Cheshire East Local Development Framework

Place Shaping Consultation

Alsager Snapshot July 2011

Foreword 2 1 Introduction 3 Introduction 3 What is the Local Development Framework? 3 How is the Local Development Framework being prepared? 3 What are the timescales for preparing the Local Development Framework? 4 What is the Place Shaping Consultation? 5 How do we assess the suitability of proposals? 6 How does this relate to Community-Led Planning? 7 How does this relate to Neighbourhood Planning? 7 2 A Snapshot of the Town 8 An Introduction to the Town 8 Housing 9 Economy 11 Town Centre 13 Transport 15 Open Space and the Countryside 16 The Built Environment 18 Community Infrastructure 21 3 To Sum Up... 24 To Sum Up... 24 Appendices 28 Appendix A: Glossary of Terms 28 Appendix B: References 31 Contents

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 1 Cheshire East Local Development Framework

Place Shaping Consultation – Snapshot Reports

Foreword

Cheshire East is facing many challenges over the next twenty years or so. These include climate change, moving to a low carbon and globalised economy and increased housing need. These challenges will need to be faced in a period of a slow growing national economy and much reduced levels of infrastructure investment by the Government.

It will therefore be important to have a clear strategy to tackle these issues and to indicate how we want our towns and villages to change and grow.

Your Place

Your Future

Your Say

In autumn 2010, we consulted on options for the overall strategy for Cheshire East. We are following this up with the Place Shaping Consultation to look at the challenges facing our towns and villages and how these can be addressed in the new development plan for Cheshire East.

The Place Shaping Consultation asks some fundamental questions:

What do you want your town or village to be like in 2030? What are the challenges facing the town or village? What are the constraints and opportunities for development? How can development help to deliver improved local infrastructure?

This Snapshot Report sets out an overview of your town with a wealth of interesting facts to help you think about planning its future.

Through this consultation we are embracing the spirit of localism and neighbourhood planning.

I want to encourage everyone to help us prepare the new plan so that we can make sure that Cheshire East continues to be a great place for our children, grandchildren and us to enjoy.

Cllr David Brown Foreword

2 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report Introduction

1.1 Cheshire East Council is working together with town and parish councils, local area partnerships, businesses, community groups and local people of all ages to prepare the new development plan for Cheshire East – called the Local Development Framework. This will guide the future planning and development of our towns, villages and countryside up to 2030. It will cover all of Cheshire East except the area that lies within the Peak District National Park. The Local Development Framework will aim to ensure that Cheshire East continues to have:

a thriving economy an attractive environment a wide choice of housing vibrant town centres with good quality shops and leisure facilities, schools, health and community facilities, a choice of transport What is the Local Development Framework?

1.2 The Local Development Framework will consist of three main reports:

1.3 Core Strategy – this will set out the vision, objectives and strategy for the future development of the Borough. It may include strategic development sites.

1.4 Site Allocations Plan – this will include detailed policies to be used in considering planning applications as well as site allocations and policies.

1.5 Infrastructure Plan - this will set out the improvements required to transport, social and community infrastructure, such as schools and health services, that will be required to serve new development. It will set out a programme for their development and any financial contributions that new developments will be required to make.

1.6 The Local Development Framework will be a single plan for Cheshire East and will replace the Regional Spatial Strategy, the Cheshire Structure Plan, Cheshire Waste and Minerals Plans and the Local Plans for Congleton, Macclesfield and Crewe and Nantwich. How is the Local Development Framework being prepared?

Background Evidence

1.7 We started preparing the Local Development Framework in 2009, by producing background evidence to help us understand the challenges facing the Borough. This looked at housing, economic development, retailing, open space, environment, transport, minerals and waste. All reports can be viewed on the Council’s website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ldf and at the Council offices at Westfields, Sandbach.

Strategic Issues and Options Consultation

1.8 We carried out a Borough wide consultation from November to December 2010 to begin the discussions about how future housing and economic growth in the Borough should be planned for. Options for the level of growth and three development strategies were considered. This consultation provided valuable feedback which is summarised in the Report of Consultation available on the Cheshire East website and at the Council offices at Westfields, Sandbach. Introduction

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 3 The Place Shaping Consultation

1.9 One of the key messages from this consultation was that further work was needed to understand the challenges facing each town and village and the opportunities and constraints to addressing them. The Council is keen to embrace the new spirit of localism and to ensure that local communities have the opportunity to be involved in shaping the plan for their community. We want to be sure that all sections of the community have the chance to be involved and that the plan takes account of the needs of everyone, in particular the needs of the next generation.

1.10 Through the Place Shaping Consultation Cheshire East Council will be working closely with town and parish councils, local area partnerships, town partnerships, local businesses, community groups, young people and individuals to develop a plan for each town and larger village that will be taken forward into the Local Development Framework. Smaller villages will be asked to consider whether they have any development requirements and proposals to be included in the plan. What are the timescales for preparing the Local Development Framework?

1.11 The timescales for the preparation of the Local Development Framework are shown in the Figure below: Introduction

4 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report What is the Place Shaping Consultation?

1.12 There are three stages to the consultation and a number of events are planned. These stages are: Introduction

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 5 1.13 Firstly, we want to understand the issues and challenges facing the community.

1.14 This Snapshot Report sets out information about the development of the town: about the housing, economy, town centre, transport, built and natural environment and community infrastructure. It identifies some key challenges that we need to take into account as we plan the future of the town.

1.15 We would like to hear what you like about the town, the changes needed and your priorities. You can contribute through any of these events:

Local Area Partnership events – workshops for parish councils, community groups and stakeholders Community Exhibition with questionnaire On line and postal consultation with questionnaire Play Your Place with your group

1.16 Your Place - This activity has been developed for groups to think about the needs of different people in their community and what type of place they may want to live in. Contact the Spatial Planning Team to obtain an activity pack.

1.17 Secondly, we will then look at the constraints to development, the areas that need to be safeguarded and then consider and assess options for various types of development. This will help us to work together to develop the plan for the town. You can contribute through any of these events:

Stakeholder workshops Exhibitions - community consultation On line and postal consultation

1.18 Thirdly, we have to bring the plans for each town and village together and assess whether they will deliver the overall needs of the Borough as a whole. This will be through:

Local Area Partnership Assemblies will consider the plans Cheshire East Council will consider the plans and undertake assessments to ensure that they comply with and deliver European and national legislation and planning policy. The Council will have to ensure that there is a consistency of approach and that the plans in combination will deliver the growth aspirations for the Borough as a whole. Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet will consider the plans and assessments and agree the policies and proposals to be included in the Preferred Options draft of the Local Development Framework. How do we assess the suitability of proposals?

1.19 The options will be subject to a Sustainability Appraisal (incorporating a Strategic Environmental Appraisal) that will test the proposals against a number of social, economic and environmental indicators. Amongst other things, it will assess how the plan affects all sections of the community, whether it promotes health and how it affects rural areas.

1.20 A Habitats Regulation Assessment will be carried out to appraise the impact of proposals on any sites and habitats designated as being of European importance for nature conservation.

1.21 The Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulation Assessment will be published for consultation alongside the Local Development Framework. Introduction

6 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report How does this relate to Community-Led Planning?

1.22 Many communities in Cheshire East have completed Parish Plans. These have provided an understanding of the challenges facing the community and an action plan for a wide range of initiatives. Parish Plans cannot allocate land for development or include policies to control the planning or use of land - that is the role of the Local Development Framework.

1.23 Parish Plans provide a useful starting point for the community to prepare its proposals for the future planning of its village. Many communities have identified the need to provide more affordable housing and / or starter homes in the village. Providing that a site can been agreed with the support of the community, this can be taken forward as a proposed allocation into the Local Development Framework. Other proposals such as new open space or community facilities may also be proposed for allocation and included in the Infrastructure Plan.

1.24 The Local Development Framework will include policies to safeguard important open areas such as parks and play areas as well as designated nature conservation sites and heritage assets. Communities may wish to review the boundaries shown in the Local Plan and highlight any changes they consider appropriate to reflect changed circumstances. How does this relate to Neighbourhood Planning?

1.25 The Localism Bill is introducing the concept of Neighbourhood Planning. The intention behind this is for Parish Councils or neighbourhood forums to work with the Borough Council to prepare their own development plan that will deliver the detailed planning policies and site allocations for their area in accordance with the Local Development Framework Core Strategy. Each Neighbourhood Plan would be required to demonstrate that it accords with European and national legislation and planning policy. It will be subject to a public examination and a referendum.

1.26 Cheshire East Council wants to embrace the spirit of localism by working closely with communities through the Place Shaping Consultation to ensure that all communities have the same opportunity to help shape the preparation of the plan for their town or village to be included in the Local Development Framework. By working together in this way it is envisaged that the resources and costs of plan preparation, assessment and examination will be managed more effectively. Introduction

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 7 An Introduction to the Town

2.1 Alsager is located in the south east of Cheshire East and has a population of 12,460. It is close to the boundary of the Borough and therefore has links both within the Borough to the nearby towns of Crewe and Sandbach but also externally to a number of towns within the Potteries. Alsager is classed as one of nine Key Service Centres within the Cheshire East Settlement Study. This means that it is a town with a range of employment, retail and education opportunities and services, with a reasonable level of public transport.

Figure 2.1 Location of Alsager

2.2 Alsager was a small farming village until the 19th century when, due to its rail connections and rural character, it became a popular place to live for managers from the nearby Potteries. During the Second World War, a large armaments factory was built outside the town at Radway Green, and the town grew to house the influx of munition workers. This site remains the town's largest employer. More recently the town was noted for the presence of the Alsager campus of Manchester Metropolitan University, but in 2006 the process began of transferring staff and departments to the Crewe campus. own T

2.3 In respect of restrictions to development, the town is bounded to the south and east by the South Cheshire Green Belt, the main purpose of which is to maintain the separation between the

the towns of Cheshire and the Potteries urban area. There is also an area to the south of the town that

is identified as being at risk of flooding. of

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8 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report Housing

2.4 There are more than 5,000 homes within Alsager; of these a significant proportion are detached properties. These are a mix of both houses and bungalows, mingled with a smaller number of semi-detached properties. There are only a limited number of terraced houses and these are found mainly within the Radway Estate and in the central area of the town.

Figure 2.2 House Types

2.5 Although house prices within Alsager are below the Cheshire East average there remains a significant proportion of people who cannot afford to purchase their own home. The Strategic Housing Market Assessment identifies a need for 36 affordable homes to be provided each year within Alsager, particularly for affordable homes with two or more bedrooms.

2.6 There are only a small number of vacant or empty homes within Alsager. However, there is a level of both over and under-occupancy within the town; with a number of households having a larger number of bedrooms than required and a much smaller number of households with insufficient bedrooms to meet the requirements of their family. own T

2.7 In recent years the town has been the subject to development restraint policies,

the purpose of which was to assist in the of regeneration of the Potteries. Consequently, there have been relatively few new housing developments built within Alsager in the last five years; on average there has been 10 new homes built in each of these five years, with only two of these being affordable dwellings. Snapshot

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 9 2.8 Within Alsager there is an increasingly ageing population; this is over and above the average for Cheshire East, with an increased proportion of people over the age of 65 years and more than a quarter of households in Alsager being 'pensioner households'. This is likely to give rise to a need for more housing developments aimed at older people, for example extra care developments. This will need to build upon the existing provision within the town including the provision at Milton Park, Sandbach Road South, Talke Road, Sandbach Road North and Hall Drive, by expanding the choices available and improving the existing facilities where needed.

2.9 The Core Strategy Issues Figure 2.3 Age Structure of Alsager and Options Report identified a range of between 690 and 1,600 homes that need to be provided within Alsager by 2030. Research has shown that there is demand for both smaller one bed properties and larger properties with more than four bedrooms. There is also demand for a greater mix of house types with more people seeking to live in smaller homes, including terraced properties and apartments. This is to meet the needs of first time buyers and people looking to downsize their property but stay within the local area, in a high quality development.

2.10 It is important therefore to make sure that there is sufficient housing in the town to meet the needs of existing and future residents over the next 20 years or so. It is also important to make sure that sufficient affordable housing is provided for people who are unable to access market housing. own T

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10 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report Economy

2.11 The economy of the town grew slowly until the mid 20th century when both the Royal Ordnance Factory and Twyfords Bathrooms opened in the town.

2.12 Radway Green (formerly the Royal Ordnance Factory) is now part of BAE Systems Global Combat systems, and manufactures small arms ammunition for the armed forces. At its height in 1942, Radway Green employed over 15,000 people, mostly women, working three shifts per day, seven days a week.

2.13 The Twyford brand has developed a long way in the 330 years since Joshua Twyford first started making commercial pottery. From the early days, Twyford was the world’s first high volume manufacturer of sanitaryware, exporting to Russia, America and Australia and Twyford is still leading the way with groundbreaking new products like the ultra-hygienic rimless, water saving WC. Twyford is currently looking to consolidate its manufacturing business and is therefore reducing the size and scope of its Alsager site, which in future will consist of offices, distribution and storage.

2.14 Alsager has five main existing employment sites:

Radway Green (Royal Ordnance Factory) / BAE Systems (mixed use); Twyford(1) (mixed use); Excalibur Trading Estate (mixed use);and Cardway Cartons (general industrial).

2.15 Part of the Manchester Metropolitan University Campus is allocated for employment uses as part of the redevelopment of the site for a variety of uses. There are further sites within the town that have planning permission for business offices.

2.16 Alsager has a lower than average unemployment rate. Many residents travel to work outside of the local area, to other locations within Cheshire East and outside of the Borough into the north Staffordshire area. In order to maintain the high employment rate and to ensure that there is sufficient variety and opportunities for people to continue to work, as well as creating new job opportunities, it will be important to provide for high quality links to employment opportunities outside of Alsager.

2.17 Due primarily to the recent presence of Manchester Metropolitan University within the town, Alsager has a high proportion of its population who are of working age, particularly in the 15-24 age group. However, it has an above average level of economic inactivity, although of those of working age who are not in work around 1 in 3 are students. This situation may change, however, with the closure of the Manchester Metropolitan University campus. own T

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 11 2.18 Out of a total of 164,400 jobs provided in Cheshire East, Alsager provides approximately 2,800; this is 1.7% of the jobs available in the Borough. The majority of these jobs are within the public administration, education and health sectors, although subsequently this may be affected by the closure of the Manchester Metropolitan University campus. Other significant employers include the distribution, hotels and restaurants sector, which may reflect the location of Brit European Transport at Radway Figure 2.4 Jobs by Sector Green.

2.19 The withdrawal of Manchester Metropolitan University from its Alsager campus and the loss of a number of jobs at the Twyford factory has meant a significant loss of employment opportunities within Alsager.In the region of 160 jobs may be lost at the Twyford site. This, combined with the low level of job availability in the town, has highlighted the need to maintain and improve its employment offer. Without an increased level of job opportunities it will be increasingly difficult to retain working age people, and encourage younger people to move into the town.

2.20 Qualification levels within Alsager are above the Cheshire East average. There are higher levels of residents with degrees or equivalent, fewer residents with no qualifications and Alsager has the highest proportion of all settlement areas in Cheshire East with residents having A-Levels or equivalent. However, again this may have been influenced to some extent by the numbers of students living in the area. Although the population is generally well educated, they are not paid as highly as some other parts of Cheshire East with the average income in the town at £36,647, almost £1,500 less than the Cheshire East average.

2.21 The imminent closure of the University campus has also reduced the availability of further educational opportunities within the town. own T

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12 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report Town Centre

2.22 Alsager town centre stretches along the main street and is focused around the crossroads of the B5077 (Crewe Road / Lawton Road) and the B5078 (Sandbach Road North / Sandbach Road South). In addition, the town centre includes Milton Park; a large area of public open space that has recently been remodelled.

2.23 The 2010 Town Centre Survey provides the following information:

there are 129 retail premises within Alsager town centre; 10% (12 units) were vacant; this compares favourably with the UK and Cheshire East averages; 58 premises were shops; 20 were financial and professional services; 15 were restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments and hot food take-aways; and a further 24 were in other uses.

2.24 The Cheshire Retail Study Update 2011 provides the following additional information:

there is 6,363sqm of retail floorspace in the town; 28% of the floorspace is for convenience (food) retailing; 27% of the floorspace is for comparison (clothes, electrical, furniture etc) retailing.

2.25 The closure of the Manchester Metropolitan University campus and the reduction in the student population may have an impact on the type of uses in the town centre in the future.

2.26 Existing food retail provision is mainly focused at the Sainsbury’s Local and the Co-op stores. However, according to the Retail Study (2011) significant levels of spending from the Alsager area are attracted to the Tesco store at Kidsgrove and the Asda stores at Tunstall and Wolstanton, all in the Potteries urban area. Research identifies that there may be capacity for additional food retailing in Alsager. However, much of this extra capacity is likely to be met through the redevelopment of the existing Co-op store.

2.27 There is currently a lack of comparison (clothes, electrical equipment, furniture etc) retail within the town centre, encouraging people to shop elsewhere, particularly into the Potteries conurbation. There may be opportunities for Alsager to continue to build on its selection of independent and specialist retailers to increase the numbers of people using the centre for their comparison shopping. own T Studies indicate that there may be capacity for additional comparison shopping. However, planning permission has been granted for development on Sandbach Road South that could add extra the comparison retail development and should meet all of the town's need to 2015. of

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 13 2.28 There are a number of community facilities within the town centre including the Civic Centre and the library. The quality of these buildings could be improved and other uses introduced, including additional indoor markets. The current outdoor market was established in April 1994, providing 25 pitches for traders bringing their own stalls and is open every Wednesday.

2.29 Research has identified that limited numbers of people visit the town centre for leisure related activities such as entertainment or to visit pubs or bars within the town. Therefore there may be opportunities to enhance the evening economy, recreational facilities and the provision of health and exercise related facilities, to bring more people into the town.

2.30 There is scope to improve the quality and appearance of the town centre and to preserve and enhance trees and green spaces within and adjacent to the town. This relates to the desire to enhance the sense of place within Alsager.

2.31 Two main roads run through the town centre, effectively splitting it into 4 parts, making it awkward for pedestrians to move through the town smoothly or without obstruction. There may be scope to improve the pedestrian environment in the town centre.

2.32 A number of festivals take place within Alsager throughout the year, many of them with a focus within the town centre. It will be important to ensure that this community spirit is built upon and enhanced and that these events attract visitors to the town. own T

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14 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report Transport

2.33 The town of Alsager is situated on the B5077 and is located approximately five kilometres (three miles) to the north-east of Junction 16 of the M6 Motorway.

2.34 Alsager Railway Station is owned by East Midlands Trains and provides hourly links, via Stafford, Lichfield and the Trent Valley Line to Northampton, Milton Keynes and London Euston. This service is run by London Midland, whilst the station also sees hourly visits by trains on the East Midlands Crewe to Derby Line.

2.35 Two bus interchanges exist within Alsager, at Alsager Bank Corner bus stop and Alsager Railway Station. Bus services within the town give access to Crewe, Leighton Hospital, Hanley, Sandbach, Nantwich, Congleton and Kidsgrove.

2.36 Recent years have seen the once regular bus link with Newcastle-Under-Lyme reduced to a single peak time journey each way. Finally, from nearby Church Lawton crossroads, Alsager residents have a Saturday service to and from Liverpool.

2.37 The Trent and Mersey Canal runs just to the north-east of the town, forming part of the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk and the South Cheshire Way footpath. The canal's towpath and the nearby Salt Line are also routes of the National Cycle Network. Bike racks have been provided in certain parts of the town centre. There are opportunities to expand and enhance the existing walking and cycling networks within Alsager. It would be particularly beneficial to create new off-road walking and cycling opportunities where pedestrians and cyclists feel safe and there is greater opportunities for families to exercise and play together.

2.38 Alsager has 4 public car parks. Fairview Car Park is known to get busy at certain times, often corresponding with the school drop off and collection times and also on market days and during popular University of the Third Age (U3A) events at the Civic Hall. The redesign of the layout of Fairview Car Park as part of the redevelopment of the Co-op is intended to address this issue.

2.39 Through the provision of improved public transport and pedestrian and cycling networks there will be positive impacts on local people’s health and well-being, through increased activity and social interaction. The use of sustainable transport modes will also help to lower resource use and in turn, carbon emissions. own T

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 15 Open Space and the Countryside

2.40 Alsager is situated in the open countryside within an attractive landscape setting. The land to the south and east of the town is identified as Green Belt, which is not a landscape designation but is intended to maintain the separation of the town from the Potteries conurbation. The tributaries of the River Wheelock and River Wear are natural boundaries to the town to the north and south.

2.41 Alsager Mere is a small spring fed lake located in the centre of Alsager. Its presence has been noted from before medieval times, but it has shrunk considerably in size since then. The Mere is also designated as a 'Park and Garden of Historic Interest', by English Heritage, recognising that the site has historical value. There is presently limited access to Alsager Mere via two fenced public viewing areas on Crewe Road and Sandbach Road North and from the residential gardens that border the site. The Mere is privately owned and it is therefore difficult to create increased access to the site, however, there are opportunities to increase safety and access to the existing viewing points.

2.42 Milton Park is the town's main park, with a large open space, children's play area, football pitch, skate park and formal garden area, which has been remodelled in recent times. The park is also classed as a 'Park and Garden of Historic Interest'. However, there appears to be an under use of open spaces within the town, such as Milton Park. This could be due to a lack of signage or knowledge that the facilities are there or because of perceived community safety issues that may prevent people visiting the open space areas at certain times of the day, or at all.

2.43 Research has shown that Alsager has a lack of outdoor sports provision and of children’s play provision. Therefore new open space needs to be provided, and new developments will need to ensure that they are not adding to this lack of open space provision. The open space needs to be safe and accessible as well as of a high quality whether that be for general use, children's play space or as parks and gardens. There would also be increased value if these sites could be linked into a network of open spaces. There are plans for a new play area on the Fairview Car Park, to replace the existing provision, including equipment for both children and young persons.

2.44 Due to the ageing population within Alsager there may also be a need to give greater consideration to the types of open space provided. This could be an increased need for opportunities for older people to sit down or for areas for leisurely walks or it may be that there is an increased demand for allotments within the area. own T

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16 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 2.45 There are several car-free walking and cycling areas in and around Alsager, with two of the best known being the Salt Line and Merelake Way. The Salt Line runs between the north of Alsager and Hassall Green, with Merelake Way running from Talke Road in southern Alsager to Merelake on the Cheshire East boundary. There are opportunities to expand and enhance these existing walking and cycling routes to create a safe network for everyone to use.

2.46 There are also many areas of formal and informal greenspace located amongst the residential areas that have amenity value. There are opportunities to ensure that these spaces are maintained and that new developments provide similar spaces, as they can improve the open feeling of a development, improve the visual amenity of the area and provide opportunities for wildlife.

2.47 Alsager is renowned for its many mature trees most of which are protected. These trees enhance the appearance of the town and also provide valuable habitats for wildlife. The use of trees in future developments and as part of any open space schemes should be encouraged.

2.48 Alsager is surrounded by gently undulating countryside. Loss of hedgerow boundaries and the introduction of fences in the landscape have occurred in recent years. Oakhanger and White Mosses lie to the west of the town, separated by the M6 motorway that runs north-south through the area. This is a flat landscape of mixed land use and varying scales.

2.49 Oakhanger Moss is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of the Midlands Meres and Mosses - Phase 2 Ramsar (a site of European Importance). The site comprises of a large range of habitats from open water to raised bog and supports a number of rare species of plants associated with wetlands, as well as a collection of invertebrates including several rare species. It is of greatest importance for the range of mire vegetation that it supports. The site is in a favourable condition. Development within and adjacent to the town will need to consider any potential impacts it may have on this site, and ensure that these important habitats are protected.

2.50 Cranberry Moss is a nature reserve about 1 mile west of the town centre and its preservation will play an important part in the maintenance of the wildlife within the town.

2.51 Bibby’s Moss, to the north of the town, is a Site of Biological Importance (SBI). It is a large ancient mossland, consisting of a dried out raised lowland peat bog. Most of the site is now covered with woodland; with damp and quite diverse broadleaves in the south and mixed plantations in the north. There are also open glades. Development that takes place close to either Cranberry Moss or

Bibby's Moss will need to consider any potential they may have on these sites. own T

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 17 The Built Environment

2.52 The majority of buildings within Alsager are 2 storey with a number of bungalows and chalet bungalows within the residential areas. The buildings on the University campus and on the Twyford site provide some slightly taller properties, however, the redevelopment of both these sites has, and will see a number of these buildings demolished. Despite the relative similarity of buildings, certain places feel more enclosed than others because of the way in which the buildings are sited and relate to the street. Many of the modern residential estates have open plan front gardens with the properties well set back from the street, creating a much more open character.

Figure 2.5 Land Use Plan

2.53 The land use diagram identifies a clear commercial core to the town where the majority of food retail, professional services and other retail are clustered along the main east-west axis of Crewe Road / Lawton Road. Beyond the town centre, the surrounding streets are largely residential in nature, with the occasional community use, such as schools or churches interspersed. There are a couple of employment areas to the eastern part of the town and the Radway Green Business Park just

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18 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 2.54 Alsager Conservation Area, the largest within the town, consists of many fine buildings that are mostly in residential use. The area includes a number of attractive Victorian Villas dating back from the 1850’s, which front onto Fields Road. Generally the detached buildings are characterised by detailed brickwork with double frontages and are built on a fairly modest scale. Development continued into the later half of the 19th Century and in the 1870’s and 1880’s semi-detached homes were built in a more suburban manner, extending the built up area along Station Road.

2.55 Another important feature of the Alsager Conservation Area is the town’s war memorial, which forms a focal point at the junction of Ashmore’s Lane and Sandbach Road South. own T

Figure 2.6 Map of Alsager Conservation Areas

2.56 The Avenue Conservation Area, located adjacent to Alsager Mere, is characterised by the substantially sized residential properties on either side of The Avenue. The Avenue's distinctive of characteristics are also attributed to by the road's narrow and informal appearance, along which run a number of trees and hedges, many of which are protected.

2.57 St. Mary Magdalene Church is the only Listed Building (Grade II) within the two Conservation Areas. Designed by Austin and Paley in the gothic style, the Church was built in 1896, and is located within The Avenue Conservation Area. Snapshot

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 19 2.58 Alsager has seven Listed Buildings; six of which are Grade II (School buildings and schoolmasters house, Church Road; Pair of Gatepiers C5 yards from the western door of Church of Christ, Church Road; Church of St Mary Magdalene, Crewe Road; 21 & 23 Audley Road; Townhouse Farm, Audley Road; and Bank Farmhouse, Audley Road) and one is Grade II* (Church of Christ, Church Road).

2.59 Alsager has six buildings on the Local List of Historic Buildings. The 'Local List' includes buildings that are of local importance but are without any statutory protection. Such buildings within Alsager are Alsager Railway Station, United Reformed Church, 44 Crewe Road, Wesley Place Methodist Church, 79 Sandbach Road North and Milton House.

2.60 There has been no recent significant archaeological work undertaken within the town and it is therefore not possible to ascertain the extent, preservation and survival of archaeological deposits in Alsager. The study of Alsager forms part of a national research priority for archaeological work to examine the origins and development of medieval towns and rural markets.

2.61 There is a need to protect Alsager's historic assets including its Listed Buildings, buildings within the Conservation Areas and buildings of local historic importance. own T

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20 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report Community Infrastructure

2.62 The term 'community infrastructure' embraces a wide number facilities/services in Alsager including education, learning and childcare; health care and social care services; leisure facilities; community safety and policing; and meeting places and places of worship. It is important to ensure that important community facilities and services are delivered and that further provision meets the needs of local communities, including disadvantaged groups.

2.63 There is a strong feeling of community spirit within Alsager, with a number of community events held throughout the year and a significant number of active community groups.

Education

Six Primary Schools. One Secondary School located on Hassall Road, which is a specialist business and enterprise college and is designated as a high-performing specialist school. Based on current projections there are sufficient school places in the area to meet demand over the next five years although the anticipated surplus is low. Therefore, a review of provision may be required in the near future. Manchester Metropolitan University is seeking to concentrate its Cheshire-based activities into an expanded campus based in Crewe, leading to the closure of many of the facilities at Alsager. The University does intend to retain some land to serve as sports fields. However, it is currently seeking planning permission for a mixed-use development including housing.

Health Care

There are two doctors surgeries within Alsager, both based at the modern Alsager Health Centre. These are the Cedars Medical Centre and Merepark Medical Centre.

There are a small number of dental practices based within the town.

Leisure Facilities

Alsager Leisure Centre has been identified as currently at or approaching its full capacity, particularly at peak times. Its current facilities include: 25m swimming pool; Everybody fitness suite; multi-purpose sports hall; squash courts; sauna; and floodlit synthetic soccer/hockey pitch. There are two tennis clubs in Alsager; Alsager Lawn Tennis Club and Alsager Bowling and Recreation Club.

There is one cricket club located in Alsager, which is home to Alsager Cricket Club. There are own T

also playing facilities at Manchester Metropolitan University and Alsager School. There are three football pitches within Alsager at Wood Park (senior), Cedar Avenue (senior, the

with capacity for junior) and Milton Park (junior). There is also the Alsager Town Football Club ground located to the north east of the town. of There are two bowling greens in Alsager located at Alsager Institute Bowling Club and Alsager Bowling and Recreation Club. Alsager has four good quality allotment areas, which are managed by Alsager Gardens Association for Cheshire East Council. Snapshot

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 21 Places of Worship

There are several churches in Alsager including Christ Church, which also has a cemetery, Alsager Community Church, St Mary Magdalene Church, Wesley Place Methodist Church and St Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church.

Other Facilities

Alsager's library is located within the civic quarter of the town and provides various services and facilities including a Customer Service Point, computers, meeting room, photocopier and talking books to name but a few. There is also an Alsager Police Community Support Officer helpdesk available in the library on Saturdays.

Alsager Civic Centre has been at the heart of the Alsager Community since 1971 and has three rooms that can be hired for meetings and events. own T

the

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22 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 2.64 Community Infrastructure within the town is indicate in the figure below: CHESHIRE

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Alsager

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Figure 2.7 Infrastructure in Alsager

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23 A Snapshot of the Town To Sum Up...

3.1 Some of the challenges for Alsager are as follows. What else should be added to this list?

Housing

The Core Strategy Issues and Options Report identified a range of between 690 and 1600 homes to be provided within Alsager by 2030. There is also demand for a greater mix of house types, particularly both smaller 1 bed properties and larger properties with more than 4 bedrooms. Although house prices within Alsager are below the Cheshire East average there remains a significant proportion of people who cannot afford to purchase their own home. A need for 36 affordable homes to be provided each year within Alsager has been identified. The population profile of the town is older than the average for Cheshire East.

Economy

The number of jobs available within Alsager is low, however, there is lower than average unemployment. Many resident travel to work outside of the local area. Qualification levels within Alsager are above the Cheshire East average, however, the average income remains below average. The closure of the Manchester Metropolitan University Campus and the loss of a number of jobs at the Twyford factory has meant a significant loss of employment opportunities within Alsager.

Town Centre

Alsager town centre faces significant competition for trade from the nearby retail centres of Hanley, Crewe, Sandbach, Kidsgrove, Tunstall and Wolstanton. There are a number of community facilities within the town centre including the Civic Centre and the library. The quality of these buildings could be improved to bring them into line with modern standards. A number of festivals take place within Alsager throughout the year, many of them with a focus within the town centre. It will be important to ensure this community spirit is built upon and enhanced.

Transport

Alsager is well located; it is approximately five kilometres (three miles) to the north east of Junction 16 of the M6 motorway and has a train station within walking distance of the town centre, which includes services to many of the surrounding towns and cities and onwards to London. Bus services link various areas of the town, and to other nearby towns, but there is potential for further improvements to this service. Public car parks within the town can be particularly busy during peak times.

Open Space and the Countryside

There are shortages of outdoor sports space and facilities for teenagers and children within the town. There are important areas of open space within the town such as Milton Park, the Mere and Cranberry Moss that add to the character of the settlement. Up...

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24 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report The Built Environment

There are a number of areas within Alsager that have historic and architectural value, and will add to the sense of place and character of the town, it will be important to ensure these are conserved. The majority of buildings within Alsager are two storey although there is a number of bungalows and chalet bungalows within residential areas. Despite the relative similarity of buildings, certain places feel more enclosed than others because of the way in which the buildings are sited and relate to the street. Many of the modern residential estates have open plan front gardens with the properties well set back from the street, creating a much more open character.

Community Infrastructure

There is a strong feeling of community spirit within Alsager, with a number of community events held throughout the year and a significant number of active community members. Alsager Leisure Centre has been identified as currently at or approaching its full capacity, particularly at peak times. Up...

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 25 Up...

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26 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report Appendices Appendices

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 27 Appendix A: Glossary of Terms

Affordable Housing Affordable housing covers a range of housing types and tenures. It includes social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, provided to eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. Affordable housing should meet the needs of eligible households including availability at a cost low enough for them to afford, determined with regard to local incomes and local house prices. It should include provision for the home to remain at an affordable price for future eligible households or, if these restrictions are lifted, for the subsidy to be recycled for alternative affordable housing provision. Allocated An allocated site is one that has been identified for development through the planning process. Existing allocated sites in Cheshire East are those identified within the three former authority Local Plans. Future site allocations will be made within the Core Strategy and Site Allocations Development Plan Documents. Annual Monitoring Report The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) forms part of the Local Development Framework. The purpose of the report is to:

Provide a profile of the Borough of information and key trends; Identify the effects of planning policies on social, environmental and economic outputs; Help determine the extent to which objectives, targets and programmes are being met; Inform and guide future plans and policies; and Monitor the extent to which the timetable set out in the Local Development Scheme is being met.

Combined Heat and CHP is the use of a power generator to simultaneously generate electricity Power (CHP) and useful heat, to provide hot water for example in a district heating system. Community Infrastructure Community infrastructure is the basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society. Community infrastructure includes community buildings and halls, leisure facilities, education services, healthcare facilities and renewable energy installations. Comparison Retail Non-food retailing, e.g. clothes, electrical goods, furniture etc. Conservation Area An area considered worthy of preservation or enhancement because of its special architectural or historic interest. Convenience Retail Food retailing. Core Strategy The Core Strategy will set the strategic spatial planning framework for how Cheshire East will develop in the future. Its vision, objectives and strategic policies are overarching and form the basis for the whole LDF. District Heating A system for distributing heat generated in a central location for example in a combined heat and power plant. Green Infrastructure The network of natural environmental components and green and blue spaces that lies within and between cities, towns and villages which Appendices

28 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report provides multiple social, economic and environmental benefits. Green Infrastructure is the region's life support system. Habitats Regulations The Habitats Regulations Assessment process is intended to describe Assessment and evaluate the likely significant effects of implementing a policy document on Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and Ramsar sites, taking into account the document‟s objectives and geographical scope. It is required to ensure that the document will not individually or cumulatively impact on the Natura 2000 network. Index of Multiple The IMD measures the level of deprivation of an area down to the Lower Deprivation (IMD) Super Output Area level. Jobs Density The number of jobs per working age person in a given area. Listed Building A building or structure that has been placed on English Heritage's Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. Listed Buildings may not be demolished or altered without permission from the local planning authority. There are three grades of listing: Grade I (buildings of exceptional interest); Grade II* (particularly important buildings of more than special interest); and Grade II (nationally important buildings of special interest). Local Development A folder of documents that will outline the development plan for Cheshire Framework (LDF) East. This sets out the planning policies used when determining planning applications. Locally Listed Building Locally listed buildings are listed by the Council in addition to English Heritage's Statutory List for buildings that are of local importance. There is no statutory protection for buildings on the local list. Lower Super Output Area A set of geographical areas developed by the Office for National Statistics (LSOA) to enable data to be analysed at a very local level. They typically have a population of around 1,500 people. Ramsar Site Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance, designated under the Ramsar Convention.

Scheduled Ancient A SAM is a nationally scheduled (protected) structure of special historic Monument (SAM) interest or significance, ranging from a earthworks to ruins to buried remains. Section 106 Agreement A legal agreement relating to monies paid by developers to the Council (s106) in order to offset the costs of the external effects of development, for example to fund new school places, provide new green spaces or improve a road layout. Site Allocations The Site Allocations document is part of the LDF and will contain land Document allocations and detailed policies and proposals to deliver and guide the future use of this land. Site of Biological A SBI is a local non-statutory designation to protect locally valued sites Importance (SBI) of biodiversity. Site of Special Scientific A SSSI is an area with statutory protection of national importance for its Interest (SSSI) special interest, which may be due to its fauna, flora, geological or geomorphological features. Appendices

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 29 Special Area of SACs are areas which have been given special protection under the Conservation (SAC) European Union’s Habitats Directive. They provide increased protection to a variety of wild animals, plants and habitats and are a vital part of global efforts to conserve the world’s biodiversity.

Special Protection Area SPAs are areas which have been identified as being of international (SPA) importance for the breeding, feeding, wintering or the migration of rare and vulnerable species of birds found within European Union countries. They are European designated sites, classified under the ‘Birds Directive 1979’ which provides enhanced protection given by the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status all SPAs also hold.

Strategic Environmental SEA is a method of ensuring that policies, plans and programmes Assessment (SEA) incorporate environmental considerations and is required under an EU Directive. This will be incorporated into the Sustainability Appraisal. Strategic Housing Land The SHLAA is is a key component of the evidence base to support the Availability Assessment delivery of sufficient land for housing; to meet the community’s need for (SHLAA) more homes; and to inform housing policy within the Cheshire East Local Development Framework. Strategic Housing Market This is a study that assesses the local housing markets and need for Assessment (SHMA) housing in the area. Sustainability Appraisal Sustainability Appraisal is a process that identifies and reports on the (SA) likely effects of a plan, and the extent to which the plan's implementation will impact upon the environmental, social and economic objectives for an area. Appendices

30 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report Appendix B: References

Author Document Date Population Cheshire Constabulary Cheshire Constabulary Crime Records 2009 Cheshire East Council Settlement Study 2010 Housing Cheshire East Council Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2010 Cheshire East Council Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 2010 Cheshire East Council Annual Monitoring Report 2010 Economy Cheshire East Council - Annual Business Enquiry 2008 Research and Intelligence Sentinel Newspaper Twyford Article - 16/07/2010 2010 Town Centre Cheshire East Council Shopping Surveys 2010 Cheshire East Council Annual Monitoring Report 2010 Cheshire East Council Cheshire Retail Study Update 2011 Transport Cheshire East Council Transport Baseline Data Report 2010 Cheshire East Council Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2011 Cheshire East Council Local Transport Plan 2011 Cheshire East Council Car Parks Town by Town 2011 Cheshire East Council Cycle Routes in Cheshire 2011 Sustrans Cheshire Cycle Routes 2011 The Natural Environment Cheshire East Council Cheshire Landscape Character Assessment 2007 Cheshire East Council Open Spaces Database 2011 Cheshire East Council Green Infrastructure Framework for North East Wales, Cheshire and 2011 Wirral The Built Environment English Heritage Heritage Gateway 2011 Cheshire East Council Local List of Historic Buildings Supplementary Planning Document 2010 Cheshire County Council Cheshire Historic Towns Survey, Alsager Archaeological Assessment 2003 and English Heritage Community Infrastructure Cheshire East Council Leisure, Culture and Tourism 2011 Cheshire East Council Infrastructure Study Unpublished Renewable Energy Cheshire East Council Climate Change and Renewables Study 2011

Sources of information for this Town Strategy Appendices

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Alsager Snapshot Report 31 Cheshire East Council Planning and Housing Service, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach, CW11 1HZ www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ldf email: [email protected] Tel: 01270 685893

Issues and Options Paper