Local Plan Issues and Options (Regulation 18)

Comment

Representation ID: 7583

Received: 22/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt & David Wilson Homes

Agent: Sat-Plan Planning and Development

I&O_8070
Barratt & David Wilson Homes North West agrees that the spatial strategy should follow the principle of directing new development towards previously developed sites within settlements in the first instance, but welcomes the Council’s admission that this approach will not deliver the overall housing requirement for CWAC and therefore the Local Plan will seek to develop on the edge of existing settlements in locations with the best access to public transport and existing services and infrastructure, as the next best sustainable option. The document clearly acknowledges, the key difference between the CWAC Local Plan (Part One) and the new Local Plan is a much more limited supply of previously developed land to accommodate new development, and unlike the last plan, larger areas of Green Belt and/or countryside are likely to be needed. To meet the revised housing target of 28,710 homes by 2040, the Local Plan must distribute growth effectively. Sandiway provides a viable option to support this need without overburdening already constrained urban areas and can support appropriate and sustainable growth whilst also aligning with key strategic policies of the Local Plan.  Sandiway should be identified in the emerging Local Plan as a key location for further residential and small-scale employment growth. Sandiway’s status as a Key Service Centre in the current Adopted Local Plan demonstrates its existing amenities which make it a logical settlement capable for further growth to help deliver on the borough’s economic, social, and environmental objectives. Key Plan objectives such as SO6 (housing mix), SO5 (infrastructure provision), and SO3 (sustainable rural communities) support development in areas like Sandiway. Development on the edge of Sandiway will assist in further contributing to ensuring it is a sustainable settlement. Additional housing growth will be subject to planning contributions which in turn will enhance and improve the capacity of local schools and healthcare services In summary, it is considered that Sandiway is a viable candidate for future proportionate growth under the spatial strategy options outlined. The expansion of Sandiway will assist in reducing development pressure on sensitive Green Belt areas within the borough. Sandiway undoubtably offers a sustainable, infrastructure-ready opportunity for future growth and. It aligns with both the objectives of the emerging Local Plan and the spatial principles set out in  SS 3 ‘Spatial strategy principles’ are supported.

Comment

Representation ID: 7591

Received: 22/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt & David Wilson Homes

Agent: Sat-Plan Planning and Development

I&O_8078
Yes, to both. An individual place-based policy for each settlement and smaller settlements such as Sandiway should form part of the Local Plan Review. Identifying a clear vision, core features, key issues and clear strategy for the type, size and scale of what development will be acceptable in each settlement will be a significant benefit to the Plan and delivering future development in the borough. The opportunity to comment further on this when the appropriate detail is available is welcomed.

Comment

Representation ID: 7592

Received: 22/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt & David Wilson Homes

Agent: Sat-Plan Planning and Development

I&O_8079
The capacity of existing services and infrastructure can be successfully improved and increased in tandem with future housing growth and existing capacity should not be a barrier to growth. The infrastructure required to deliver the homes in Sandiway can be delivered in partnership with the Council, stakeholders and developers in a phased, comprehensive and coordinated way which is responsive to community needs. Through a combination of direct on-site improvements and financial contributions, developments can ensure that essential services and facilities can support the proposed growth sustainably and effectively. In terms of character, whilst all new development brings inevitable change, this is often a  subjective matter and the opportunity to create an evolving character in smaller settlements should not be dismissed. For example, the proposed residential development at Chester Road, Sandiway seeks to respect and enhance the local landscape, respond sensitively to Sandiway’s semi-rural identity, which delivers essential housing in a way that complements the existing settlement. As such, the character of Sandiway will not be adversely harmed, and is considered to be an appropriate and contextually responsive extension of the settlement. Whilst the character of areas should be respected where possible, this must be balanced with the need to meet the revised housing target of 28,710 homes by 2040. It is inevitable that the character of settlements will need to evolve to accommodate this required growth. A pragmatic approach must be encouraged.

Comment

Representation ID: 7593

Received: 22/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt & David Wilson Homes

Agent: Sat-Plan Planning and Development

I&O_8080
For Sandiway there are growth options within open countryside locations. These options should be considered before reviewing the need for Green Belt Sites to meet the requirements for Sandiway.

Comment

Representation ID: 7594

Received: 22/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt & David Wilson Homes

Agent: Sat-Plan Planning and Development

I&O_8081
Sandiway is a sustainable settlement where the level of growth should reflect a similar distribution to that set out in the current Local Plan, but with the higher housing requirement for the borough reflected within this.

Comment

Representation ID: 7595

Received: 22/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt & David Wilson Homes

Agent: Sat-Plan Planning and Development

CUD02
I&O_8082
Barratt & David Wilson Homes North West welcome the identification of the Cuddington and Sandiway Growth Area, more specifically Area Reference CUD02 identified in table B.5. The area identified for housing is also adjacent to an area identified for mixed use development (CUD03 to the South of Chester Road). Collectively both broad areas have the potential to accommodate future growth in a sustainable, integrated manner. CUD02 is a logical and deliverable broad area to accommodate future. The area benefits from a sustainable location adjacent to the settlement boundary which avoids encroachment into the Green Belt. It represents a logical and well-contained extension to the village, minimising urban sprawl and maintaining and enhancing the distinct identity of Sandiway. The planning application which is currently under consideration by CWAC includes a proposed masterplan which incorporates a landscape-led and character-conscious design, ensuring new development reflects the scale, grain, and form of the existing village. The LVIA which supports the planning application for the Site, concludes that any long-term impacts are minimal, the development respects the existing landscape character of Sandiway and, through thoughtful design and mitigation, avoids significant adverse effects. The previously submitted Vision Document and Planning Applications which are under consideration by CWAC demonstrate there are no deliverability constraints to the development. CUD02 should be carried forward as a successful growth area in the emerging Local Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 7596

Received: 22/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt & David Wilson Homes

Agent: Sat-Plan Planning and Development

CUD02
I&O_8083
During the preparation of the Planning Application for residential development at Chester Road, Sandiway, Residents raised concerns during community engagement about difficulties accessing GP services after the closure of the Sandiway GP surgery. The nearest practice is now located in Northwich, creating accessibility challenges for the elderly and families without transport. Barratt David Wilson Homes North West have expressed a willingness to work with Cheshire West and Chester Council, the NHS, and Clinical Commissioning Groups to secure contributions towards new or enhanced local health care provision. As outlined in response to Question SS8 - The capacity of existing services and infrastructure can be successfully improved and increased in tandem with future housing growth and existing capacity should not be a barrier to growth.

Comment

Representation ID: 7597

Received: 22/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt & David Wilson Homes

Agent: Sat-Plan Planning and Development

CUD02
I&O_8084
Deliverability:  The National Planning Policy Framework requires that to be considered deliverable, sites should be available now, offer a suitable location for development now, and be achievable with a realistic prospect that housing will be delivered on the site within five years and that development of the site is viable. As evidenced in these representations, the Site is available now and offers the opportunity for the early delivery of a high-quality residential development that will provide both market and affordable housing and would make a valuable contribution to addressing housing land supply in Cheshire West and Chester within the next 5 years. The level of affordable housing for this Site and elsewhere in the borough should be determined further to a borough-wide viability assessment with a strong focus directed towards realistic rates that can be delivered. The Site is within a sustainable location where there is good access to services and facilities including public transport infrastructure. Given the proximity of the site to existing residential development, along with the very high levels of containment, the Site represents a logical extension to Sandiway. Several detailed technical investigations have already been undertaken which demonstrate the suitability and deliverability of the site for residential development. There are no technical impediments to development. All matters including landscape, access, drainage, ecology, amenity, and infrastructure have been addressed through a landscape-led and technically robust design. Where mitigation is necessary, it is minor and achievable via standard planning conditions. The full planning application submitted by Barratt & David Wilson Homes North West very clearly evidences the deliverability of the Site.

Comment

Representation ID: 15821

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt & David Wilson Homes

Agent: Turley

I&O_16380
The I&O Consultation Document confirms that CWAC Council intend to prepare additional evidence to support the emerging Local Plan, including a Housing Needs Assessment, Green Belt Study, Infrastructure Delivery Plan, Strategic Viability Assessment and Land Availability Assessment. The Council must ensure that all proposed policy directions and spatial strategy are thoroughly justified and supported by evidence. The outlined documents, alongside any other necessary studies, will be essential to robustly underpin the policies set out in the emerging Local Plan. It is essential that the evidence base that informs the emerging Local Plan reflects the latest national policy as set out in the NPPF and Planning Practice Guidance (“PPG”). In particular, this includes ensuring that the proposed Green Belt Study aligns with the updated Green Belt PPG published in February 20256, including consideration of grey belt opportunities. In addition to the evidence already identified by CWACC, other evidence that should be produced or updated to ensure it reflects the latest context includes:  Site Selection Paper – to date there is no evidence provided by CWAC Council on the proposed allocations, including FRO03. As set out in these representations, the live planning application for the Site is supported by a full suite of technical documents. BDW are happy to assist CWACC in sharing relevant evidence, as necessary. Places Background Paper 2024, which should be extended to consider all identified Local Service Centres (in addition to the urban areas and Key Service Centres) and the potential for these to be ‘moved up’ the settlement hierarchy. Economic Needs Assessment 2025 Brownfield Land Register Playing Pitch Strategy 2021 Public Open Space Assessment Duty to Cooperate Statement Updated Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans for all Conservation Areas in CWAC

Comment

Representation ID: 15822

Received: 29/08/2025

Respondent: Barratt & David Wilson Homes

Agent: Turley

I&O_16381
The emerging Local Plan should have a clearly defined monitoring framework, which establishes key monitoring indicators for each relevant policy and defines how the objectives / targets established in the Local Plan are being met and, if not, why and what actions will be taken and when to address any issues. It should also confirm the associated data sources and means of reporting. Effective monitoring of housing delivery is particularly critical. If annual monitoring reveals delays in housing delivery across CWAC, prompt action must be taken to rectify this. The Council should monitor housing delivery against a published Housing Trajectory and conduct site-by-site housing monitoring at least annually, in accordance with Paragraph 78 of the NPPF.