The council has decided to approve the Local Plan 'Issues and Options' for public consultation, aiming to shape the borough's development for the coming years.

URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1975

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Economy and Housing which sought approval for the council to go out to public consultation in relation to the Local Plan “Issues and Options”.  Members were reminded that Cabinet agreed in 2025 to commence preparations for a Local Plan and this consultation is the first formal consultation stage of preparing a new Plan.   Members noted that the Local Plan was a key corporate document that ensured that development took place using a planned approach across the borough and considered the needs of local people in terms of housing and infrastructure.  It should reflect the Council’s ambitions for inclusive economic growth and meeting housing need in the context of wider sustainability objectives.  The Local Plan was a guide as to where development should take place and should help to avoid the speculative-type development which could have a negative effect on communities and the environment.   Members were informed that a cross-party informal member working group had been established to assist with the plan making process.  The detailed report outlined three options as part of the Issues and Options consultation (section 4.12), although it was stressed that no decisions had been made at this stage and that new or amended options could be suggested as part of the consultation.  The exact start date of the consultation was yet to be established, however it would run for eight weeks which was slightly longer than usual due to the likelihood it would commence during the summer holiday period.   Cabinet Members welcomed the report and were happy to progress to the consultation stage.  They urged everyone to engage with this important consultation to help shape the borough for the coming years.  It was recognised that development would happen regardless and without a Plan it would be speculative development.  Cabinet Members were not in favour of any reduction in the Government’s level of housing delivery due to the high demand for housing, particularly for young people and in rural areas.   Councillor Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation.   Visiting Members:  Councillor Martin Loftus spoke in relation to the item.   DECIDED:    That   1)            the local plan ‘Issues and Options’ be approved for consultation; and 2)            the Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning and the Head of Planning and Placemaking authority be delegated authority to agree the final format and wording of the consultation materials.   Reason for Decision   To ensure the Council maintains an up-to-date and robust local plan that reflects the Council’s priorities and aspirations and enables a planned approach to the provision of new development and infrastructure.   Alternative Options   The nature of an Issues and Options consultation means that there could be many alternative approaches that could be put forward but in order to deliver a new local plan under the current plan making system a consultation must take place.

Date of Decision: June 11, 2025