Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan
2020-2030 Contents
1 Foreword ...... 5 Figure A: Designated Neighbourhood Plan Area Map ...... 8 2 Introduction ...... 9 Gawsworth: an Overview ...... 10 Figure B: Green Belt Boundary Map ...... 11 The Gawsworth Landscape ...... 12 Built Character and Design ...... 13 Gawsworth Today ...... 14 3 Consultation ...... 17 4 Vision and Objectives ...... 20 Figure C: Infill Boundary Map ...... 22 5 Development Policies ...... 23 G1 Development ...... 24 G2 Gawsworth Village Design Guidance ...... 26 G3 Conversions of Farm Buildings ...... 28 G4 Sustainability ...... 28 G5 Wildlife Friendly Development ...... 29 Figure D: Nature Conservation Interests Map ...... 30 G6 Gawsworth Setting ...... 31 G7 Business Development ...... 32 G8 Community Facilities ...... 32 G9 Telecommunications ...... 33 G10 Surface Water Management ...... 34 6 Environment Policies ...... 35 Figure E: Tree Preservation Orders Map ...... 36 E1 Trees and Hedgerows ...... 37 E2 Green Spaces ...... 38 E3 Dark Skies ...... 39 Figure F: Local Green Spaces Map ...... 40 Figure G: Street Lighting Map ...... 41 E4 Heritage Assets and Conservation Areas ...... 42 E5 Locally Valued Heritage Assets ...... 43 Figure H: Gawsworth Conservation Area Map ...... 44 Figure I: Macclesfield Canal Conservation Area Map ...... 45 Figure J: Local Plan Site Allocations Map ...... 46 7 LPS15 Policies ...... 47 L1 Employment Land ...... 48 8 Transport Policies ...... 49 T1 Sustainable Transport ...... 50 2 Contents
T2 Public Rights of Way ...... 51 Figure K: Public Rights of Way Map ...... 52 10 Aspirations ...... 53 Aspiration 1 Footpaths and Bridleways ...... 54 Aspiration 2 Pavements ...... 54 Aspiration 3 Cycle Routes ...... 54 Aspiration 4 Parking ...... 54 Aspiration 5 Road Safety ...... 54 Aspiration 6 The A536 ...... 54 Aspiration 7 Sustainability ...... 54 Aspiration 8 Green Action Plan ...... 54 11 Appendices ...... 55 Appendix A Local Green Space Justification ...... 56 Appendix B Listed Buildings and Monuments ...... 57 Appendix C Locally Listed Buildings ...... 62 Appendix D Locally Valued Heritage Assets Justification ...... 63
3 Gawsworth4 Park Foreword
Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan 5 1 Foreword
What is the Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan?
1 .1 In March 2012 the Government published the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) with immediate effect, which was updated in July 2018 . This legislation replaced the former planning regulations with a new planning rulebook which puts localism at the heart of future planning . In April 2012 regulations governing Neighbourhood Planning came into force .
1 .2 Neighbourhood Plans allow a community to set out a vision for an area and planning policies for the use and development of land .
1 .3 All Neighbourhood Plans must:
• have appropriate regard to national planning policy
• contribute to sustainable development
• be in general conformity with strategic policies in the development plan for the local area
• be compatible with EU obligations and human rights requirements
1 .4 A Neighbourhood Plan must be compatible with national policies and with the policies in the authority’s local plan . The Cheshire East Local Plan which is the new Development Plan for Cheshire East was adopted in 2017, and will guide development up to 2030 . This neighbourhood plan is to run for the same period as the Cheshire East Local Plan, expiring in 2030 .
1 .5 The Cheshire East Local Plan has allocated a strategic site at Congleton Road (LPS15) which is allocated for 300 houses and 5 hectares of employment land . The site lies in the parish of Gawsworth, but due to its close proximity to Macclesfield, Cheshire East has attributed the housing numbers to the figures for Macclesfield. This development represents the largest housebuilding programme in the parish in over half a century, increasing the population of Gawsworth and presenting new challenges and new opportunities .
1 .6 Adjacent to LPS15 is an area of safeguarded land (LPS19) . Strategic site LPS17 at Gaw End Lane, Lyme Green lies partly within Gawsworth and has permission for 310 houses and the South Macclesfield Development Area (SMDA) is adjacent to the parish boundary on the east side of Congleton Road .
1 .7 The Cheshire East Local Plan Part Two - Site Allocations and Development Policies Document (SADPD) will allocate the remaining sites needed for future development and set out further detailed planning policies to be used when considering planning applications . The First Draft SADPD consultation ran from 11 September - 22 October 2018 .
1.8 In the draft SADPD Gawsworth Village is designated as an ‘infill village’. Infill villages 6 do not have a settlement boundary, have no allocated development sites and are within the open countryside. Limited infilling will be supported within the village infill boundaries subject to certain criteria. The areas of the Parish outside the infill boundary and the strategic sites are classed as open countryside. Outside the strategic site near Macclesfield the parish is almost entirely washed over in Green Belt . (see Figure B)
1 .9 The Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan was produced following a resolution to undertake a Plan at the Parish Council Meeting of 10 November 2015 . A steering group was formed who consulted and listened to the community on a range of issues that influence the well-being, sustainability and long term preservation of the parish. Every effort has been made to ensure that the vision, aims, objectives and policies of the Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan reflect the views of the majority of the local residents, whilst having regard to local and national policies .
1 .10 The proposed Neighbourhood Area was consulted upon from 14 December 2015 to 1 February 2016 and was officially designated on 16 February 2016. The designated area covers the whole of Gawsworth Parish (see Figure A)
7 Figure A: Designated Neighbourhood Plan Area Map
8 Introduction
Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan 9 2 Introduction
Gawsworth: an Overview
2 .1 Gawsworth is an historic Cheshire village on the eastern edge of the Cheshire Plain. Just five miles from Macclesfield, it is one of the eight ancient parishes of the Macclesfield Hundred. Gawsworth’s history goes back to the 1086 Doomsday Book, listed as “Gouesurde” and belonging to Earl Hugh of Chester . The population of Gawsworth was well recorded in the 19th century, and fluctuated between 567 and 847, it boomed in the 1950’s when it reached 1,093 and in 2013 the population was 1,705 .
2 .2 Gawsworth is a rural parish, with the majority situated within the Green Belt . It is the second largest parish in Cheshire by area despite its small population . The parish can be described as three areas, the centrally located main settlement area of Gawsworth Village, the Gawsworth Moss settlement area in the north of the parish, and the sparsely populated rural areas . There are two trunk roads running through the parish, the A536 connecting the Village and Moss areas, and the A523 in the rural east of the parish .
2 .3 It is noted that the centre of the village has shifted on at least two occasions as the village has evolved . The core of the village was originally centred around the Old Hall and Church, and later moved to the Gawsworth Crossroads, where many of the original amenities were sited . The centre is now considered to be in Longbutts Lane .
2 .4 Gawsworth is fortunate to be the home to twenty Listed Buildings . The authors of the Cheshire volume of the Buildings of England series stated:
‘There is nothing in Cheshire to compare with the loveliness of Gawsworth: three great houses and a distinguished church set around a descending string of pools, all within an enigmatic large-scale formal landscape.’
2 .5 Gawsworth is home to three country houses, Gawsworth Old Hall, Gawsworth New Hall and Gawsworth Old Rectory, as well as a National Trust spinney, known as ‘Maggoty Wood’, where Samuel ‘Maggoty’ Johnson (1691-1773) one of England’s last professional jesters and a successful dance master and dramatist is buried . His resting place is a Grade II listed monument . The Church of St . James is a Grade I listed building dating back to 1430 . Gawsworth also has a Victorian Methodist Church on Dark Lane .
2 .6 The Elizabethan Pleasure Garden at Gawsworth Hall was set within an even larger park, extending for nearly 600 acres, whose boundaries and some of whose features can still be traced today . The park and garden provided a vast private enclave for the Fitton family, long resident at the Hall, which reached the height of its social and economic power during the reign of Elizabeth I . Where remains of these gardens survive, as at Gawsworth they take on national importance and should be preserved for future generations
2 .7 Gawsworth is home to a community shop, which was established following the 10 Figure B: Green Belt Boundary Map
11 closure of the privately run shop and post office. Located on Longbutts Lane, the shop is open daily and staffed by volunteers . The shop has recently expanded to incorporate a community hub .
2 8. Gawsworth Primary School on Longbutts Lane has just over 200 pupils, aged 4-11 in 7 classes . The school underwent a major refurbishment in 2004 which vastly updated the facilities .
2 9. Gawsworth Village Hall is owned by the Parish Council but run by a separate committee . It was built in 1953 and consists of a large hall and a smaller committee room . A renovation of the main hall took place in 2017 . The Scout Hall, next door to the Village Hall, was bought and paid for by Gawsworth Scouts . Both the Methodist Church and St James Church have community halls .
2 10. The Harrington Arms, owned by Robinsons Brewery, is the village pub and a Grade II listed building. Once a farm house, and first licensed in 1710, the pub is full of character and offers a good selection of drinks and great food . The Rising Sun public house and hotel, located on Congleton Road, serves the Gawsworth Moss community .
2 11. Gawsworth has an excellent park, in the centre of the village, managed by the Parish Council, with a football pitch, tennis court, table tennis and children’s play areas .
2 12. Gawsworth Old Hall hosts a season of summer events as well as being a top Cheshire tourist attraction . It provides a distinctive country destination for local, national and international visitors welcoming thousands of visitors every year .
2 13. Gawsworth is attractive for outdoor activities for residents of the parish and nearby towns . The Parish Council owns a small community woodland known as Nancy’s Wood . Several attractive countryside rambles can be started at Gawsworth and Danes Moss Nature reserve is a destination for those with an interest in insects, particularly dragonflies, birds and rare landscapes. The Cheshire cycleway passes through Gawsworth .
2 14. There are a number of community organisations which provide treasured services to residents, including the WI, Scouts and Girls Brigade and Gawsworth Arts and Social Society . There is an active community social calendar including regular Cheshire Rural Touring Arts productions, the Rose Queen celebrations, the Christmas ‘Festive Fun’ evening and the biennial Pantomime . The community also hosts regular luncheon clubs, coffee mornings and social activities . Landscape
2 15. Gawsworth lies within National Character Area 61 – Shropshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire Plain, a pastoral area of rolling plain which is particularly important for dairy farming. The Cheshire Landscape Character Assessment 2008 classifies the parish as lying partly within the landscape character type of Higher Farms and Woods, with part of the parish falling within the character type of Mossland .
2 16. The key characteristics of the Higher Farms and Woods Character Type include:
• Gentle rolling and moderate undulating topography
12 • A mix of medieval and post-medieval reorganised fields (irregular, semi- regular and regular up to 8ha)
• Hedgerow boundaries and hedgerow trees
• High density of woodland – blocks, coverts and riparian
• Predominantly low density dispersed settlements
• Ponds
• Small mossland areas
2.17 This undulating character type has a rural nature, which is defined by a higher than average density of woodland compared with much of Cheshire . Land use is a mix of arable and pasture, while settlement largely retains its dispersed low density pattern . Intensive reorganisation during the post-medieval period saw the breakup of medieval field patterns. Small surviving mosses are typical in most areas, as are ponds. Many areas have a very rural character with small, winding country lanes rising and falling over the undulating ground .
2 .18 Part of the designated Neighbourhood Plan Area falls within the Mossland character type . The key characteristics of the Mossland Character Type include:
• An accumulation of peat in water-logged depressions and hollows associated with glacial deposition
• Oligo-fibrous soils with a high suitability for horticulture when drained
• A distinctive field pattern, typical of the enclosure of mosslands – long linear moss-rooms
• Areas of broadleaved woodland – alder, birch and oak
• Heathland with birch and scrub regeneration
• Peripheral settlement that has encroached upon the former extent of the moss
• Place names that are indicative of peat e .g . Moss Lane
• Leisure facilities e.g. playing fields, cricket grounds
• Landfill sites
2 .19 Danes Moss, raised lowland bog, is towards the north east of the parish and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is the largest example in Cheshire of a cut-over raised mire and a rare habitat in lowland England . Part of the area is owned and managed as a reserve by Cheshire Wildlife Trust .
2.20 Part of the Danes Moss site has been successfully re-flooded by the installation of strategically placed dams . The tops of baulks are colonised by purple moor-grass and heather while shallow water contains tussocks of common cotton-grass . Over the site seven species of Sphagnum moss can be found and various rare species in Cheshire are supported here including 11 species of damselfly and dragonfly and brimstone and green hairstreak butterflies. The common lizard is also recorded. 13 Built Character and Design
2 .21 Cheshire East Council has recently prepared a design guide (available online) . The guide is geared principally toward larger scale housing proposals, but is also relevant to smaller scale development . The intention is to both guide and improve the quality of new development but to also provide a basis for Cheshire East to reject design that does not contribute in a positive way to Cheshire East as a place . The guide highlights that Cheshire East is a fantastic part of the country, where picturesque market towns nestle within unspoilt countryside . It is a very special and unique place that should be protected . Its character and attractiveness underpins the quality of life enjoyed by the Borough and its residents .
2.22 Five settlement character areas have been identified, and Gawsworth falls within ‘Silk, Cotton and Market Towns’, which covers the central area of Cheshire East . It is rural in character and defined by a higher than average density of woodland than most of Cheshire .
2 .23 The design guide highlights that the boundary treatments in this area range from coursed stone/brick walling, native and ornamental hedgerows, Cheshire/Parkland style railings, concrete post/panel fences and close boarded timber fences .
2 .24 In the settlement character area of Silk, Cotton and Market Towns, brick and render are the traditional choice for external walls with localised areas of stone . Timber is used selectively for decoration. Slate is the predominate material for roofing. Gawsworth Today
2 .25 Gawsworth Parish has around 1705 people, living in approximately 755 households .
2 .26 Based on the 2011 census, we know that:
• The population is older than the average in England, with Gawsworth having fewer children under the age of 16 than the national average (12 .9% as compared to 18 .9% in England), and more people over the age of 65 (30 .7% of the population, as compared to the England average of 16 .3%) .
• The community is fortunate to be safer than average, with fewer recorded crimes than the England average .
• The community is far less ethnically diverse than the England average, with only 2 .5% of the community identifying as white non-British or other minority ethnic, compared to 20 2%. in England .
• Average weekly income is higher in the parish than in England as a whole, with fewer than average benefits, council tax or pension credit claimants living here, and fewer children living in poverty than the England average . Whilst significantly below the national average 11.7% of households have an income 60% lower than median income .
• 10 5%. of people on average are living with a limiting long term illness, similar to the England average of 12 .8% .
• There is a higher than average number of residents who are self-employed 14 than the average for England (17% vs 9 .8%), and a higher than average number that work 49 + hours per week (17 7%. vs 13 3%),. and who work from home than the average for England (7 .8% vs 3 5%). .
• The parish has a far larger proportion of detached (57%) homes than the England average of 22.3%, with few terraced properties or flats.
• The parish also has a higher proportion of owner occupied homes than average, with almost 85% of properties being owner occupied . There are far fewer rented properties than the England average . We also know that there are 50 social housing properties in the Village, owned by Peaks and Plains Housing Association, and none in the rest of the parish .
• The household affordability ratio is 18:1 (median house price as a ratio of median income) compared to an England average of 15 4. .
• Households are less overcrowded than average
• The car is relied upon heavily as a mode of transport, with more households having 2, 3 and 4+ cars than the average, and far fewer with no car . The national average of economically active people using public transport to get to work is 11%, but in Gawsworth the figure is only 1.8%.
2.27 The majority of working age residents commute to Macclesfield, Congleton and beyond for work . Those working from home in some parts of the parish are hampered by poor broadband speeds .
2 .28 There are a number of privately owned and borough council owned farms in the Parish, a few depot sites and a small rural offices facility.
15 January16 2018 Consultation Event Consultation
Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan 17 3 Consultation
3 .1 The Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan is a community plan and must derive its vision, objectives and policies from the community . From the outset the Parish Council was determined that the residents should be kept informed and given every opportunity to inform the Steering Group of their views . Communication and consultation, in various forms, have played a major role in formulating the Neighbourhood Plan .
3 .2 It was therefore considered important to
• Promote a high degree of awareness of the project
• Encourage everyone to contribute to the development of the Neighbourhood Plan
• Promote consultation events and provide regular updates on the status of the Neighbourhood Plan and its development
3 .3 Key to this programme was publicity to gain residents engagement . This was gained via public meetings, attendance at village events, postal information, printed and electronic media via the Gawsworth Gazette, Parish Council website and Facebook page .
3 .4 Further information on consultation methods and the results from the consultations can be found in more detail in the Consultation Statement that will accompany the submitted version of the Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan .
3 .5 The Neighbourhood Area for Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan was subject to consultation from 14 December 2015 to 1 February 2016 and was formally designated on 16 February 2016 .
3 .6 A survey was delivered to every household in the designated area in June 2016 The questionnaire was used as a basis on which to develop the objective, visions and policies . The full survey analysis is available on the Gawsworth Life website . A total of 213 responses were received, a response rate of 27% and the results published on the Parish Council’s website and presented at a community meeting in January 2017 .
3 .7 The questionnaire was split into sections covering likes and dislikes about Gawsworth; planning and development; community facilities and infrastructure; green spaces; businesses; road safety; new development; and demographics .
3 .8 When asked what residents most valued about Gawsworth, the most common responses were the community facilities and amenities, the sense of community and the rural feel of the village . When asked what they didn’t like about Gawsworth, the largest responses were slow internet speed, the crossroads and speeding . Residents described the character of Gawsworth as rural, quiet and friendly . The most important facilities were seen as Gawsworth Park, St James Church and Gawsworth Hall . It was thought that the village hall and footpaths needed improvements, along with broadband speeds, mobile coverage, rural roads and pavements . The 18 vast majority of residents were satisfied with access to green spaces. There was an almost 50/50 split of views as to whether greater employment opportunities in Gawsworth would be supported . Road safety was a concern to the majority of respondents .
3.9 The survey produced 180 comments on development. Of these, 49 specifically expressed support for more development (including conditional support) and 28 expressed opposition . The main concerns were loss of green belt and village character, with the main support being for starter and affordable housing . The majority of respondents felt that only limited small scale and infill development would be appropriate, with larger developments of 9 or more units or development concentrated all on one site was considered inappropriate . A number of respondents stated that they felt that the green belt and Conservation Area should be protected from development .
3 .10 Following on from the survey the vision and objectives of the plan were developed and subject to consultation in January 2017 through a community meeting and the council website. They were finalised in April 2017.
3 .11 Following the adoption of the vision and objectives, emerging policies were drafted . From March 19 to April 30 2018 consultation was undertaken on these emerging policies . Two consultation drop-ins were held in April to provide information and enable residents to complete a survey detailing their views on the emerging policies . The survey was also distributed to all households in Gawsworth, either by post or hand delivery, along with a reply envelope, and was also available online . A total of 102 responses were received, a response rate of 13%
3 .12 The emerging policies can be viewed on the Gawsworth Life website . The policies were overwhelmingly supported . The policy with the greatest support was the sustainability policy (emerging policy G7) which had 97 .92% in favour, and the policy with the least support was the development policy (emerging policy G1) which had 75% support . The survey also asked for suggested changes to the policies, and various suggestions were made to all bar one of the 22 emerging policies .
3 .13 Following on from the emerging policies consultation, suggested changes were considered and where appropriate have been incorporated, and the policies refined in order to complete the first draft of the Neighbourhood Plan for consultation.
3 .14 The Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan underwent the Regulation 14 consultation from 13th November 2019 to 31st December 2019 . The plan was submitted to the list of statutory and other bodies provided by Cheshire East Council as required under the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 .
3.15 Following the statutory consultation the plan was further refined to complete the second draft of the Neighbourhood Plan for submission to Cheshire East Council .
19 Vision & Objectives
Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan 20 4 Vision and Objectives
4 .1 The vision and objectives are based on the feedback from the initial Neighbourhood Plan survey, and sources such as the Parish Plan . Vision
Looking to 2030, Gawsworth will remain a safe, green and pleasant place to live with a strong sense of place and community . It will have a variety of well-designed, high- quality homes to suit the varying needs of our parish which shall continue to be a place that provides for residents with differing talents, skills and needs .
The community in Gawsworth will be inclusive and welcoming, offering a range of activities and opportunities for residents of all ages to engage with one another . Gawsworth will thrive as a community .
Whilst retaining its rural character, Gawsworth will embrace modern technologies . The village will remain a small peaceful rural village with good connections to surrounding countryside . Gawsworth Moss will continue to maintain a distinct identity from Macclesfield but thriving from its connections. Rural Gawsworth will keep its character as beautiful Cheshire countryside based predominantly on farming .
Overall, Gawsworth will be a place where local people can live, work, play and enjoy a high quality of life .
4.2 Objectives were identified and the policies of the Neighbourhood Plan seek to deliver these objectives .
Objectives
1 . To ensure Gawsworth residents have access to high quality housing that suits their needs without losing our community or the traditional appearance of the rural area
2 . To ensure all Gawsworth residents have access to the countryside and green spaces via a wide network of well maintained footpaths, bridleways and cycle paths
3 . To ensure Gawsworth retains a strong sense of community and of place with a range of community facilities
4 . To identify opportunities to improve road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders and motorists
5 . To conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the parish and its environment and the integrity of the greenbelt
6 . To ensure Gawsworth residents have access to high speed internet, mobile and telephone links
21 Figure C: Gawsworth Infill Boundary
22 Development Policies
Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan 23 5 Development Policies
G1 Development
POLICY
The Infill Boundary for Gawsworth is defined at Figure C. Within this boundary limited infilling will be supported. Limited infilling is defined as the development of a relatively small gap between existing buildings. Limited infilling will only be permitted where it is:
a) In keeping with the scale, character and appearance of its surroundings and the local area;
b) Does not give rise to unacceptable impacts; and
c) Does not involve the loss of undeveloped land that makes a positive contribution to the character of the area .
Beyond the Gawsworth Infill boundary infill development will only be supported in accordance with PG6 of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy .
Where applicable, Backland and Tandem developments will only be supported where they:
a) Demonstrate a satisfactory means of access to an existing public highway that has an appropriate relationship with existing residential properties;
b) Do not have unacceptable consequences for the amenity of the residents of existing or proposed properties;
c) Are equal or subordinate in scale to surrounding buildings, particularly those fronting the highway; and
d) Are sympathetic to the character and appearance of the surrounding area through its form, layout, boundary treatments and other characteristics .
Development must not have a significantly negative impact on highway safety or traffic congestion on the A536.
JUSTIFICATION
5 .1 Gawsworth is a rural parish in the open countryside, and the majority lies within the Green Belt. No strategic need has been identified to deliver housing beyond local needs in the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy . One of the main responses from the consultations was that people value the open countryside setting of Gawsworth, and it is the aim of the Neighbourhood Plan that new housing development will remain of a scale and in locations appropriate to the rural location .
5.2 The Cheshire East Council Settlement and Infill Boundaries review 2019 24 recommended that the draft identified certain villages as villages where limited infill development may be appropriate. SADPD has designated Gawsworth as an ‘infill village’ . These are villages that do not have a settlement boundary, have no allocated development sites and are within the open countryside. Limited infilling will be supported within infill boundaries and is defined as the development of a relatively small gap between existing buildings . The draft policy PG10 states that limited infilling will only be permitted where it is in keeping with the scale, character and appearance of its surroundings and the local area; does not give rise to unacceptable impacts; and does not involve the loss of undeveloped land that makes a positive contribution to the character of the area .
5.3 The SADPD has not yet been adopted, and the final policy document is unlikely to be available until late 2020 . Whilst Neighbourhood Plans do not have to be in general conformity with emerging policies, the evidence used to draft the SADPD is the most up to date housing evidence, however, and so has been considered in the drafting of the Neighbourhood Plan policies . Additionally, it makes sense to align with Cheshire East’s strategic policy direction .
5.4 The Neighbourhood Plan welcomes the designation of Gawsworth as an infill village, and the majority of the Parish continuing to be defined as Green Belt. This designation and Neighbourhood Plan policy G1 reflect the responses from the Neighbourhood Plan survey . The survey highlighted that the majority of respondents were in support of some development, and that 83% of respondents felt that infilling would be the most appropriate form of development . The survey indicated that 85% of respondents felt that larger developments of 9 units or more would be inappropriate . When asked what sites should be protected from development, by far the largest response was Green Belt sites .
5 .5 There has been limited development in Gawsworth in recent years . The rural feel and open countryside are greatly valued by the local community, and limiting new housing development to infill within the Gawsworth Infill boundary, and elsewhere to that which is appropriate in the Green Belt, will reflect what has happened in the past where new developments were geographically spread around the village, and were easily absorbed into the community without putting undue strain on the parish infrastructure . Only appropriate forms of backland and tandem forms of development will be supported . For the purposes of Policy G1 backland development is generally considered to be the development of a site behind existing buildings with no (or very limited) street frontage, usually surrounded by existing development curtilages . Tandem development is usually the placing of one dwelling behind another within a single plot .
5 .6 Rural Exception Site proposals in the Green Belt must be consistent with the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy and other policies in the Neighbourhood Plan . They must be justified by robustly identified current local need and reflect the ethos of local community involvement . The Parish Council should be actively involved with the design and interpretation of local Housing Needs Surveys and the development of affordable housing and Rural Exception Site proposals, as set out in Cheshire East Council policies, procedures and guidance .
5 .7 The protection of the open countryside from urbanising development is a principal objective of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy . Indeed, one of the policy principles underpinning the Cheshire East Local Plan vision is to develop brownfield sites, where possible, to minimise the use of greenfield and the open countryside. The protection 25 of the open countryside from urbanising development is a principal objective of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy . Indeed, one of the policy principles underpinning the Cheshire East Local Plan vision is to develop previously developed land (brownfield sites), where possible, to minimise the use of greenfield and the open countryside. Brownfield development will be supported in accordance with the Local Plan that does not significantly detrimentally impact the rural character of the area, nor result in a significant negative impact on traffic congestion.
G2 Gawsworth Village Design Guidance
POLICY
New buildings, extensions and alterations within the village infill boundary should have demonstrable regard to the Cheshire East Design Guide and their surroundings to secure an acceptable integration into their immediate site context . This should include the following matters:
a) Dwelling types and separation distances
b) Front gardens and off road parking provision
c) The height and boundaries of the surrounding built environment .
JUSTIFICATION
5 .7 Gawsworth wishes to see high quality design and sustainable construction in new developments . Consultation responses highlighted the need to encourage sensitive development which will help to enrich the landscape, character and built setting of the Parish . It is essential that the qualities of Gawsworth and the surrounding area are protected and that the layout and design of all new developments should reflect the rural setting and be complementary in scale and design with adjoining buildings . Gawsworth Village and Gawsworth Moss have different characteristics, and developments in each area should reflect this.
5.8 The Gawsworth Moss area is the whole of the area abutting Macclesfield to the north of the parish which is not within the Green Belt, shown on Figure B . It includes the existing residential area and the strategic development sites LPS15 and part of LPS19 . LPS15 has been designated for residential and employment purposes, with development planned to start after 2020. This will have a significant impact on this part of Gawsworth and the Neighbourhood Plan seeks to ensure that development here reflects the rural character of the land and that development is in character with the existing Gawsworth Moss area .
5 .9 Gawsworth is within the Silk, Cotton and Market Towns area in the Cheshire East Council Design Guide. Design cues specific to this area which should be considered for new developments include:
• Residential properties step and flow with the gently rolling topography
• Streets and lanes are well overlooked and enclosed
26 • Less terraced housing found in smaller settlements • Features include single and full height bay windows, ridge detailing and prominent chimney stacks .
• Higher status properties set back behind small front gardens .
• Brick and whitewashed brick dominates, with localised areas of stone closer to the Gritstone Edge character area .
• Landmark and header buildings found within and around the settlements .
• Landscape setting, views and footpaths out to countryside important in all settlements .
5.10 In order to reflect and enhance the character of Gawsworth, the Cheshire East Design Guide must be consulted on all new development proposals .
5 .11 Gawsworth Parish comprises four distinct but complementary areas of building characters .
5 .12 The Gawsworth Village settlement occupying the ‘Warren’ area has developed over hundreds of years starting with a few pre-1900 stone built individual buildings including the Old School House . An area of Local Authority brick built semi-detached and terraced housing and bungalows for the elderly and disabled were added in the mid-twentieth century, followed in the 1970s by two small estates of detached houses. Additional infill houses complete the Village area and amenity green space is an essential element of the character of Gawsworth Village . A a clear boundary to the village settlement exists with housing set back from the A536 running to the northwest and surrounding fields and woodland. New dwellings in Gawsworth Village should normally seek to be terraced cottages, one or two story detached or semi- detached properties with adequate separation space which reflect their local context including the provision of adequate front gardens .
5 .13 The conservation area centred around Gawsworth Hall and St James Church is the historic centre of the village with just a handful of long-established residences . The New Hall and associated buildings have been converted into mostly apartments while retaining the historical façade .
5 .14 Beyond the village is open countryside with sporadic small farms and individual dwellings of various ages and designs along country lanes and the A536 as it passes through the Cheshire countryside . Most dwellings are of modest proportions with just some larger and grander residences .
5.15 To the north of the Parish is Gawsworth Moss, which borders on South Macclesfield but maintains its close association with Gawsworth Parish as a whole . Dwellings in this area are consistently styled semi-detached typical houses and bungalows from the mid-twentieth century .
27 G3 Conversions of Farm Buildings
POLICY
The conversions of suitable rural buildings to residential or business uses must ensure that any important characteristics and features of the original buildings are retained, that the urbanisation of the development is kept to a minimum, that the development is kept to the footprint of the original buildings as far as possible, and that development does not lead to increases in traffic which would harm unacceptably safety interests .
Proposals must ensure that conversions to residential or commercial use do not lead to an unacceptable hazard to non – motorised road users arising from an increase in vehicle numbers and large vehicles on small rural roads .
JUSTIFICATION
5 .16 The Designated Neighbourhood Area includes a number of farms and the NPPF supports the reuse of existing rural buildings, particularly for economic purposes, and promotes the development and diversification of agricultural and other land based rural businesses . There are multiple farmsteads in the rural area of Gawsworth which offer an opportunity for either new employment or residential development should they choose to diversify . Such buildings should be suitable in terms of national and local policy which in the case of residential proposals requires such buildings to be redundant or disused .
5.17 Whilst the conversion of farm buildings and diversification of agricultural businesses to ensure sustainability is supported, it is important that the conversion of agricultural buildings do not have a negative impact on the surrounding rural character, or lead to an urbanisation of the area or negatively impact on traffic and highways.
5 .18 Conversion of redundant farm buildings can provide the opportunity for relatively affordable homes, with multiple units often created on a single site . These would be consistent with the community’s preference for small scale, affordable development that would avoid the loss of any green belt land and valuable farmland .
G4 Sustainability
POLICY
Subject to other policies within the development plan, development proposals will be supported which:
a) demonstrate that they exceed minimum standards in terms of reducing carbon emissions through the use of sustainable construction techniques, reuse of materials and promotion of integrated renewable and low energy design solutions and low level, sustainable LED lighting; and
b) make provision, where appropriate for future foreseeable technologies, such as electric charging points; and
c) use sustainable urban drainage, permeable surfaces in areas of hard 28 standing, and on-site water management, to avoid increasing surface water run off into watercourses, subject to meeting other design criteria and being integrated into the overall site design solution .
JUSTIFICATION
5 .19 The feedback from the Neighbourhood Plan consultations highlighted the importance to the community of high quality environmental design and the importance of energy efficiency to residents. The emerging policies survey responses indicated that the most popular policy with respondents, with almost 98% support, was the sustainability policy .
5 .20 Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes (SuDS) are useful in providing additional wildlife habitat and preventing flooding. This policy aims to reduce the risk of flooding whilst also improving the water quality of the parish watercourses and ponds, helping to create havens for wildlife .
5 .21 One of the aims of the NPPF is to support the transition to a low carbon future in a changing climate, and encourage the use of existing resources and supporting renewable energy . Policy SE9 of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy – Energy Efficient Development states that the council will look favourably upon development that follows the principles of the Energy Hierarchy (reducing energy demand; suppling energy from renewable sources; and reducing and eventually eliminating use of fossil fuels) and seeks to achieve a high rating under schemes such as Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), and Building for Life .
5 .22 Enjoyment of and involvement in the rural green nature of Gawsworth is at the heart of the sense of place for Gawsworth residents and visitors . The emergence of a Cheshire East Council environmental strategy is welcomed and Gawsworth will look to support this through practical initiatives in the Parish . Development is encouraged to be consistent with and support Cheshire East and Gawsworth ‘green’ initiatives .
G5 Wildlife Friendly Development
POLICY
Bat roosts and bird boxes will be expected, where appropriate, to be designed into new buildings .
To promote and preserve wildlife, development will be expected to also incorporate as many of the following as appropriate;
a) Wildflower verges along roads and formal open spaces
b) Sustainable urban drainage, swales and rain gardens
c) Wildlife corridors to support and encourage wildlife
d) Wildlife friendly green roofs and walls
e) Wildlife permeable boundaries between gardens and open spaces
f) Interpretation panels to illustrate the needs of wildlife and the environment 29 Figure D: Nature Conservation Interests Crown Copyright and Database Rights Ordnance 2018. Survey 100049045 Site of Special Scientific Interest Site of Biological Interest Ancient Woodlands Gawsworth Neighbourhood Area Parish Boundaries Cheshire East Council Gawsworth - Natural Conservation Interests Conservation Natural - Gawsworth 30 JUSTIFICATION
5 .23 The conservation and enhancement of the natural environment is one of the core objectives of the planning system . Gawsworth is fortunate to be home to many wildlife habitats . With mosses, a SSSI, woodlands and many ponds, marshes and watercourses, there are a host of flora and fauna, birds, insects, and other wildlife species . The rural nature of the parish and the abundant wildlife is valued greatly by residents .
5 .24 Wildlife corridors are a key component of wider ecological networks as they provide connectivity between core areas of high wildlife value/distinctiveness enabling species to move between them to feed, disperse, migrate or reproduce . In Gawsworth, the Macclesfield Canal, moss, peat bogs, trees, watercourses and hedgerows allow wildlife to flourish. Danes Moss is a nature reserve, surrounded by a woodland fringe. Nine species of dragonfly and damselfly, for example, have been recorded on the reserve .
5 .25 It is considered vital that the local wildlife is not compromised by development, and indeed that development promotes and preserves wildlife . Simple measures such as leaving small gaps within fencing to allow hedgehogs to freely roam, and providing bat and bird boxes, and sympathetic outdoor lighting should be encouraged in all new developments .
G6 Gawsworth Setting
POLICY
New development should respond positively to opportunities to assimilate with the wider landscape by incorporating layout and design that maintains and/or reinforces views of St . James Church; the Gawsworth Halls; the Conservation Area; and the wider countryside
JUSTIFICATION
5 .26 The rural setting of Gawsworth within the landscape is important to the local community, and in particular there are specific views which should, where possible, be preserved . Views of St . James’ Church and the views across and to Gawsworth Hall should be recognised and not compromised by future development . The large developments to the south and immediately to the north of Gawsworth will make the special attraction of Gawsworth as a venue for countryside visits even more important over the plan period .
5 .27 Gawsworth is set in rolling farmland against a backdrop of the hills of the Peak District and overlooking the Cheshire Plain expanse . Prominent features such as Gawsworth Common, Shutlingsloe and Croker Hill to the East and the Cheshire Plain with the Jodrell Bank Telescope to the west place the Parish in a geographical context and contribute significantly to the Parish being such a pleasant place to live and to visit .
5.28 Gawsworth is a popular place for residents of Macclesfield and further afield to visit to ramble, cycle, enjoy Gawsworth Hall or the Park, woodlands and Danes Moss Nature Reserve . The special setting is of importance to residents and visitors alike . 31 G7 Business Development
POLICY
Subject to respecting Gawsworth’s built and landscape character, Green Belt location, and environmental, traffic and residential amenity impacts being acceptable, support will be given for the development or expansion of businesses .
The design of new buildings for appropriate businesses must meet the same design criteria set out in policies in this Neighbourhood Plan . They must be appropriate to their intended function .
JUSTIFICATION
5 .29 Gawsworth has a higher than average proportion of people aged 16-74 who work from home (7 .8% compared to the average in England of 3 .5%); who work more than 49 hours a week (17 .7% compared to the England average of 13 .3%) and/or who are self-employed (17% compared to the England average of 9 .8%) (2011 Census) . Only 1 .8% of working residents use public transport to get to work, compared to the average in England of 11% . The rural economy and existing small businesses are a vital part of village life, and any opportunities to develop either existing businesses, or that would enable the start-up of new small businesses appropriate to the rural area would be supported .
5 .30 One of the aims of the NPPF is to support a prosperous rural economy . Planning policies should support economic growth in rural areas in order to create jobs and prosperity by taking a positive approach to sustainable new development . The above policy will help to ensure that Gawsworth’s rural economy can grow sustainability over the Plan period and beyond, and that support can be given for both existing businesses and for new businesses and enterprises within the parish .
G8 Community Facilities
POLICY
Proposals for the refurbishment and improvement of all community facilities will be permitted, subject to other policies within the Neighbourhood Plan . Changes of use of these facilities to a non-community facility which requires planning permission will not normally be permitted, unless:
• any new use will provide equal or greater benefits to the community, and/or
• the facility is replaced suitabily elsewhere, or
• it is demonstrated that the facility is no longer required .
Proposals for new community facilities will be supported, subject to other policies within the Neighbourhood Plan
JUSTIFICATION
5 .31 Gawsworth has a number of community facilities, services and amenity areas which 32 residents greatly value . The village hall was opened in 1953, and has recently been refurbished . Gawsworth Park is owned and maintained by the Parish Council and includes a tennis court, table tennis facilities and play areas . The village is also home to two church halls and a scout hall . Gawsworth Community Shop is owned and run by volunteers for the benefit of the community and is a huge asset to local residents, with has recently developed an adjoining community hub . There is also a pub, and a village school . Gawsworth Moss area has a small amenity green area at Penningtons Lane and a pub, but otherwise lacks community facilities and relies on those in Gawsworth Village .
5 .32 Consultation responses during the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan highlighted a list of things that people would like to see in the village . These included:
• a café • cycle paths
• public toilets • a skate park
• a bowling green
along with suggestions for improvements to the village hall (although the survey was undertaken before the recent improvements were undertaken), improvements to the park, bus shelters and facilities for the elderly . Recently the shop has expanded to create the Gawsworth Hub, which will give the community a café .
5 .33 Local community facilities within walking distance of home reduces car usage, encourages social cohesion and supports local businesses . These are all key indicators of sustainable development . To promote the prosperity of the Parish it is essential that Gawsworth retains and provides local services that will sustain the vitality of the community . In accordance with sustainable planning principles and reflecting community consultation, this policy seeks to support the existing community facilities and supports the provision of additional services, should they be proposed .
5 .34 The NPPF highlights that planning policies and decisions should promote the retention and development of local services and community facilities such as local shops, meeting places, public houses and places of worship .
G9 Telecommunications
POLICY
The development of advanced high quality communications infrastructure, including high speed broadband and improved mobile network coverage will be supported, subject to minimising the visual and other impacts of the installation, consistent with the efficient operation of the network.
New developments should incorporate high-speed broadband connectivity capabilities .
JUSTIFICATION
5 .35 Gawsworth is a rural parish, and further away from key services such as a secondary 33 school, GP practice and a Post Office than the England average. Connectivity with those services is poor with congested roads and no direct and safe cycle or pedestrian route . It is therefore considered important that Gawsworth Parish has high quality communications infrastructure . Superfast broadband is encouraged so that everyone can have greater access to opportunities and services which are available on the world wide web .
5 .36 Concerns were raised at the consultation stages of the Neighbourhood Plan over the poor mobile phone network and slow broadband speeds . When asked what infrastructure needed to be improved, the largest response (with 85% of respondents replying) was broadband and mobile coverage . The lack of, and poor quality, of these services also has a negative effect on local small businesses and residents who work from home, particularly in extreme rural locations
5 .37 A larger than average percentage of Gawsworth residents work from home . The 2011 census information indicates that 7 .8 % of 16-74 year olds work from home, which is notably higher than the average in England of 3 .5% . There is also an increasing demand by business for employees to be able to communicate on a global basis in the evening from home . Having a high quality communications infrastructure is therefore important to help sustain and develop the businesses of these residents and is important for children to do their homework .
5 .38 New infrastructure should be demonstrably designed and located with regard to its context and immediate surroundings so as to avoid, or if not practical, minimise, any adverse effects on visual or residential amenity .
G10 Surface Water Management
POLICY
New development must be designed to maximise the retention of surface water on the development site and to minimise runoff . The approach to surface water drainage should be considered in liaison with the Lead Local Flood Authority, the public sewerage undertaker and where appropriate the Environment Agency . Surface water should be discharged in the following order of priority:
a) An adequate soakaway or some other form of infiltration system.
b) An attenuated discharge to watercourse or other water body .
c) An attenuated discharge to public surface water sewer .
d) An attenuated discharge to public combined sewer .
Applicants wishing to discharge to public sewer will need to submit clear evidence demonstrating why alternative options are not available as part of the determination of their application .
JUSTIFICATION
5.38 This policy aims to reduce the risk of flooding whilst also improving the water quality of the Parish’s watercourses, helping to create havens for wildlife .
5 .39 One of the aims of the National Planning Policy Framework is to meet the challenge of climate change and flooding. New development should be planned to avoid increased vulnerability to the range of impacts arising from climate change .
34 Environment Policies
Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan 35 Figure E: Tree Preservation Orders in Gawsworth
36 6 Environment Policies
E1 Trees and Hedgerows
POLICY
Hedgerows and trees make a significant contribution to the amenity, biodiversity and landscape character of Gawsworth . Development proposals will be expected to preserve and enhance these interests by applying the following principles:
a) A tree survey in line with the latest British Standard will be submitted on sites where trees are present and likely to be affected by the development proposed . Where trees are to be felled they should be replaced by a native species in character with those present in the parish .
b) Veteran trees are of particular importance locally due to their historic, landscape and biodiversity value . Planning applications where veteran trees are present will be expected to protect them within the scheme .
c) Historic hedgerows must be protected . Planning applications where hedgerows follow the historic field patterns will be expected to include plans to ensure these field boundaries are retained, enhanced and brought into good management where possible .
d) An extension of the existing tree cover in Gawsworth will be sought through new developments incorporating sustainable tree planting via approved landscape schemes .
e) Woodlands and woodland corridors will be protected and enhanced .
JUSTIFICATION
6 .1 Gawsworth is fortunate to be an area with many attractive trees and hedgerows . Danes Moss is surrounded by a woodland fringe, and areas of woodland can be found elsewhere in the Parish and along the stream beds . The most famous in the parish is the National Trust property of Maggoty Wood, the site of a designated historic monument marking the final resting place of the infamous Lord Flame (Samuel Johnson 1691-1773), described as the last English Jester .
6.2 The Cheshire Landscape Character Assessment classifies the parish as being within the Higher Farms and Woods, and the Mossland categorisations . The Higher Farms and Woods category is described as having a higher than average density of woodland compared to much of Cheshire, with a strong presence of woodland and high hedgerows, and the Gawsworth area is described as having one of the highest overall concentrations of woodland in the county . Typical species include birch, rowan, and occasional aspen and alder buckthorn .
6 .3 The landscape character assessment highlights, however, that although many areas retain an intact field pattern there is widespread evidence of hedgerow loss. There 37 are areas of more open landscape, with large arable fields bound by wire fences, where trees form isolated elements within the field pattern. In such areas woodland can take the form of isolated blocks that have an important local effect upon the surrounding landscape. Some blocks are very large and can fill the local horizon if they occupy the high ground within the undulating landform .
6 .4 Gawsworth has an extensive footpath network which is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike . The paths are bordered by established hedges and trees and include attractive ancient tracks such as those leading to Danes Moss . The footpaths and the hedges and trees that border them are a significant contributor to the attractiveness of Gawsworth .
6 .5 Within the Mossland character type there are extensive blocks of very dense birch woodland and high scrub and even small areas of open woodland with oaks of a reasonable size . The Danes Moss Nature reserve is managed by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust to maintain and expand the rare peat bog landscape and remove invasive species such as birch .
6 .6 Additionally, there are individual and groups of trees that make an important contribution to the setting of the village . The village is approached in all directions by country lanes bordered with hedges and mature trees and even the busy A536 and A523 are bordered by hedgerows and trees as they pass through Gawsworth . The settlement is approached from the north or west along Church Lane, which is a linear approach lined with mature trees . The Gawsworth Conservation Area Appraisal describes Church Lane as being ‘set with hedges, and dramatically enclosed by avenues of soaring trees’ . The report states that throughout the Conservation Area ‘avenues, groups and individual trees blur the distinction between rural lanes, farmland and private gardens ’.
6 .7 Locally valued hedgerows include those along Penningtons Lane, Church Lane to the Harrington Arms and those bordering the well-used footpath network including the sunken footpaths leading to Danes Moss . Locally valued trees include the pines along Church Lane, limes along the footpath leading to Gawsworth Hall, the tree lined lanes that lead into the village at Woodhouse End Lane and Dark Lane and the woodlands at Maggoty Wood, the fringes of Danes Moss and Nancy’s Wood . These trees and hedgerows are valuable as they make an important contribution to the local character of Gawsworth . The contribution trees and hedgerows make to the character of Gawsworth is therefore of great importance . This policy seeks to ensure that valued trees and hedgerows are protected, and that further trees and hedgerows are planted . Replacement tree planting as required by Policy E1 will ordinarily be expected to be accommodated on site in the first instance unless demonstrably impractical. The contribution trees and hedgerows make to the character of Gawsworth is therefore of great importance . This policy seeks to ensure that valued trees and hedgerows are protected, and that further trees and hedgerows are planted .
E2 Green Spaces
POLICY
Existing green spaces (LGS1-LGS7) within the Parish should be protected from inappropriate development . 38 Where possible, all new development should contribute to the delivery of public open space and incorporate green space within the landscaping of a scheme .
The following sites are designated as Local Green Space, where new development will be managed in a manner consistent with that applicable to designated Green Belt .
LGS1 – Gawsworth Park LGS2 – Maggoty Wood LGS3 – Nancy’s Wood LGS4 – The Pleasance LGS5 – Memorial Green LGS6 – School Playing Fields LGS7 – St James Green
Proposals which enhance the local green spaces and their function will be supported .
JUSTIFICATION
6 .8 The NPPF highlights that local communities through local and neighbourhood plans should be able to identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them . Local Green Spaces should only be designated when a plan is prepared or updated, and be capable of enduring beyond the end of the plan period .
6 .9 The Local Green Space designation should only be used where the green space is:
a) in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves;
b) demonstrably special to a local community and holds a particular local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and
c) local in character and is not an extensive tract of land .
6 .10 The spaces are mapped on Figure H . Appendix A provides information about how the Local Green Space meets the criteria in the NPPF . Proposals for inappropriate forms of development will need to include evidence as to whether very special circumstances exist .
E3 Dark Skies
POLICY
Whilst ensuring that new developments are secure in terms of occupier and vehicle safety, dark skies are to be preferred over street lights . Any future outdoor lighting systems should have a minimum impact on the environment, minimising light pollution and adverse effects on wildlife . Schemes should reduce the consumption of energy by promoting efficient outdoor lighting technologies, keeping the night skies dark and reducing glare .
JUSTIFICATION
6 .11 Figure I shows the low number of street lights in the parish, particularly in relation 39 Figure F: Local Green Space
40 Figure G: Street Lighting Map
41 to nearby Macclesfield. This lack of street lighting and resultant dark skies add to the rural character and sense of place of Gawsworth . This policy seeks to ensure that the impact of light pollution on local amenity, intrinsically dark landscapes and nature conservation will be limited . All buildings should be encouraged to implement sustainable LED lighting and minimum use of high level spotlight or security lights .
E4 Heritage Assets and Conservation Areas
POLICY
Proposals which conserve and enhance the significance of Gawsworth’s heritage assets and their setting will be supported .
Any proposal for a new building or external modification to any existing building within the Conservation Areas shall be designed to ensure a truly contextual and appropriate change that will preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Conservation Areas . Such proposals must take account of any potential detriment to the existing appearance and unique identity of the adjacent area, and demonstrate consideration of the most up to date Conservation Area Appraisals .
JUSTIFICATION
6 .12 Gawsworth is fortunate to have a long and rich history . Heritage assets are abundant across the parish . There are 20 listed buildings and two scheduled ancient monuments in the parish, these are detailed in Appendix B .
6.13 Cheshire East Council has identified three houses in Gawsworth as part of its Local List of Heritage Assets . These are detailed in Appendix C . This Neighbourhood Plan identifies further locally valued heritage assets detailed in Policy E5 and Appendix D.
6 .14 There is a registered Park and Garden at the grounds of Gawsworth Hall .
6.15 There is a Conservation Area radiating from Gawsworth Hall (see figure J) and part of the Macclesfield Canal Conservation Area runs through the Parish (see figure K).
6 .16 Development proposals in the Conservation Areas must demonstrate how they have considered the most up to date Gawsworth Conservation Area Appraisal or Macclesfield Canal Conservation Area Appraisal.
6 .17 The Gawsworth Conservation Area encompasses the historic core of Gawsworth, focussed on the Old and New Halls, St James Church and Old Rectory extending down to the Harrington Arms. The stretch of the Macclesfield Canal Conservation Area which runs through the parish includes three listed buildings – two sandstone bridges and a milestone . The canal is an important leisure and recreational facility within the parish, as well as adding to the local character and attractive visual landscape .
6 .18 These heritage assets are part of Gawsworth’s character and are strongly valued by the community . It is important that they are protected from inappropriate development and, where possible, enhanced . The NPPF highlights the importance of conserving heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance, so that they can be enjoyed for their contribution to the quality of life of this and future 42 generations . E5 Locally Valued Heritage Assets
POLICY
The following are identified as locally valued heritage assets.
• Gawsworth Methodist Chapel, Dark Lane
• Gawsworth New Rectory, Church Lane
• Moss Terraces
• The School House, Church Lane
• Broadhursts Swing Bridge, Macclesfield Canal
• Canal Cottage
• Toad Hall, Church Lane
• Mews Cottages, Church Lane
• Lych Gate, Church Lane
• Smugglers Rest, Church Lane
JUSTIFICATION
6 .19 Historic England notes that Neighbourhood Planning groups can identify a list of locally-valued heritage assets which will, initially, be independent of the local list developed by Cheshire East Council as the planning authority . It is the intention that these assets will form part of that local list in due course .
6.20 The justification for identifying these properties is detailed in Appendix D.
6 .21 A locally listed asset is a building structure or feature, which whilst not listed by the Secretary of State for its national importance, is considered to be of local importance due to its architectural, historical or environmental significance. Historic England Advice note 7 (Local Heritage Listing) defines a local list as ‘buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas and landscapes identified by local planning authorities as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions but which are not formally designated’. Historic England define the process of local listing as a ‘means for a community and a local planning authority to identify heritage assets that are valued as distinctive elements of the local historic environment ’. The National Planning Policy Framework definition of a heritage asset includes specific reference to ‘local listing’ .
6 .22 The purpose of the local list is to ensure that care is taken over decisions affecting the future of these buildings, and that their special status is taken fully into account . Alterations should respect the particular character and interest of the building, and any works carried out should use appropriate materials and retain any features of architectural or historic interest . Although it is not necessary to apply for Listed Building Consent for works to a locally listed building, planning decisions should consider the impact of proposed development on all heritage assets whether designated or not . The importance of protecting these assets is to ensure that their special interest and significance is considered in planning decisions 43 Figure H: Gawsworth Conservation Area
44 Figure I: Macclesfield Canal Conservation Area
45 Figure J: Local Plan Site Allocations
46 LPS15 Policies
Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan 47 7 LPS15 Policies
L1 Employment Land
POLICY
Development of employment land at LPS15 should be undertaken in accordance with Policy LPS15 and be designed to integrate successfully with the rural character of the area at the site’s southern and western boundaries where applicable . Proposals must include details of how impacts on residential amenity will be avoided or mitigated .
JUSTIFICATION
7 .1 The addition of over 300 new dwellings and employment land within the strategic sites will be a major change for the parish . Whilst it is recognised that the sites have been proposed in the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy, it is important that there is careful attention paid to the design and character of the new developments in order that they can be assimilated into the local area in the best way possible . It is expected that development proposals will successfully integrate with the rural character of the area at the sites southern and western boundaries (for example this may include low rise buildings at the site edges and the employment of appropriate landscaping to create a sympathetic transition to and from the countryside beyond the site) .
7 .2 To ensure cohesion and to comply with the policies of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy, careful planning is needed to ensure that development of the strategic sites links well with the rest of the Parish, providing adequate infrastructure, green spaces and footpaths links between the sites and the existing local facilities and footpaths . These matters should be addressed within the Master Plan required by Policy LSP15 . Additionally, the development of the site within the Parish provides an opportunity to provide further open space and facilities for the benefit of the whole community which, for example, should include consideration of allotments and a new park/green spaces .
7 .3 Additionally, it is important that the future amenity and well-being of the new and existing residents is considered when the employment area of site LPS15 is developed, and that new employment development is delivered in a sympathetic manner, both through appropriate design and conditions to ensure that residents are not disturbed by noise pollution or negative traffic implications. Proposals should include details of how harm to residential amenity will be avoided or mitigated, for example by including consideration of the following where necessary:
a) Restrictions on opening hours;
b) Ensuring sufficient off road parking is provided to prevent parking in residential streets;
c) Incorporating appropriate landscaping, visual and acoustic buffers;
d) The design of buildings to harmonise with the surrounding residential area .
48 Transport Policies
Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan 49 8 Transport Policies
T1 Sustainable Transport
POLICY
The needs of pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders must be taken into account in all traffic planning, but especially in relation to rural lanes and roads. Measures to be taken to ensure this may include, for example, separation of pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders from vehicular traffic where possible, improvements to signage, facilities for those with accessibility requirements, or by means of speed reduction .
Where appropriate, development should incorporate cycling infrastructure such as cycle lanes, covered cycle parking and the provision of safe cycle storage facilities . New developments should seek opportunities to connect to the existing cycle network .
Where appropriate, development should provide safe routes and facilities for horse riders .
Proposals must demonstrate how any adverse impacts of traffic from the proposed development will be mitigated .
Proposals must demonstrate that the up to date parking standards required by Cheshire East Council will be met .
JUSTIFICATION
8 .1 In Gawsworth private car ownership and usage constitute the predominant method of transport; with approximately 56 .5% of all homes owning at least two or more cars (2011 Census) . Whilst cars are essential for many people, the provision of public transport and the encouragement of walking and cycling routes are vital in order to help to address the issues of climate change, reduce congestion and parking problems, and provide equality of opportunity. The Macclesfield Canal and its towpath also provide important alternative modes of travel, for walkers, cyclists and boaters, linking the parish with neighbouring towns and villages, and must be considered part of the sustainable transport mix . Horse riders enjoy riding along the country lanes in the parish, and their safety must also be considered .
8.2 The speed and volume of traffic through the parish has long been a concern of residents, and one which was raised consistently in comments throughout the Neighbourhood Plan consultations. The A536, from Congleton to Macclesfield has been designated one of the 50 most dangerous roads in the country and has been the site of recent fatal and serious accidents . The policy seeks to improve safety on the parish’s rural lanes and roads . Additionally, comments were received regarding the need for improved footpaths and cycle lanes to encourage more walking and cycling .
8 .3 The promotion of sustainable transport is highlighted in the NPPF which stresses that developments should be sustainably located, limiting the need to travel, and that walking, cycling and public transport should be promoted . Cheshire East Local Plan 50 Policy CO1: Sustainable Travel and Transport states that development should reduce the need to travel by ensuring that development gives priority to walking, cycling and public transport within its design .
T2 Public Rights of Way
POLICY
Access to the countryside will be promoted through protection and maintenance of the existing towpaths and Public Right of Way network (see Figure M), its enhancement where possible, and the safety of users of rural roads and lanes .
Any development that leads to the loss or degradation of any PROW or towpath will not be permitted unless fully justified and then only if a suitable alternative can be provided. Proposals to divert PROWs should provide clear and demonstrable benefits for the wider community .
JUSTIFICATION
8 .4 Gawsworth is fortunate to have a number of public footpaths that offer direct access to the countryside, some of them offering gentle rambles and others more strenuous walks (see Figure M) . These footpaths provide an important recreational facility, provide access to the countryside, and link the parish to other villages and settlements. Additionally, the Macclesfield Canal passes through the Parish, providing a valuable resource for walking and cycling, as well as boating . Circular routes have been developed around the Parish, for visitors and residents to enjoy .
8 .5 The value to the community of the footpath network and of easy access to the surrounding countryside was strongly underlined in the Neighbourhood Plan surveys . Almost 93% of respondents were satisfied with access to green spaces. Despite this, however, the most popular improvements sought to green spaces from the respondents were to the footpaths and bridleways .
8 .6 Further enhancements to the network are necessary since there are gaps in the footpath network leading walkers onto busy lanes with no footway and connectivity is poor for walkers between the Village and Gawsworth Moss and Macclesfield beyond. Gawsworth is devoid of bridleways forcing cyclists and horse riders onto the roads . A particular problem for the connectivity of Gawsworth Village and Gawsworth Moss is the A536 as it is very dangerous for pedestrians and non-motorised traffic to use.
8 .7 The Neighbourhood Plan aims to protect the existing network, and take opportunities to enhance existing provision . The NPPF also highlights that policies should protect and enhance public rights of way and that opportunities should be sought to provide better facilities for users, for example by adding links to existing public rights of way networks .
51 Figure K: Public Rights of Way
52 Aspirations
Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan 53 9 Aspirations
9 .1 As the Neighbourhood Plan must focus on planning and development matters, there are some areas that are unable to be included, but which were raised at consultation events and remain important to the residents of Gawsworth .
9 .2 To ensure that they are covered by the Neighbourhood Plan, we have set out these aspirations to guide developers, the Parish Council and Cheshire East Council .
ASPIRATION 1: FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS
Footpaths, bridleways and Public Rights of Way will be well maintained, protected and extended. We will encourage the modification of stiles to allow easier access for less agile people and dogs .
ASPIRATION 2: PAVEMENTS
Pavements will be well maintained, protected and extended . We will encourage the modification of stiles to allow easier access for less agile people and dogs.
ASPIRATION 3: CYCLE ROUTES
The continued maintenance and visibility of signs to alert other road users to the Sustrans routes 55 and 70 would be encouraged .
ASPIRATION 4: PARKING
Measures to control car parking around the school and the provision of alternative parking arrangements will be supported .
ASPIRATION 5: ROAD SAFETY
Measures to reduce the volume, speed and weight of motor traffic on all B and undesignated roads will be supported .
ASPIRATION 6: A536
Improvements to the ease of crossing and to otherwise improve safety on the A536 will be encouraged .
ASPIRATION 7: SUSTAINABILITY
Existing and new residences, business and farms will be sustainably managed with attention to environmental issues and climate change mitigation .
ASPIRATION 8: GREEN ACTION PLAN
The Parish Council should develop a community action plan to promote a reduction in Gawsworth’s carbon footprint and an increase in initiatives promoting sustainability .
54 Appendices
Gawsworth Neighbourhood Plan 55 Appendix A: Local Green Space Justification
Ownership
pecialthe to community value S
ommunity c Proximity to the Proximity
Size
Open Space
56 Appendix B: Designated Heritage Assets
GAWSWORTH OLD HALL Church Lane I SJ 89163 69647 | 15th century
A country house partly timber-framed with wattle and daub and brick infill and partly in brick. The roofs are in Kerridge stone slate . It is in two and three storeys, and forms three sides of a courtyard . Its features include mullioned and transomed windows, an oriel window, bay windows, and gables with decorative bargeboards .
ST JAMES CHURCH Church Lane I SJ 89010 69688 | 15th century
The church is built in sandstone with stone roofs, and is in Perpendicular style . It consists of a wide nave and chancel, a south porch, and a west tower . The tower has niches, gargoyles, eight pinnacles, and coats of arms . The body of the church is embattled and has more pinnacles . Inside the church are memorials to the Fitton family . GAWSWORTH OLD RECTORY Church Lane I SJ 88977 69777 | 16th century
The rectory has been converted into a private house . It is timber-framed with rendered infill and tiled roofs. A north wing was added in 1873–74 by R . Norman Shaw . The house is in two storeys with an attic . The features include an oriel window, canted bay windows, and gables with decorative bargeboards . Inside the house is a two-bay hall open to the roof .
GAWSWORTH NEW HALL Church Lane II*
SJ 89192 69835 | 1707-1712
The house was begun by Lord Mohun but was largely abandoned after he was killed in a duel in 1712 . It was extended and altered in 1914 by Hubert Worthington, creating an E-shaped plan . The house is built in brick with stone slate roofs . It is in two storeys with an attic, and has a garden front of 16 bays, and a left side of seven bays .
BARN, NEW HALL FARM Church Lane II* SJ 89186 69878 | c .1712
The barn is built in brick with a stone slate roof . It is in two storeys, and has a front of nine bays . In the centre is an archway, and the walls contain ventilation slits
57 OLD HALL GARDEN WALLS Church Lane II SJ 89155 69410 | 16th century
The walls encircle the garden to the south of Gawsworth Old Hall . They are in brick with stone dressings . They have a rectangular plan, with a bowed wall at the southern end . There are two blocked pedestrian entries .
GATEPIERS NEAR GAWSWORTH HALL Church Lane II SJ 89166 69697 | late 17th century
The gate piers are at the entrance to Gawsworth Old Hall . They are in stone, and consist of two square piers with moulded plinths. On the tops are caps with ball finials.
THE GATEHOUSE Church Lane II
SJ 89197 69708 | mid-late 17th century
A brick house with stone dressings on a stone plinth and with a stone slate roof . It is in two storeys, and has a three-bay front . To the right of the centre is a projecting gabled bay containing a circular clock face, which was added later . The windows are casements, some with mullioned or mullioned and transomed surrounds .
BOUNDARY STONE Boundary with Bosley and Sutton II
SJ 92966 68490 | 1849
A boundary stone in red sandstone . It has a triangular plan with a rounded head, and is inscribed with the initials of the parishes and the date .
CANAL BRIDGE 52 Macclesfield Canal II SJ 90742 68003 | c 1830.
An accommodation bridge over the Macclesfield Canal leading to Crowholt Farm, the engineer for which was William Crosley . It is built in sandstone and consists of a horseshoe elliptical arch with voussoirs and a keystone . The approach walls end in square piers . The parapet is coped .
58 GAWSWORTH WAR MEMORIAL Church Lane II SJ 88829 70442 | 1920
The war memorial, designed by Frederick Etchells consists of a timber Calvary on a stone plinth . It has an octagonal shaft, the figure of Jesus is about 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) tall, and above it is a roof with copper flashings. On the plinth are inscriptions and the names of those lost in the two World Wars
CANAL MILESTONE Macclesfield Canal II SJ 91162 68614 | c .1830
The milestone stands by the towpath of the Macclesfield Canal . It is in sandstone with a shaped top . Inscribed on the appropriate faces are the distances in miles to Hall Green and Marple .
CROSS BASE St James Churchyard M II
SJ 89016 69678 | 15th / 16th century
The cross base in the churchyard of St James Church is in sandstone . It consists of a two-stepped plinth rising to an octagonal base with carved beasts’ heads at the corners . On this is set an octagonal shaft carrying a 20th-century circular wooden cross .
GATEPIERS IN GAWSWORTH CHURCHYARD Church Lane II
SJ 89023 69714 | early/mid 18th century
The gate piers are at the northeast entrance to the churchyard of St James Church . They are in stone, and consist of two square piers on projecting plinths . On the front and the rear of the piers are carved reliefs of skull and crossbones . On the caps are two balls, one above the other .
CANAL BRIDGE 50 Macclesfield Canal II SJ 91201 68648 | c 1830.
An accommodation bridge over the Macclesfield Canal, the engineer being William Crosley . It is built in sandstone and consists of a horseshoe elliptical arch with voussoirs and a keystone . The approach walls end in square piers . The parapet is coped .
59 UNDERBANK FARMHOUSE Pexhill Road II SJ 88241 71749 | early 19th century
The farmhouse is built in brick with a slate roof . It is in two storeys and has a symmetrical three-bay front . There is a central arched doorway with a fanlight . The windows are casements .
OLD CROWHOLT FARMHOUSE Cowbrook Lane II SJ 90804 67902 | 1663
The farmhouse is built in stone and has a stone slate roof . There are later alterations and additions . The farmhouse is in two storeys with an attic, and there is a central projecting wing . One of the windows is mullioned, and another is circular
WATCH TOWER Church Lane II
SJ 89400 69814 | early 18th century
Also known as Pigeon House, it originated as a pigeon loft, and was later converted into a house . It is in brick with a stone slate roof, and has three storeys . The windows are a mix of sashes and casements .
HARRINGTON ARMS Church Lane II
SJ 88682 69491 | 17th century
A public house in brick with stone slate roofs . It consists of an original block, with a later cross-wing to the left, and additions in the angle between them . The original block is in three storeys, and has a two-bay front . The cross-wing is in two storeys, also with two bays . The windows are casements .
MAGGOTY JONSON’S GRAVE Maggoty Wood II SJ 88890 70178 | 1773
Samuel “Maggoty” Johnson was a playwright and professional jester who lived and died in Gawsworth Old Hall . His tomb is in woodland near the hall and consists of a tomb-slab on a 20th-century plinth . The tomb-slab is inscribed with a poem, probably written by himself . Adjacent is a 19th-century slab inscribed with a corrective message .
60 STANDING CROSS Church Lane M SJ 88842 70428 | Mediaeval
A cross base for a medieval preaching cross at the junction of two roads in the centre of the original village of Gawsworth . The cross consists of a plinth of dressed gritstone blocks rising to two steps surmounted by a gritstone block cut into two steps with a fragment of the shaft pinned and cemented to the top
GAWSWORTH OLD HALL GARDENS Church Lane P SJ 88771 69615 | 15th century
Registered Park and Garden Grade II*
Earthworks and other remains of an extensive formal garden of c1600 associated with a manor house .
61 Appendix C: Locally Listed Buildings
THE WARREN Church Lane
SJ 88793 70455 | 19th century
Simple brick cottage with a number of sympathetic 20th century alterations . Originally formed part of the Harrington Estate, ventilation holes visible in the walls, evidence of its former use as a barn . Contributes highly to the historical development and wider area of The Warren .
OLD POLICE COTTAGE Dark Lane
SJ 88722 70546 | 19th century
A 19th century house with distinctively high chimneys and windows . Creates interest along Dark Lane and Congleton Road .
OLD POST OFFICE Dark Lane
SJ 88742 70562 | Unknown
Humble vernacular cottage of indeterminate date in a prominent position on the main road from Macclesfield to Congleton. Used as the village Post Office for many years.
62 Appendix D: Locally Valued Heritage Assets Justification
METHODIST CHURCH Dark Lane
SJ | 1892
Gawsworth Wesleyan Methodist Church was built in 1892 in typical Victorian style and stands at the crossroads on Dark Lane . It is a charming, small building built with the aid of local donations .
NEW RECTORY Church Lane
SJ 88968 69674 | c . 1700
Distinctive building of indeterminate age . Housed Gawsworth School from 1707 to 1832 . Then two cottages including a sweet shop . It was extended in 1950 and again in1973 when a study and additional bedroom were added . Became the rectory in 1953 .
MOSS TERRACES Penningtons Lane
SJ 90083 72048 | Victorian
Row of small terraced cottages built in the Victorian era on the site of Gawsworth Workhouse . Until 2005 they were let by the John Upton Charity . They are the only historic buildings in an area of post-war housing .
SCHOOL HOUSE Church Lane
SJ 88792 70508 | c .1832
The village school from 1832 until 1966 . Set prominently on Church Lane and a key feature of the Warren area of the settlement .
BROADHURSTS SWING BRIDGE Macclesfield Canal
SJ 91023 70640 | Unknown
Bridge 47 . An iron and timber swing bridge just north of Fools Nook. This is the only remaining example of a Macclesfield Swivel Bridge, of which there were about twelve .
63 CANAL COTTAGE
SJ 91486 69889 | 19th century
An attractive isolated canal-side cottage probably dating from Victorian times . It lies on a stretch of canal popular with walkers and canal users .
SMUGGLERS REST Church Lane
SJ 88822 70464 | 19th century
Set just across from the memorial green, this cottage has featured in postcards of Gawsworth from the beginning of photography . Originally two cottages . It continues to be a notably attractive building as people pass through this part of the village settlement .
TOAD HALL Church Lane
SJ 89229 69880 | Unknown
Once a farmhouse, it is now a prominent private residence alongside Gawsworth New hall . The New Hall, New Hall Barn and Toad Hall together provide one of the most notable areas of the conservation area .
MEWS COTTAGES Church Lane
SJ 89282 69733 | Unknown
Originally stables to the Old Hall . The Hall previously stored its silver cutlery in one stable as it was crested silver and a tax was required to use it . Converted to a row of cottages .
LYCH GATE Church Lane
SJ 89028 69754 | Unknown
Wooden lych gate to St James Church .
64