CWAC consults on second phase of Local Plan

Cheshire West & Chester Council will open the public consultation into part two of its Local Plan this week, which includes land allocations and detailed policies on development in the borough until 2030.

The Local Plan is made up of two sections; part one is the starting point when considering planning applications, supported by part two, made up of the preferred sites and further information on guiding principles.

Included within the plan are sites identified to meet employment needs at Gadbrook in Rudheath, Chowley Oak, Hampton Heath and Farndon, and the safeguarding of a route for the Chester Western Relief Road and a fifth Park and Ride at Hoole.

Issues such as Green Belt boundaries, the number of new homes to be built and how much employment land should be provided were adopted last year in part one of the Local Plan.

The role of the Part Two plan is to provide additional detail to the part one policies and allocate sites to meet the needs already identified.

Consultation will start on 12 August with comments to be received by 5pm on Friday 23 September. Copies of the plan will be available at local libraries, customer service centres and on the council’s website at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/localplan

Cllr Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: “I would encourage residents and businesses to respond to the Local Plan consultation. This plan is an important document that will help shape development and environmental protection in the borough through to 2030.”

This is an early stage of the plan-making process and will enable the council to consider views before the plan is finalised.