Council consults on the Local Plan Issues and Options
Cheshire West and Chester Council is consulting on an Issues and Options document which is the first formal stage in the process of preparing a new Local Plan for the borough.
Local Plans are key documents that shape development in the borough, taking account of local needs and infrastructure, through allocating sites for different types of uses including housing and employment.
The Issues and Options consultation seeks views on how and where future development needs should be accommodated and also provides an opportunity for people to comment at this early stage on the vision and objectives for the new Local Plan.
The consultation sets out three spatial options for meeting future development needs, which, based on a 15-year plan period would be around 29,000 new homes and 150 hectares of employment land. The options are accompanied by a series of maps identifying potential areas for growth around settlements in the borough. The consultation also seeks views on how policies in the existing Local Plan could be amended and updated to take them forward as part of the new Local Plan.
The Council will consider and analyse all responses received to inform the next stage of the plan in 2026.
Councillor Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, said:
This is a real opportunity for our residents, businesses and stakeholders to shape the new Local Plan and to comment on the vision and objectives for future development across the borough. The Issues and Options asks a series of questions which cover housing and employment but also other important issues including transport and infrastructure, health and well-being and the natural and built environment. The Local Plan is a key document helping to avoid the type of speculative development, that could have a negative effect on our communities and the environment. No decisions have been made at this stage, there are three options being suggested, by taking part in the consultation residents, businesses and developers will be able to suggest new or amended approaches to those suggested.
The consultation will take place between 4 July and 29 August 2025. A number of face-to-face and online information events will be held during the consultation period, where officers will be available to answer questions and help people to respond to the consultation.
Confirmed dates:
Wednesday 16 July – Northwich (unit 12 & 13 Baron’s Quay) 2pm to 7pm
Monday 21 July – Chester (Garret Bar, Storyhouse) 12.30 to 5.20pm
Wednesday 13 August – Winsford (28 Dingle Walk, Winsford Cross) 12.30 to 5.30pm
Locations and dates to be confirmed - Ellesmere Port and online events