for them and they retain development viability. The evidence required to justify NDSS policies is set out within Planning Practice Guidance, which includes evidencing need, viability, and timing.  If the Government expected all properties to be built to NDSS then it would have made these standards mandatory not optional.  Should CWAC progress a new policy requiring compliance with NDSS there is a need for appropriate and robust evidence to justify its inclusion.

Comment

Representation ID: 13619

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Frodsham Town Council

I&O_14138
Yes, I agree

Comment

Representation ID: 13804

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: United Utilities plc

I&O_14324
Providing Self and Custom Build Housing Plots When making provision for self and custom build housing plots we request that you include specific policy that ensures a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of on-site infrastructure. There is a risk that such sites can be delivered in a fragmented manner if not carefully controlled. We request that any development of such sites is governed by policy that requires a site-wide infrastructure strategy for foul, surface water and clean water. This will help to ensure that such sites are delivery sustainably. Encouraging Small and Medium-sized Builders When making provision for small and medium sized builders, we wish to highlight that such small to medium sized sites often discharge surface water to the public combined sewer which is the least sustainable option for the management of surface water. We request that your site selection process for such sites ascertains the proposed approach to managing surface water from landowners so that sites which have more sustainable alternatives than the public combined sewer are prioritised for allocation.

Comment

Representation ID: 13875

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Christopher Martin

I&O_14395
 Agree strategy percentage mix, type and specialist housing

Comment

Representation ID: 14262

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Taylor Wimpey

Agent: Lichfields

I&O_14806
Taylor Wimpey supports the Council’s intention to deliver an appropriate mix of housing to meet the needs of the wider community. However, it is essential that this policy is applied with flexibility to ensure that individual sites can respond to market conditions. Certain locations may be better suited to a housing mix that differs from the recommendations of the HNA particularly in a location such as Chester where the majority of the units coming forward in the urban area are likely to be smaller apartment type developments.  A rigid application of percentage-based requirements would not reflect the diverse local conditions across the Borough. Taylor Wimpey expects the Council to ensure that the policy is applied flexibly and makes allowances to provide alternative housing mixes as is required by the market. If specific percentage targets are pursued, Taylor Wimpey recommends that these are expressed as ranges, with additional wording included to allow for flexible interpretation where justified. Furthermore, viability testing of the proposed housing mix policy will be necessary as part of the emerging Local Plan particularly given the high CIL charge in Cheshire West and Chester. This testing should be completed in advance of the Regulation 19 version of the Plan to ensure that the policy is deliverable and does not undermine the viability of development.

Comment

Representation ID: 14282

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Judith Critchley

I&O_14826
Yes

Comment

Representation ID: 14570

Received: 17/09/2025

Respondent: Chester Civic Trust

I&O_15116
With regard to house type, there was universal acknowledgement in discussion that the housing market has become seriously distorted in recent years with rising prices and so access to affordable housing , both first time ownership or rental properties for young people/families should be prioritised and perhaps release of green belt land might be conditioned to accommodate this. In addition, we would expect the Council to do its best to encourage/demand that all new housing meets the latest ‘Homes for All’ aspirations.

Comment

Representation ID: 14586

Received: 30/08/2025

Respondent: Sarah Roderick

I&O_15132
Types of Housing A greater mix of housing types should be provided to include 1, 2 & 3 bedroom homes as well as the developer preferred 4/5 bedroom detached. These units use less land per person accomodated and there is a demand for these smaller units. Some of the smaller units should be available on the open market not restricted to 'affordable', retirement or social housing.

Comment

Representation ID: 14683

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Miller Homes North West Ltd

Agent: NJL Consulting

I&O_15233
It is key to combine the existing approach based on up-to-date evidence alongside market knowledge to deliver the best opportunities for housing mix. Policies for older persons and specialist housing, including the optional technical housing standards, should be based on evidence of need and tested for viability and the LPA should not attempt to force the market in terms of private dwelling mix where it is not required or evidenced. Opportunities for sites for older persons and specialist housing could be identified in masterplans for strategic sites. However, there must be a mechanism to allow for alternative development where demand is not expressed. Site allocations should satisfy criteria, such as proximity of sites to public transport, local services and facilities (e.g., healthcare), and town centres.

Comment

Representation ID: 14763

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: The Smith Family

Agent: NJL Consulting

I&O_15313
It is key to combine the existing approach based on up-to-date evidence alongside market knowledge to deliver the best opportunities for housing mix. Policies for older persons and specialist housing, including the optional technical housing standards, should be based on evidence of need and tested for viability. Opportunities for sites for older persons and specialist housing could be identified in masterplans for strategic sites. However, there must be a mechanism to allow for alternative development where demand is not expressed. Site allocations should satisfy criteria, such as proximity of sites to public transport, local services and facilities (e.g., healthcare), and town centres.

Comment

Representation ID: 14777

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: United Utilities Property Services

Agent: Lichfields

I&O_15328
The approach to housing mix is set out in Policy HO1 (Mix and type of housing in new developments and specialist housing). This suggests that housing mix will reflect a Housing Needs Assessment [HNA] which will be prepared. Detailed policy requirements will be provided in terms of tenures, housing for the elderly and for residents with disabilities. UUPS supports the use of an HNA to support its policy preparation. However, it would be preferable to ensure an adequate level of flexibility within the policy wording where alternative mixes are justified based on local circumstances. This could be achieved through the application of percentage scales rather than overly prescriptive requirements. UUPS considers that this would better account for viability issues and local market conditions and needs.

Comment

Representation ID: 14814

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Mark Mitchell

Agent: Grimster Planning

I&O_15365
It is accepted that a mix of house types and tenures are needed over the next Local Plan period to meet the needs of all age groups; be it Affordable Homes, including First Homes, family housing, and accommodation for the Over 55’s in the form of apartments and smaller homes (i.e bungalows). However, there are site specific and locational considerations to be taken into account as to whether all house types and tenures would be appropriate on all sites, as part of a “one size fits all” strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 14870

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Mr David Stubbs

Agent: Grimster Planning

I&O_15421
It is accepted that a mix of house types and tenures are needed over the next Local Plan period to meet the needs of all age groups; be it Affordable Homes, including First Homes, family housing, and accommodation for the Over 55’s in the form of apartments and smaller homes (i.e bungalows). However, there are site-specific and locational considerations to be taken into account to inform whether all house types and tenures would be appropriate on all sites, as part of a “one size fits all” strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 14897

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: The Oulton Estate

Agent: Grimster Planning

I&O_15448
It is accepted that a mix of house types and tenures are needed over the next Local Plan period to meet the needs of all age groups; be it Affordable Homes, including First Homes, family housing, and accommodation for the Over 55’s in the form of apartments and smaller homes (i.e bungalows). However, there are sitespecific and locational considerations to be taken into account as to whether all house types and tenures would be appropriate on all sites, as part of a “one size fits all” strategy.

Comment

Representation ID: 14918

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Anthony Clark

I&O_15469
Prior to the allocation of any sites for development, full consideration must be given to land ownership and / or any positive collaborations between landowners with the aim of enabling and expediting development opportunities. If sites are allocated with unwilling and / or fractious ownerships, then they will not readily come forward for development. Sites under single ownerships or established collaborations should be fully prioritised.

Comment

Representation ID: 14993

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Ainscough Strategic Land

Agent: Turley

I&O_15552
ASL is supportive of the approach to providing a range and choice of homes to meet the needs of the local area which is informed by up-to-date evidence, and agrees that the emerging Local Plan should encourage a mix of house types, sizes and tenures to be delivered, helping to ensure choice for homebuyers. However, any policy must be capable of being applied flexibly and should not be overly prescriptive, in order to prevent housing delivery from being compromised or stalled. Allowance should be made for changes in market demand over time and in local areas. Any housing mix policy should also allow regard to be had to the scale of the site, not being rigidly prescriptive in the mix provided if this is not the most suitable approach allowing for site constraints and having regard to the potential impact of housing mix on viability. The Council suggests that, if justified by evidence, a new policy will be brought in to require compliance with Nationally Described Space Standards (“NDSS”). UK Government has made clear that the NDSS are intended to be optional and should only be introduced where there is a clear need for them and they retain development viability. The evidence required to justify NDSS policies is set out within Planning Practice Guidance, which includes evidencing need, viability and timing. ASL will provide further comment once the necessary evidence is made available for consultation.

Comment

Representation ID: 15009

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Bloor Homes North West

Agent: Lichfields

I&O_15568
Policy HO1 outlines that the new approach to housing types and mix will be informed by a forthcoming Housing Needs Assessment [HNA]. This assessment will underpin specific policy requirements, including percentage splits for housing mix, provision of plots for self-build and custom homebuilding, and measures to meet the needs of an ageing population and residents with disabilities. Bloor supports the Council’s intention to deliver an appropriate mix of housing to meet the needs of the wider community. However, it is essential that this policy is applied with flexibility to ensure that individual sites can respond to market conditions. Certain locations may be better suited to a housing mix that differs from the recommendations of the HNA particularly in a location such as Chester where the majority of the units coming forward in the urban area are likely to be smaller apartment type developments. A rigid application of percentage-based requirements would not reflect the diverse local conditions across the Borough. Therefore, if specific percentage targets are pursued, Bloor recommends that these be expressed as ranges, with additional wording included to allow for flexible interpretation where justified. Furthermore, viability testing of the proposed housing mix policy will be necessary as part of the emerging Local Plan particularly given the high CIL charge in Cheshire West and Chester. This testing should be completed in advance of the Regulation 19 version of the Plan to ensure that the policy is deliverable and does not undermine the viability of development. Additionally, it is unclear whether Cheshire West and Chester will be undertaking a review of the adopted CIL Charging Schedule as part of this process, therefore Bloor would welcome clarity on this matter.

Comment

Representation ID: 15030

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Grosvenor's Eaton Estate

Agent: Stantec

I&O_15589
Grosvenor welcomes the recognition within the draft Plan that the Council must identify sufficient housing land supply to meet the increased housing targets prescribed by the latest standard method, which is crucial to support the growing population and ensuring the future prosperity of the borough. As discussed in these Representations, the latest NPPF has re-introduced mandatory housing requirements and the Council’s housing needs have considerably increased. The Council must, therefore, identify sufficient land to ensure its’ housing requirements can be met over the next plan period, including an appropriate buffer of housing land supply. This is to align with the Government’s aspiration to significant boost the supply of homes, as set out at paragraph 61 of the NPPF. The Council’s Housing Need Assessment (HNA) is yet to be prepared, and we wish to review and comment on this at the earliest opportunity. This document will be crucial for the Council to determine housing needs in relation to mix and the requirement for affordable housing. The HNA is critical to inform the new Local Plan housing policies to meet the housing needs of the borough. Policy HO1 The Council proposes substantial changes to Policy SOC3 of the Local Plan Part One and Policy DM20 of the Local Plan Part Two to reflect the outcomes of the HNA which is being prepared. Whilst we reserve detailed comments until the HNA is published, the new policy approach is anticipated to provide a more detailed requirement in terms of housing mix, tenures, percentage for self-build and custom build homes, requirements to meet the needs of an ageing population and meeting the needs of residents with disabilities.

Comment

Representation ID: 15081

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Cheshire Garden Village Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15640
CGV broadly supports the suggested policy approach towards housing mix and type of housing as set out within HO 1 yet believe this could be strengthened to allow for greater flexibility on a site-by-site basis, particularly in strategic or edge-of settlement locations that could accommodate a broader range of uses. In this context, CGV’s site off Chester Way, represents a credible opportunity for sustainable residential development, including specialist or supported housing. The site is located on the edge of the existing settlement boundary and is adjacent to established employment uses. Its proximity to local services, transport connections, and retail facilities at Northwich Retail Park enhances its suitability for a broader housing mix, particularly for older people or those needing access to services without reliance on the car. We recommend that Policy HO 1 be amended to explicitly acknowledge that specialist and mixed-tenure housing opportunities may also be appropriately located on sustainable edge-of-settlement sites. This would help ensure the policy remains responsive to local context and land availability and supports inclusive, place-based growth. Such flexibility would align with the NPPF’s objectives around meeting diverse housing needs, making effective use of land, and planning positively for mixed-use developments that create healthy, inclusive, and vibrant communities. The policy approach requires strengthening to recognise the critical role that strategic residential sites play in addressing the nationwide affordable housing shortage.

Comment

Representation ID: 15121

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: StanleyRed Developments Ltd

Agent: AshtonHale

I&O_15680
StanleyRed broadly supports the suggested policy approach towards housing mix and type of housing as set out within HO 1 yet believe this could be strengthened to allow for greater flexibility on a site-by-site basis, particularly in strategic or edgeof-settlement locations that could accommodate a broader range of uses. We recommend that Policy HO 1 be amended to explicitly acknowledge that specialist and mixed-tenure housing opportunities may also be appropriately located on sustainable edge-of-settlement sites. This would help ensure the policy remains responsive to local context and land availability and supports inclusive, place-based growth. Such flexibility would align with the NPPF’s objectives around meeting diverse housing needs, making effective use of land, and planning positively for mixed-use developments that create healthy, inclusive, and vibrant communities.