GROSVENOR ESTATE Contents

A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester April 2013

GROSVENOR ESTATE contents

A Vision 3

1 Introduction 4

2 Context & Surroundings 6

3 Context of Housing Growth 16 GROSVENOR ESTATE 4 Site Evaluation 21

copied or reproduced in whole or in part without NUMBER PAGE 6 A Track Record of Delivery 30 the prior written consent of Barton Willmore.

20983 Grosvenor Estate Land at Wrexham Road Rev 1L 7 Maintaining Design Quality 32

Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Crown Copyright Reserved. 8 Conclusion 33 Licence No. 100019279.

This artwork was printed on paper using fibre sourced from sustainable plantation wood from suppliers who practice sustainable management of forests in line with strict international standards. Pulp used in its manufacture is also Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF).

Designed and produced by Graphics at Barton Willmore

Tower 12 18/22 Bridge Street Spinningfields Manchester M3 3BZ Sel Vision f Re lia n Our vision is to create a new and facilities for residents. The scheme c e sustainable community, close to, and will deliver high quality, well-built,

integrated within Chester City Centre attractive and sustainable homes

C with a legacy akin to the quality and and spaces, and a high quality o success subscribed to the Grosvenor environment close to Chester City

m Estate. Centre. This will make this part of

m the City enduringly successful, within u This track record of success has

the context of the track record of n been proven in quality residential and quality of delivery and long-term i mixed-use developments throughout t stewardship of the Grosvenor Estate. y the UK. As well as significant

B development activity in Liverpool and The emphasis will be on u the wider North-west, the Grosvenor sustainability and providing linkages i Estate is actively developing 2 major to the City, the River Dee, Eccleston ld in residential projects in Oxford and and the surrounding countryside. Cambridge following the principles g We are drawing references not only of Garden Suburbs. In combining from the historic context and unique a long-standing local association h relationship of the Grosvenor Estate t with Chester and a national and with the City, but also on work Barton w international history of delivery, the Willmore has developed around the o Grosvenor Estate is uniquely placed r concept of ‘New Market Towns’ which G to work alongside Cheshire West ic seeks a fresh approach to the need Organ and Cheshire Council to deliver to address the Country’s housing much needed new homes on land at needs to support economic growth. Wrexham Road. This experience has driven innovative The vision for land at Wrexham concepts for this Site which ensures Road includes homes for all people that it will be a sustainable and at all stages of life along with local desirable place to live for future generations in Chester. 4 Sustainable Development Strategy - A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 I SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION

1. Introduction

This report has been prepared on behalf This report includes an analysis of M57 of the Grosvenor Estate in response to the wider area, touching on the long A49 the emerging Green Belt review and association of The Grosvenor Estate THE IRISH SEA M62 Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan with Chester. It also examines policy LIVERPOOL A57 M6 documents. and economic growth requirements as a M62 basis of the release of Green Belt. Cheshire West and Chester are in the WARRINGTON birkenhead process of creating a strategy for growth The Grosvenor Estate is seeking to work widnes to meet the needs of the Borough in partnership with Cheshire West and A50 through its emerging Local Plan. As a Chester Council to develop this vision M53 sub-regional City, Chester is the main into a truly sustainable exemplar project A49 focal point for this growth which is for the City. constrained by Green Belt. As part of its Furthermore, we believe that the land A41 ellesmere M56 emerging policy Framework, Cheshire port to the east of Wrexham Road offers a West and Chester Council has accepted significant opportunity to provide much the need to release Green Belt land needed growth to transform Chester northwich around Chester and has commissioned A55 and capture economic investment. a Green Belt Review study to identify appropriate areas for release. This A49 The Grosvenor Estate, as an important report has been prepared to inform CHESTER and historic land owner, can offer a winsford Cheshire West and Chester’s Green Belt considered and beneficial approach to mold Review. growth in Chester. This can be achieved LAND AT through the delivery of sustainable This report is an introduction to the WREXHAM ROAD development on a site to the east of promotion of Land at Wrexham Road Wrexham Road, which is well integrated and seeks to demonstrate that the with the City and the Chester Business crewe site could come forward providing an Park. innovative, sustainable and deliverable concept for housing growth.

A49 wrexham

FIGURE 1 – SITE LOCATION SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 5

FIGURE 2 – AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH indicating the extent of the potential location for growth 6 A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 I SECTION 2: CONTEXT & SURROUNDINGS

2. CONTEXT & SURROUNDINGS

Site Description and Location The Site is well related to the City and The Site is in a sustainable location, 2 has direct walking and cycling routes km to the south of Chester City Centre along Wrexham Road and the Duke’s on Wrexham Road (A483), which is Drive. There are excellent bus services the main southern arterial route into along Wrexham Road which provide Chester. links to Wrexham and Chester City Centre and Chester train station. This part of Chester is characterised by lower density 1970s and 1980s housing The nearest local centre is 300 metres located to the west between Lache Lane from the edge of the Site at Five and Wrexham Road and the Chester Ashes Road. There are three primary Business Park to the south, which was schools within half a mile of the Site developed in the 1990s and 2000s. and two high schools within a mile. The independent Kings School site lies within the Site environs.

Eccleston THe Duke’s Drive

handbridge Wrexham Road The scaling of this drawing cannot be assured Revision Date Drn Ckd - - - - Potential Location for Growth

Allotments Gardens

Golf Course

Sports Grounds SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 7 Chester Business Park

School

Employment / Works

Chester Airport

City Centre

Park and Ride

Hospital

Place of Worship

Post Office

Gym

Adjacent Local Centre

The scaling of this drawing cannot be assured Revision Date Drn Ckd - - - - Potential Location for Growth

Allotments Gardens

Golf Course

Sports Grounds

Chester Business Park

School

Employment / Works

Project N Chester Airport GROSVENOR EATON ESTATE

City Centre

Drawing Title Park and Ride FACILITES PLAN Hospital

Date Scale Drawn by Check by Place of Worship 19.03.13 1:20,000@A2 TPS A.D.

Post Office Project No Drawing No Revision 20983 RG-M-07 C Gym 200 600 1000m

0 400 800

Adjacent Local Centre

FIGURE 3 – SITE CONTEXT PLAN

Planning ● Master Planning & Urban Design Architecture ● Landscape Planning & Design ● Project Services Environmental & Sustainability Assessment ● Graphic Design

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Certificate FS 29637 Offices at Reading London Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Ebbsfleet Edinburgh Leeds Manchester Solihull Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Crown Copyright Reserved. Licence No. 100019279. J:\20000 - 20999\20900 - 20999\20983 - Grosvenor Eaton Est\A4 - Dwgs & Registers\M Planning\20983 - RG-M-07C - Facilities Plan.dwg - A2

Project N GROSVENOR EATON ESTATE

Drawing Title FACILITES PLAN

Date Scale Drawn by Check by 19.03.13 1:20,000@A2 TPS A.D.

Project No Drawing No Revision 20983 RG-M-07 C 200 600 1000m

0 400 800

Planning ● Master Planning & Urban Design Architecture ● Landscape Planning & Design ● Project Services Environmental & Sustainability Assessment ● Graphic Design

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003

Chester The Grosvenor Estate’s Local As a portfolio, land and assets and The City was established as a Roman Links businesses in the Chester area are held settlement and grew as a collection of The Grosvenor Estate is a significant in Trust for the benefit of the present interconnecting villages lying on the stakeholder in Chester and owns a and future members of the Grosvenor River Dee close to the Welsh Border number of properties in the City. The Family by a board of Trustees. The and is less than an hour away from connection between the Grosvenor Grosvenor Estate’s holdings are centred Manchester and Liverpool. Chester is family and the City has been established on Eaton Hall, home to the Grosvenor the largest settlement in West Cheshire since 1443 and there is an ongoing Family. This incorporates some 11,500 and is a destination for tourists and commitment to work with the City and acres of land, the majority of which is a hub for economic activity and retail support its future success. investment.

It has a number of major employers hester hester c en gr c en across a range of sectors and is a ty c tre owth ty c tre ci ci centre for financial operations for a th S grow

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5. LANDSCAPE CAPABILITY 6. SITE CONCEPT DRAFT work in progress 20983 - AI02E SECTION 2 : CONTEXT & SURROUNDINGS I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 9

to the south of the A55. In addition to The architecture of the villages is widely communities to provide a wide number The Grosvenor Estate lets a number bursaries to enable the local community properties and land within Chester, the characterised by John Douglas, who of benefits to residents and the rural of converted premises within its rural to attend an independent school within Estate comprises a number of villages practised during the 19th Century. The economy. The Grosvenor Estate has villages to national/regional and small the village, to ensure that there are (Aldford, Saighton and Eccleston) and many years of careful management managed the rural environment with and medium enterprises that have a low opportunities for children to attend farms to the south of the City. and conservation have preserved the the same quality and well considered vacancy level and have remained viable school locally. villages’ unique character and quality, restraint that it has cared for its built during the economic downturn. Properties within the City centre include principles strongly associated with the assets, through years of well considered the Chester Grosvenor Hotel and Spa Alongside these commercial properties, Grosvenor Estate brand. stewardship. and the Grosvenor Shopping Centre, the Grosvenor Estate is pursuing (the first covered shopping centre in The Grosvenor Estate drives a In terms of agriculture, the rural opportunities which will benefit the the UK). There are also a number of sustainably focused agenda for the economy faces a number of challenges, communities of the villages, for buildings and open areas provided for long term strategy and stewardship of which the Estate is seeking to address example, in Aldford opportunities the benefit of the local community. its holdings. This means working with in a sustainable, inclusive and innovative are under consideration to provide manner.

1840 - 1843 1923 - 1924 10 A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 I SECTION 2: CONTEXT & SURROUNDINGS

Locally the ‘Diamond Jubilee Wood’ It is clear from the stewardship of land to the north of the A55 along Eaton and property within the Grosvenor Road is being developed as a woodland Estate’s ownership, that there is an enhancement project. The concept of ongoing legacy of sustainable, high the woodland is to enable access to the quality, well-considered management countryside and to create direct links which defines its approach to the between Eccleston Village and Chester. landscape. This is something which will be reflected in the development of the Wrexham Road Site, which will be of long-term benefit to Chester.

1947 2012 SECTION 2 : CONTEXT & SURROUNDINGS I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 11

Chester & The Grosvenor Despite its attraction as a visitor Estate destination, the City now faces a The relationship between the Grosvenor struggle to maintain economic growth Estate and the City is a dynamic and in aligning its economic aspirations one. Major aspects of essential with the need to accommodate the infrastructure such as the A55 and the growing and ageing population. Huntington Water Treatment Works Demand for rural and accessible have been built on land previously employment and the need to sustain managed by the Grosvenor Estate, and education provision, suggests that a local facilities such as the Kings School symbiotic relationship focused on the occupy land still held in Trust by the Grosvenor Estate’s landholdings closest Grosvenor Estate. to the City could benefit both parties, The growth and expansion of resulting in a stronger economic Chester and the need for supporting position. infrastructure has seen a degree of contraction of land owned and managed by the Grosvenor Estate and a corresponding increase in the boundaries of the City. hester hester c en gr c en ty c tre owth ty c tre ci ci th grow

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12 A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester March 2013 SECTION 2: CONTEXT & SURROUNDINGS

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5. LANDSCAPE CAPABILITY 6. SITE CONCEPT DRAFT work in progress 20983To Eccleston - AI02E 5. LANDSCAPE CAPABILITY 6. SITE CONCEPT DRAFT work in progress 20983 - AI02E SECTION 2 : CONTEXT & SURROUNDINGS I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 13

There are also many significant routes irregular, winding streets and back- Local Style & Character post-war Housing in Lache The City of Chester is characterised by and gateways that define the approach of-pavement development. It includes the strong identity of its historic City and entrances to the City. The City’s some Gothic Revival buildings along Centre. Roman heritage and the River Dee Overleigh Road although away from this amplify these features. the general character is Victorian. The local architecture in Chester has Lache a distinctive character, in which the Curzon Park & Handbridge Early maps of Lache show the Lache Gothic Revival and Black & White (half The proposed development site sits Hall located at the end of Lache Lane timbered) Revival appear to dominate. directly south of two character areas and surrounded by fields. This remained John Douglas adopted both of these identified by Chester City Council. until the twentieth century when Lache styles and these are also present within Handbridge and Curzon Park are both was developed for housing in post-war the villages south of the A55. predominantly residential areas south Britain. However, there are also many more of the City, linked back to the centre, Lache Hall is long gone, but Lache Lane styles within the City and in particular by the Grosvenor Bridge (1832) in still exists and this road characterises areas such as Curzon Park. There is a Curzon Park and the Old Dee Bridge in the area with its broad carriageway, high degree of individuality to buildings Handbridge. generous verges and mature planting. and a sense of crafted, personal Curzon Park was developed as an Away from Lache Lane the road and structures rather than speculative handbridge looking across the old dee bridge exclusive suburb from 1847 to the early verge widths reduce to a more sub- developments. 20th century. Initially development urban appearance. Towards Saltney The urban form of Chester has key was rapid along the river cliff, but this high density low-rise housing contrasts elements such as landmark buildings slowed from 1870 onwards which has with the leafy and low-density area and features that provide orientation led to an eclectic mix of architectural towards Wrexham Road. within the City. These tend to be styles, including early Victorian, Arts There is a mix of architecture styles positioned at strategic locations such as & Crafts, Edwardian and Italianate and eras within Lache, ranging from corners, road junctions, termination of buildings. The houses are large and large post war Edwardian houses to vistas and summits. mostly detached with wide, gently sweeping roads. Further west of Curzon small modern terraces and apartments. Due to the topography of the City, the Park, 20th Century developments The areas closest to the site are roofscape is another important factor contrast with Curzon Park in both scale predominantly detached modern in defining the character of the City and quality. houses. These are accessed from Lache skyline. It provides a wealth of visual Lane only and are often configured interest and reflects the City’s urban Handbridge was originally a village around cul-de-sacs. Lache Lane form and building typologies. that dates back to Roman times. In contains large detached houses set its current form it still retains its more within generous grounds. organic village feel, exhibited in its 14 ASustainable Vision for Land Development at Wrexham Strategy Road, -Chester A Vision I for March Land 2013 at Wrexham I SECTION Road, 2: CONTEXTChester I &March SURROUNDINGS 2013 I SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION HANDBRIDGE LACHE CURZON PARK ECCLESTON A Visionfor LandatWrexham Road,Chester IMarch 2013ISECTION 2:CONTEXT&SURROUNDINGS SECTION 1:INTRODUCTION IAVisionfor LandatWrexham Road,Chester IMarch 2013 15 15 16 A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 I SECTION 3 : CONTEXT OF HOUSING GROWTH 3. context of housing growth

This section summarises socio- Key Directions for Growth One of the actions of the report is to West Cheshire The documents promote opportunities economic data, strategic research “deliver a supply of new homes to meet Sub-Regional Strategy from a market demand and documents and planning policies which Urban Land Institute the needs and demands of existing The West Cheshire/North East Wales sustainability perspective, for housing provide context to the need for housing A number of studies have been and future residents and families. Sub-Regional Spatial Strategy and Sites which are closely related to growth which has led to the decision commissioned which assess growth The focus will be high quality, higher Strategic Environmental Assessment strategic employment Sites, for by Cheshire West and Chester Council needs and economic aspirations in density, low carbon and well designed Process Report: 2006 – 2021 and the example, Chester Business Park and to carry out a review of the Green Belt Chester. The Urban Land Institute living environments. The volume of Warrington and Cheshire LEP: Draft the City Centre. around Chester. Study (2010) identifies that one of new homes will reflect the level of Economic Development Strategy (2010) the challenges to Chester is the growth set within the Local Plan and in highlight the importance of providing Research demonstrates that there surrounding Green Belt: consultation with the community.” housing to attract inward investment is an overriding need for housing for the City and to attract and retain key “...very little housing has been built in around Chester City Centre, to employers within the sub-region. support economic development and Chester post 1960s and the City gives address issues of housing supply the impression at one level of being cut and affordability within the context off from the modern world...”. “Green of significant population growth Belt absolutism” appears to have stifled projections. In order to meet the any further housing development in objectives for the City, research circumstances where the city centre identifies the need to release Sites might have benefited from this; and outside the settlement boundaries in where other occasional breaches of areas designated as open countryside the Green Belt would have been in the and Green Belt. interest of the City and could have been developed in a way that ensured the In context to the pressure to deliver ecological impact was minimised so new housing in Chester, the Council new communities incorporated green is suffering the effects of the housing spaces”. restraint policy which was in place Chester One City Plan between 2005 and 2008. During this The Chester One City Plan (March period Chester City Council restricted 2011) highlights that a lack of supply housing growth to ensure RSS figures of housing within the City has driven (which were then required through up values and has created an issue of RPG13) were not exceeded. The impact limited affordable housing for first- of this restraint resonates through the time buyers, families, and low income issues which are now prevalent within households wishing to reside in the city the City, including the affordability gap centre. and the inability to provide sufficient housing to meet demand. FIGURE 10 – aerial photograph SECTION 3 : CONTEXT OF HOUSING GROWTH I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 17

A selection of key socio-economic data The Department for Communities In terms of housing need, the Council’s This is a lower level of provision than In summary, the Council’s latest relating to Cheshire West and Chester and Local Government (CLG) has yet Strategic Housing Market Assessment the RSS target and the Council has evidence supports the release of land has been identified to demonstrate to publish 2010-based household (SHMA, 2011) identified a strong need used sub-national ONS data in 2008 as from the Green Belt around Chester housing need over the next 20 years projections, and the most recent for aspirational family housing (three the basis for projections and has not City Centre, in order to meet population based on population projections for the 2008-household projections show bedroom properties in particular) within considered more recent projections growth and housing market needs, Borough. growth of only 750 households per the Borough, with a 61.9% preference from 2010, which are highlighted within and economic growth aspirations annum over the next 20 years (2011 for houses, followed by bungalows the Socio-Economic context within this for the City. Most importantly, Green The current population of the City of – 2031) across Cheshire West and (25.6%), and apartments (12.6%). chapter. On this basis, we consider that Belt release will promote sustainable Chester was 80,121 (Census 2001). The Chester. the Council could be as much as 550 patterns of development for the future Cheshire West and Cheshire Unitary Local Plan Preferred Policy dwellings below the required amount growth of Chester. Authority Area has a population of On the basis that the 2010-based SNPP Directions (July 2012) per annum. 328,100 according to the 2001 census. show higher levels of population growth The Policy Directions document has The land to the east of the Wrexham than this earlier series it is reasonable been prepared for public consultation The current preferred level and location Road offers a significant opportunity In terms of growth, the most recent Sub to assume that 2010-based household and includes six policy options as of development distributes the provision to address the needs and aspirations National Population Projections (SNPP) projections would result in a higher Preferred Directions for the Spatial of housing across the five sub areas of of the City as it is a deliverable site in show far higher levels of population level of household growth, which may Strategy of the Borough. Chester, the Borough between 2010 and 2030 as single ownership, which is sizeable growth than the earlier 2008-based be more comparable to the 2006-based Ellesmere Port, Winsford, Northwich follows: enough to deliver up to 1,250 dwellings, series, and are broadly comparable with series (equating to 1,300 households and the Rural Area are defined as the on a site which does not adequately the 2006-based series, as follows: • Chester – 25%, 5250 dwellings; per annum). five sub-areas for focussed growth. fulfil the purposes of the Green Belt • Ellesmere Port – 20%, 4200 • 2010-based population growth and which benefits from strategic The Cheshire West and Chester’s The document sets out a ‘presumption dwellings; (2011 – 2031) +29,000 enclosure preventing ingress into open Housing Land Monitoring Report (April in favour of sustainable development’ in • Northwich – 20%, 4,200 dwellings; • 2008-based population growth countryside. 2011) states that for 2010/11 the line with the National Planning Policy • winsford – 15%, 3,150 dwellings; (2011 – 2031) +12,400 Borough calculates that the amount of framework. A lower growth scenario is • Rural Areas - 20%, 4,200 dwellings. • 2006-based population growth deliverable housing land in the Borough preferred by the Council at this stage, Site Yield and Capacity (2011 – 2031) +32,900 people. The report highlights that distribution of equates to 2.3 years of supply, less than with provision of a minimum of 21,000 With a total site area of approximately new housing would require a strategic half of the target set out in NPPF. Working on 2010-based projections new homes throughout the Borough 67 hectares, providing a mix of uses Green Belt release around Chester; (ONS, 2010), the population of Cheshire between 2010 and 2030, on the basis and densities, the land at Wrexham The average number of dwellings per however the Council has not identified West and Chester is anticipated to that it would provide a higher level of Road has the capacity to deliver around annum built between 2003 and 2011 is any specific areas for release and defers increase by 134% over the period delivery than past completions. 1,250 new homes along with a new 892, with the number of dwellings built this process for another 12 months until of 2011-2031 from the equivalent local centre, public open space and per year decreasing from the peak of the 2013 Publication Draft Local Plan. 2008-based projection. infrastructure. 1,336 in 2005/6 to 654 in 2010/11. 18 A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 I SECTION 3 : CONTEXT OF HOUSING GROWTH

When defining Green Belt boundaries The Case for Purpose of the Green Belt Discussion Contribution paragraph 85 requires that Local Green Belt Review to Green Belt The Council, through Cheshire West Planning Authorities (LPAs) should Purpose and Chester’s emerging strategy ensure consistency with the Local Check the unrestricted sprawl The area is strongly defined and contained by the A55, the Duke’s Limited documents has decided that a Green Plan strategy for meeting identified of large built-up areas Drive and the Wrexham Road as well as the Chester Business Park. Belt review around the City is necessary requirements for sustainable These all form defensible barriers suitable to mark the edge of the to accommodate future growth. Release development. LPAs should also ensure Green Belt. Removing this area from the Green Belt will not reduce of Green Belt sites will enable the that, where necessary safeguarded land the ability of the remaining Green Belt to fulfil its purpose. Nor will authority to tackle housing supply in a is identified between the urban area it make the areas in the remaining Green Belt more vulnerable to comprehensive way to manage growth and the Green Belt to meet longer-term sprawl. over the Plan Period and beyond. development needs stretching beyond the plan period. LPAs should satisfy Prevent nearby towns from This area of the Green Belt is closely related to the existing edge Limited NPPF Paragraph 83 stipulates themselves that Green Belt boundaries merging into one another of Chester but not in close proximity to any other town, thus that “once established, Green Belt will not need to be altered at the end of preventing Chester or any other settlement in the area, from boundaries should only be altered in the development plan period. merging with each other. Removing this area would not make any exceptional circumstances, through local towns more likely to merge with each other. the preparation or review of the We have considered the extent to which Assist in safeguarding This part of the Green Belt is visually separated from the wider Limited Local Plan”. Paragraph 84 states the Wrexham Road Site fulfils the five the countryside from countryside by the A55 which forms a strong defensible barrier that during the review “planning purposes of the Green Belt as follows: encroachment to the south of Chester, and by the Duke’s Drive woodland to the authorities should take into account south and east. Although the site is currently undeveloped, it has the need to promote sustainable natural barriers on all sides and the A55 in particular prevents patterns of development”...”channelling encroachment into the open countryside (which begins south of the development towards urban areas A55). inside the Green Belt boundary”. Preserve the setting and The site does not contribute towards the historical setting of the Limited special character of historic City. towns

Assist in urban regeneration, As an historic Roman City, Chester does not contain large areas Limited encouraging the recycling of of brownfield land. Land that is available within the urban core is derelict and other urban land at a premium and the regeneration focus for the City is housing driven, requiring the release of new sites rather than the recycling of existing ones. SECTION 3 : CONTEXT OF HOUSING GROWTH I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 19 20 A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 I SECTION 3 : CONTEXT OF HOUSING GROWTH

Sustainable This includes: Development Policy • making it easier for jobs to be National Planning Policy Framework created in cities, towns and (NPPF), published on 27th March 2012, villages; sets out the Government’s guiding • moving from a net loss of bio- principle of sustainable development. diversity to achieving net gains for The NPPF sets out three dimensions nature; to sustainable development – an • replacing poor design with better economic role, a social role, and an design; environmental role. Crucially, the social • improving the conditions in which role of development is to deliver a high- people live, work, travel and take quality built environment that reflects a leisure; and community’s needs. The NPPF states • widening the choice of high quality that: homes. “pursuing sustainable development involves seeking positive improvements in the quality of the built, natural and historic environment, as well as in people’s quality of life.” SECTION 4 : SITE EVALUATION I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 21 4. Site EVALUATION

Site Description The Site is bounded to the south by The west of the Site is bounded by To the north of the school is a gate Open fields in the western portion of The Site measures approximately 67ha woodland, known as the Glebe, and Wrexham Road and a number of which provides access onto the Site, the Site from an irregular shape due and is comprised of 4 fields between the the northern edge of Chester Business different uses which are spread out and beyond is Ash Grove Farm Nursery to the landscape structure provided by Wrexham Road and the registered park Park. The edge of the curtilage of the along the road. There is a thin stretch which is to the north western edge of the wooded areas to the east and south and garden of the Duke’s Drive (and eastern extension to the business park of land which is included within the the Site. The north of the Site is defined east. This area is roughly a triangular associated woodland). meets the Site boundary at the most Site between the boundary of Chester by high hedgerows which line the access shape with the smallest width to the southern point of the Site. To the east Business Park and King’s Independent road to a waterworks and separates north and the greatest width to the The Site, rights of access and is woodland and the Duke’s Drive, the School. The school itself is located on the north of the Site from paddocks. south. The shape of the western portion neighbouring land to the north and east former approach to the Grosvenor Wrexham Road on land the freehold The waterworks itself is located beyond is also influenced by private ownerships falls solely within the Grosvenor Estate’s Estate to the south. of which remains with the Grosvenor the Site boundary to the north east and or leases of properties along the ownership . Estate. The boundary of the curtilage of separates this area from the woodland Wrexham Road. There is a thin strip of the school playing fields and buildings to the rear which stretches down the land included within the boundary which and the Site is separated by a low-level east of the Site boundary. separates Chester Business Park and fence. the King’s School.

Landscape and visual enclosure provided by the “duke’s drive” 22 Sustainable Development Strategy - A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I August 2012 I SECTION 4 : SITE EVALUATION

FIGURE 11 – SITE CONSTRAINTS PLAN SECTION 4 : SITE EVALUATION I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 23

The fields off Wrexham Road are Topographically the western portion Chester Business Park is a 175 acre that forms an integral part of the developed a range of in house services, used for agricultural purposes and of Site slopes down gently from the landscaped business park, 1 mile surface water drainage system, a 2 such as cafes and coffee shops as are currently cultivated for wheat. woodland and pathway at the Duke’s south of Chester City Centre and at the kilometre circular walk within the Park, there is no local centre on site to serve Hedgerows and trees divide up the Drive, down to Wrexham Road and from junction of the A55 / A483. It comprises and woodland. In addition the Park its 17,000 strong workforce. There Site internally and there are a series of the waterworks down to the Business over 1.23m sq ft of B1 office space and provides for ecological enhancement is therefore an opportunity to create informal tracks and walkways which cut Park. is home to Bank of America, Marks & habitats. a new neighbourhood, with a large across the Site, some of which are an Spencer Money, Royal Bank of Scotland, employment centre on its doorstep, Whilst an important local centre, informal extension to the access road Chester Business Park GB Group, Widex and Regus serviced where local facilities can thrive. A key attribute of the Site is its proximity the Chester Business Park does not to the waterworks and carry on into the offices, employing over 17,000 people to Chester Business Park to the south. currently integrate with the existing centre of the Site. (source ULI). Landscape and Environment This enables the creation of linked trips, neighbourhoods and is in fact a stand- with new homes to be provided next to The landscaping incorporates existing alone scheme. this important regional employment marlpit ponds - typical of the Cheshire The large employers present have area. countryside - a central lakes feature

land at wrexham Road - view east from A380 Land at Wrexham Road – View of the Kings School along proposed ‘avenue’. from the south 24 A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 I SECTION 4 : SITE EVALUATION

The mature woodland, the Duke’s Drive Although most hedgerows are Land at Wrexham Road – Chester Business Park from the rear provides a strategic belt of woodland maintained according to the Grosvenor of the Kings School which serves to contain (as opposed to Estate’s high standards, 2 former field constrain) development from extending tracks have been allowed to grow eastwards into open countryside. unchecked and may offer more diverse habitats for wildlife. This feature, creating cohesion between the currently edge of City Chester The majority of remaining vegetation Business Park and the City centre, also on the Site is defined by the current creates an important historic break to agricultural regime, currently laid to pastureland and meadows alongside the pasture and arable crop production. River Dee and straddling Eaton Road. Land at wrexham road - View within the site In addition to the unique feature of the Other hedgerows and in-field trees exist Duke’s Drive, there are two avenues either as parkland stands (to the east) of trees (one to the south of the Site or as boundary trees (in hedgerows to along the boundary to the King’s School the west). comprised of Poplars) and more recent, yet semi-mature street tree planting along Wrexham Road.

Both of these features provide immediate structure and framing to potential development on the western edge. SECTION 4 : SITE EVALUATION I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 25

Visual Containment The Site provides long range views of Heritage The Duke’s Drive which runs along Further to the north the Approach is The structure and maturity of existing Flintshire and the Welsh Hills, although There are no listed buildings on the the eastern boundary of the Site is managed by Leisure Services of Chester woodland provides the western parcels due to their long distance, reciprocal Site; the closest features are all roughly designated as a Park and Garden of West and Chester Council and by of the Site with good visual containment. views of significance are unlikely. The located at a distance of 300m at Chester Historic Importance in its context as the formalising its use, holds the potential Chester Business Park, the King’s A55 acts as an interceptor to shorter Business Park, Heronbridge and a historic approach to Eaton Hall and is to provide safe, direct walking and School and peripheral planting also range views of the Site from the south. cluster of John Douglas buildings south accessed informally by members of the cycling access to the City Centre. create a sequence of framing features of the A55 in Eccleston. public for recreational activity. that result in the scale of the Site Part of the Site adjoins a conservation being less widely appreciated from the area which contains the Ash Grove exterior, with the primary interior views Nursery and a number of cottages and mainly restricted to the Wrexham Road villas across the Wrexham Road in Ash near Ash Grove and at the entrance to Grove. the Chester Business Park.

View towards the entrance to welsh hills chester approach

wrexham Road VIew of site

map of heronbridge roman settlement 26 A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 I SECTION 4 : SITE EVALUATION

9 to Q’ferry/Connah’s Quay 22 Trains to 2 to Gt Sutton/E Port/ 1 DB2 DB2 to Cheshire Oaks/ X30 to Frodsham/Runcorn/Warrington X30 Trains to Warrington/ 9 24 22/24 to West Kirby 2 P&R Ellesmere Port Birkenhead/Liverpool 21/21A Manchester Birkenhead/Liverpool Chester ZooPark & Ride Site Acres Lane 21/21A/21B to Frodsham/Runcorn 21B X2 to Ellesmere Port (Direct Service) X2 Fox Cover Chester Area Public Transport Map July 2012 Please note : Service operates directly non stop t La DB8 to Elton/Ince DB8 Transport M53 This map shows the main Local Bus & Rail services in the Chester Area PARKGATE ROAD NON STOP from the P&R site to Chester city centre TOWNFIELD LA 1 to E Port/B’HeadLiverpool 32 P&R DB6 to Helsby/Frodsham (Sundays) DB6 S 1 Chester Trains to Wrexham Road is well served by 4 bus 1/1A Blacon Circular Moston MOSTON ROADZoo Salters Lane Northwich/ e Manchester DB5 5 n The Street Caldy Valley/Huntington *(DB5 Eves) a Daleside L services: the 33 Park and Ride Route Canal e 6 Mold/Pantymwyn d Upton Heath rs

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Saughall Rd Saughall H r Rail Sta NESTON Chester/E Port PLAS DB6 S as well as the limited stop X44/X55 10 Sealand Rd/Connahs Quay D SCHOOL LANE DB8 Wicker Lane y Belle View Lane X11/ 15/Police HQ 22 e 27 11A Holywell/Mold 1/1A 1/1A 24 9 ll 53 Highfield Road BLACON AVENUE 15A a S Newton DB8 V h DB1DB6 51 eph to Mold; there is also the new DB8 Edgerton Rd Blacon Broadway 12 Hough Green/Connah’s Quay DICKSONS DRIVE erd Morrisons ’s Lane KINGSWAY oad sse R PIPERS LANE 13 Mold/Chester/Connah’s Quay (Sundays) DB11/1A Infants Sch 9 u x Durham Road COUNTESS Superstore 53 S route operated by GHA coaches which Blacon DB1 Lane 21A 21/21A Hoole/Frodsham/Runcorn Saughall Road WAY DB6 21B DB1 S Sefton Rd 21B Oakfield Rd High Sch The Crescent 21A (21,A,B journey via Kingsway- Evenings) Gower 21B 53 27 1/1A NEWTON LANE HOOLE ROAD GUILDEN SUTTON LA NON STOP Blacon Brook AUCKLAND RD Park Newry Pk Sandon Rd Oakleigh Avenue 27 operates at peak time only to Chester Highfield SAUGHALL RD Rd Grange 30P&R Boughton Heath P&R NON STOP Road Crematorium PARKGATE ROAD NON STOP e 1/1A A 21 9 DB8 W WESTERN AVE Sumnerd PrimRd Sch b Par s y 31 P&R Sealand Road P&R NON STOP b t k 51 i illsi o a X30 c NON STOP DB1 1/1A PARK DR 8 S PINE GR PINE k Business Park and the King’s School. 32 P&R H w Chester Zoo P&R NON STOP d RingPiper’s Rd e e Rhuddlan Rd Morton Rd l Shavington Ave27 NON STOP an r

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LIVERPOOL ROAD LIVERPOOL Ash West St Ermine Rd DB6 Be North of the Site, running east to DB3 Mold/ 51BROOK LANE H n Hough Green/Caergwrle Fitness 27 a Pantymwyn 53 9 8 S re e Kilmorey Pk 41 L Christleton/Waverton/Whitchurch* 22 HOOLE ROAD a 6 1/1A 27 Hoole S west, the number 16 service provides Cinema/Megabowl 24 8 R n 41A 41B Treborth Road Dyserth Rd yn oa e *Christleton/Waverton/Tattenhall on Sundays Western Ave University 15/ DB6 X30 DB6 sl d 15A S s 21/21A Panton Road o of Chester NON STOP Northgate 21/21A R Vicars Cross 45Chester-Huntington 10 BLACON POINT RD DB6 21B 21B C 32 P&R Avenue HOOLE LANE local access to shops at Lache and 10/to 1/1A lifton D SEALAND ROAD r 53 DB6 S Hoole Clare Ave 7/7A Golf Club 56Farndon/Holt/Wrexham iv Chester Cheyney Rd 1 2 Connah’s ROAD VICTORIA DB1 e DB8 DB8 DB2 9 X30 Barkhill RD 82 to Kelsall/Northwich Ince/Vicars Cross/Chester Business Pk Quay Greyhound Whipcord BOUVERIE ST L Park 9 7/7A Th 82 Handbridge via the roundabout at the S ig Road Grove a e X2DB1 27 ht c 84 to Tarporley/Crewe 84

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Stadium Way 51 City t DB6 QUEENS 83 to Bulkeley 83

NON STOP 83Chester/Bunbury/Bulkeley d NON STOP La ink Rail Link Street Dr beginning of the Duke’s Drive. Road 31 P&R HOOLE WAY L 8 S SEALAND ROAD 31 P&R il 7/7A Ave Cross TARVIN ROAD 84Tarporley/Nantwich/Crewe Ave Northgate a 9 ive M 6 Gladstone Chester City R Chester Rail or Dr a ree 6 Arena y 27 and y t Oldfield Dr 82 DB1 t C MELROSE AVE Westminster Pk/Dodleston/Kinnerton/Mold 10 Centre Ci Station 22 10 84 Chester Cathedral L 24 Neston/West Kirby NON STOP City i Gorse Stacks GREEN LANE 83 t P&R NEW City Centre/Rows/Shops Rail Link t 31 P&R Sealand Road l X2Ellesmere Port (Direct Service) Rd City Boughton e Grosvenor Shopping Mall to S 5 56DB8 Sealand Road/Park & Ride Site o Trading/Industrial Estate ne CRANE Health Centre n

X30 v La

* *Frodsham (Sundays) Please note : Service operates Frodsham/Warrington e e

Chester Bus 82 L

r 9 re e an T directly non stop from the P&R site T i Exchange Fir gn Boughton h X1Mold/Ruthin to Chester city centre S 8 83 e VICARS CROSS RD e W S Frodsham St/ BOUGHTON 8 83

B X44 ST 7/7A84 Pe ) ay Business Park/Mold Ltd Stop y Roodee Foregate St 7/7ADB6 a TARVIN RD DB5 Grosvenor rl e X55 Business Park/Mold Ltd Stop Chester 6 DB8 La (A41 P 41/ Park 82 B d as City Racecourse 41A/41BDB6 5 o a s Hartford Way Pearl Lane Rail Link City Rail Link Service Ferry Lane Deva Stadium Bumpers Lane 84 ug o 4541A ht R River Dee/ 45 o g Chester City FC The Groves n in e The Groves 6 56 Hill R an

s Drive L e Road Heath Little Chester Golf rov 41DB5CHRISTLETON rd 3/3A X11/ DB1DB2 e GFIGURE 12r es– public transport fo Key: Club 1 4/4A 11A 13 16 Th C NON STOP m oria 30P&R a t STOCKS LA t Evening service Occasional Journeys 12 DB8DB3X44 16A DB5 River Dee ic ROAD S HANDBRIDGE V

NON STOP Dr Castle k Railway Station P&R Park & Ride Terminus X55 33P&RX16 s

X1 t n DB541B in 41/ River Dee S uee ne 41A/41B

Railway Line Route Direction ill Q g a s

M DB2 L

Cr 6 Place of Interest S Sundays only Roodee 56

County es ath Bumpers Lane Chester e Christleton School/College Bus Stop Hall QUEENS PK RD H H Queens Park 41 Racrcourse B H a e P&R Birch eath L ne rti ck 41A41B a High School e PEPPER STREET ng a tt Trains DB2 DB2 16DB1 s L Bishop’s SANDY LANE s L Boughton Heath/Park & Ride Site VILLAGE RD e t w an o 6 Please note : Service operates directly R an eado e a r L 16ADB5 n M non stop from the P&R site to k To North Wales Saltney ive S DB2 Bluecoat HEATH LA 56 Christleton e t Chester city centre Cemy R BELGRAVE RD L R CE High WHITCHURCHQ ROAD a i River Lane 3/3A DB3 ua High School n ve EARLESWAY 4/4A Grosvenor Rd rr e Ferry y r Sainsbury’s L L Industrial Estate Sch 5 a an 3/3A 5 41 DB5

12 R e River Lane 4/4ADB2 A DB5 41B o 41A41B 16A Eaton Ave College Gn 12 DB3 13X1 APPLEYARDS LANE Boughton 5 45 w PLOUGH LANE

X11/ E t 16 16 OVERLEIGH RD DB541B o X11/ EATON RD

16A/X16 U 11A X1 HOUGH GREEN 11A n N DB1 T 3/3A Heath B 16 E r 4/4A16A/X16 W e r 41 13 V f Sh DB2 o ro h R ps A h i 41A41B SALTNEY HIGH STREET C i d DB3 te l ir

12 av s ROAD e DB5 N M w C Road e do U X11/ e O a l ay K d T n DB2 to Saltney Ferry DB2 en ndi S DEE BANKS 11A X1 R E i BROWN HEATH ROAD w s L o in CC g sh West E t m n d on X44 X55 DB2 e 13 G a n C 3/3A n Westminster h Cheshire ld La 5 oa x o VALLEY DB3 L DB8 e Pinf a 4/4A a 1 r n A5104 CHESTER RD wsbury 16 c College River Dee ’s R 16A/X16DB5 h NON STOP W

k e 45 56 a PARK AVE PARK d 12X1 r Park 33P&R R of FE Handbridge l a P Ol o A5104 Chester Rd X11/ BOUNDARY LA Shre Saltney a w M r s 13 11A No k A e CALDY rth Av DB1 Chester RC Au r t St LACHE LANE dley C o n e Mar ven High School 41B 16 DB2 DB5 DB541B L 12 12 to Connah’s Quay 16A/X16 O k a SANDY LANE a ue n n

k d lest a e Waverton

R Grosvenor n e Eaton Road b

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13 13 to Penyfford/Mold-Loggerheads R Ca e a re L d rn o G X11/ n Ave DB1 Nuffield Hospital Dr o d CLIVEDEN ROAD s n h 11A 11/11A to Holywell/Mold k t a M r l e 3/3A d a d L WHITCHURCH ROADo o P 16 DB5 c e o 4/4A 3/3A/4/4a to Mold o 16A/X16 awt r is r w y H of e m e L ch t ro n a e P a n

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16A/X16 m l 41B COMMON LA a O 5 45 c R adn X44 X55 y 5 DB3 DB3 to Mold Green 16Lane S FIVE ASHES RD EGGBRIDGE LANE DB8 A5 16A/X16 DB5 o 1 Huntington r D NON STOP 33P&R DB1 r CIRCULAR DR M 41A e r 56 41 rton D 41A to Green La s La 41B e Whitchurch The Kings g Sa id Chester nd R LACHE LANE School y L (including Blacon, Christleton, Huntington, 55 an A41 Wrexham Road A e R Park & Ride Site idg Lache, Newton, Saltney, Vicars Cross, Waverton) es L Please note : Service ane operates directly Trains to non stop from the

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Eaton Road Crewe 0 N Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office © Crown Copyright. P&R site to Chester 1 X44 X55 Chester city centre 13 Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution WREXHAM ROAD DB8 5

B Business SAIGHTON LANE or civil proceedings. P&R 0 1034m 2068m (OS Licence No 100040296 2012) LACHE LANE Produced & designed by Cheshire West & Chester Council Integrated Transport Service/ Publicity Dpt Park 41 to Whitchurch 41 Ref no Chester Master Map July (08.07.12) 2012 Trains X44X44 DB1 to Dodleston/ X44 1 to Wrexham 41B to Tattenhall 41B To Wrexham DB1 Higher Kinnerton/Mold 1 X55X55X55X44/X55 to Mold (Ltd Stop) 56 to Farndon/Wrexham 56 SECTION 4 : SITE EVALUATION I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 27

The Site is well served by cycle routes. There is a designated Cycle route past the Site which connects the King’s School to the City centre via Chester RC High School where is crosses Handbridge and enters the City on advisory routes. The local shops at Lache on Cliveden Road are also accessible for cyclists on advisory routes and there are 2 Toucan crossings on the Wrexham Road to allow save passage across the street.

Additional cycle routes could become available with the formalisation of the Duke’s Drive, offering an off-route, level surface where it could join up with the existing advisory route on Overleigh Road.

Wrexham Road Site

FIGURE 13 – CYCLE ROUTES 28 A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 I SECTION 5 : DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES 5. DEVELOPMENT Principles

The concept of creating a new A fundamentally different approach settlement within Chester, which is to masterplanning new communities akin to the historical development needs to be adopted. and function of Chester as a series of Development on the Grosvenor Estate villages, provides a basis for creating a under the first Duke of Westminster new and largely self-reliant sustainable was undertaken with local materials community for the City in this location. and local labour. We believe in the need We acknowledge that complete self- to ‘grow’ a place, to create somewhere reliance is unrealistic and undesirable, that is locally loved and rooted in its however in terms of energy, waste, context. water and food-systems can be achieved During construction emphasis could which will reduce CO2 emissions be on the use of local labour and the through a change in movement patterns potential to use local materials. and reduced journeys.

The design of the buildings within the The pattern of growth and form of settlement could promote a building delivery has a fundamental impact crafts revival to reflect locally dominant which extends beyond the appearance details. The supporting the local to the structure of the new community availability of skilled building crafts and the way it functions. In contrast is another important way of securing with historic patterns of growth, a high quality and locally distinctive modern development has seen scheme. highly segregated and rigid growth of settlements resulting in large ‘monolithic’ housing estates. These developments tend to have a ubiquitous character and character with little FIGURE 14 – a new chester village sense of place or variety. SECTION 5 :DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 29

Key Principles • Provide functional infrastructure • Creation of the ‘missing’ village suitable for a village – The Site could be designed to adopt village of Claverton – The structure of The scaling of this drawing cannot be assured characteristics to a varying extent Revision Date Drn Ckd Chester lends itself to growth - - - - along the Wrexham Road in a in some areas and also to assume Site Boundary village format similar to other a role within the settlement of D

Chester. The notion of a village K

peripheral settlements. There is E

‘

requires a village square, a centre S

historic evidence that the area D

and a rural edge, all of which I was settled previously and an V E ink could feature on the Site. en l opportunity exists to create a new gre

village building on this legacy. E • The incorporation of well designed A

open space – Provision of high en link O • Retention and improvement to re g N

o u R quality, well defined and connected h b r h connections to the City, open O g o i A e o open spaces for local community D countryside and the River Dee n d

- Streets and spaces should be recreation could be managed via g

an ongoing role for the Grosvenor e orientated to create legible links e link en n gre

Estate, gradually transitioning to to the most direct walking and r R

o I

u s V

the community over time.

cycling routes. The creation of new t

k E lin

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corridor links along existing routes

• Design precedence – The design e

such as the Duke’s Drive will m

concept could contain areas based

e t E u

enhance the relationship with the e n o E upon the materials, features, v a l

City, and surrounding recreational l quality and finish of the cottages D gr a ee A n lin k O

and countryside opportunities.

within the Site environs. This could R

Project

M link A en EATON ESTATE • Wildlife Corridors – Enhancement be secured through a design code gre H s E X t or other programmes of skills e n Drawing Title g of wildlife corridors including the R a l l o t m C H E S T E R g r W e r STRATEGIC LANDSCAPE e and training to ensure quality e n

Glebe and the Duke’s Drive within B U S I N E S S P A R K e n l

l i

k any proposed masterplan could which could be enforced by the n Date Scale Drawn by Check by k 28.02.13 1:10,000@A3 M.D. A.D. afford the Site a mature presence Grosvenor Estate as owner and Project No Drawing No Revision 20983 AI07 C and ambience in early phases. steward of the land. 100 300 500m 0 200 400

A 5 5 E C C L E S T O N

Planning ● Master Planning & Urban Design Architecture ● Landscape Planning & Design ● Project Services Environmental & Sustainability Assessment ● Graphic Design

bartonwillmore.co.uk

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Certificate FS 29637 Offices at Reading London Bristol Cambridge Cardiff Ebbsfleet Edinburgh Leeds Manchester Solihull Reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Crown Copyright Reserved. Licence No 100019279. J:\20000 - 20999\20900 - 20999\20983 - Grosvenor Eaton Est\A4 - Dwgs & Registers\M Planning\Xrefs\CAD - Illustrator.dwg - Model

FIGURE 15 – Sketch 02 – ‘Creating a landscape strategy’ 30 A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I SECTION 6: A TRACK RECORD OF DELIVERY

6. A Track Record of Delivery

The Grosvenor Estate - The Grosvenor Estate is no stranger to The Grosvenor Estate’s activities in the The company’s proud English heritage, sustainable and appropriate concept for International Capability with building communities, and the company North West are significant, successful and relationship with Chester mean the development of the Site. has been working on similarly scaled and of major economic benefit to the that the Grosvenor Estate is committed Local Touch The Site is in a sustainable location projects in the UK for several decades. towns and cities within which they are to seeing the City develop as a world- The Grosvenor Estate encompasses for development, adjoining the City undertaken. Grosvenor Estates integrate class destination, to live, visit and work a privately owned property and Most recently the Grosvenor Estate to the north and the Business Park complex mixed use development in, and the land at Wrexham Road development company that centres on has been leading on 2 new garden to the south. The creation of a high schemes and understand how urban should be part of this vision. the 300 year old London Estate made up suburb-inspired projects at Barton in quality residential scheme will assist communities work. For example, the of the Mayfair and Belgravia districts. Oxford and Trumpington Meadows in the City in meeting its urgent housing major ‘Liverpool One’ scheme (for Deliverability Both comprise a vibrant blend of mixed Cambridge, both of which exhibit similar It is vital that Sites released from the needs identified through the Local Plan which the Grosvenor Estate is the lead use, commercial, retail and residential characteristics to the land at Wrexham Green Belt are deliverable within the Preferred Directions document (July developer), resulted in the delivery of property that form unique urban Road. next 20 years in order to meet housing 2012). the highest number of new homes of communities. In addition The Grosvenor requirements within the Borough. any developer in the Northwest in 2008. Estate operates in 19 of the world’s Above all the Grosvenor Estate most dynamic cities. As a world leading advocates a partnership approach, The Site is in the sole ownership of the It is this success, commitment to developer of quality residential property developing meaningful, transparent the Grosvenor Estate, who is committed economic stability and local track the Grosvenor Estate is pleased to relationships with the community, local to the delivery of this Site and is seeking record, coupled with international be presented with the opportunity planning authorities and key partners to work with the Council to devise a knowledge that drives the Grosvenor contribute positively to the economic for delivery. Estate to become a leading partner for growth of Chester. the growth of Chester in the current plan period and beyond. SECTION 6: A TRACK RECORD OF DELIVERY I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 31

Sustainable Growth Quality Long Term Stewardship Sustainability Furthermore, the Site is accessible The creation of a quality place can be There is potential even once areas The proposed development will promote to existing community services, We are seeking to adopt principles and enhanced through local skilled training of the Site are completed, that the a sustainable pattern of development in infrastructure, employment and links to a development form that is genuinely and workforce programmes and the Grosvenor Estate could maintain a role this part of the City, which is respectful the surrounding countryside. sustainable, and achieve this through identification, support and use of local in the stewardship of the landscape. to the historic and natural environment. a meaningful connection with the The development could bring about materials. Successful projects that Cooperative schemes could allow for Any masterplan should demonstrate place, providing local employment and a number of environmental benefits have delivered a notable improvement gradual transfer of selected landscape that the Site will provide a range of materials rather than resort to eco- through a high quality development, in quality over the norm are those that and public realm assets to the dwelling types and sizes which meet bling. reflecting the character the City and relate to an ongoing investment role in a community. Certain buildings, such as local needs, discussed earlier in this deliver meaningful, lasting and rooted place and a genuine commitment to the those with a community use of around report. Growth of the City in this direction sustainability without resorting to short- local economy. the local centre could remain under the between the urban area and Chester term technologies. freehold of the Grosvenor Estate. business park provides an opportunity A programme of identification of local to provide a sustainable pattern of skills, craft and material will accompany future development. The Site is on the the future development of land at A55 close to sustainable transport links Wrexham Road. and the park and ride. The location provides an opportunity to exploit and improve connections already in place at the Business Park. 32 A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 I SECTION 7: MAINTAINING DESIGN QUALITY 7. maintaining design quality

The following section provides more Phasing Plan Quality Control information on the key elements of A phasing plan is a detailed strategy Area Master Plans, Design Codes, the design and approval process, for each of the broad future phases, together with a detailed Design illustrating how possible post outline which indicates how the Proposed & Access Statement, provide a planning permission submissions could Development could be brought forward comprehensive design framework in provide a thorough and coordinated and provides more detail on the timing which to bring forward development framework that will control the type of delivery. components and guide their and nature of the development, with the implementation. In addition, to help The strategy would need to be based key requirement being achieving a high brief designers and developers, on a plan which subdivides the phase quality new settlement drawing on the monitor designs, help undertake into development compartments. quality heritage of the Grosvenor Estate. reviews and support the local authority, This Compartment Plan would be consideration could be given to the Area Master Plans coordinated with an Area Master Plan appointment of a design coordinator or and Design Codes prepared for each phase. Supporting champion. Area Master Plans and Design Codes infrastructure which includes linking could be prepared for each of the roads and facilities such as open space Review main phases to be agreed. The Area would be separately identified. Reviews are important procedures Master Plans and Codes could provide to ensure that the proposals are in A full and detailed schedule would be a basis for preparing the future accordance with the set criteria. These prepared which sets out the area of schemes helping ensure integration are undertaken during each of the main each component together with, where and coordination. The Codes would phases of development to assess quality relevant, the dwelling capacity and not only deal with issues of appearance and establish the effectiveness of the distribution of affordable housing. but could also provide guidance on design guidance, including Codes and The schedule would identify when sustainability measures. Area Master Plans. the compartments are to be brought In this way the Area Master Plans forward for approval, are expected to be and Codes could provide the basis for under construction and completed. briefing, quality control and securing sustainability. SECTION 8: CONCLUSION I A Vision for Land at Wrexham Road, Chester I March 2013 33 8. Conclusion

This report has been prepared on behalf and maximising environmental and The Grosvenor Estate is a key of the Grosvenor Estate in response to social benefit, the City can achieve its stakeholder in the future of Chester. the proposed review by CWaC of the requirements in a complementary and As demonstrated in this report the Green Belt around Chester. sustainable way. Grosvenor Estate has a track record of delivery which can be harnessed to It is clear that Chester faces a This report sets out how, in response contribute positively to the growth of significant challenge in meeting its to a need to release land from the Chester. current and future housing needs. Green Belt, land to the east of Wrexham The Grosvenor Estate is committed Road could come forward to provide an This report is considered a basis for to working with Cheshire West and innovative, sustainable and deliverable discussion and the Grosvenor Estate Chester Council, stakeholders and local concept for housing growth. welcomes the opportunity to evolve communities to ensure that the future these proposals in partnership with The Grosvenor Estate’s land to the east growth of the City is accommodated, Cheshire West and Chester Council. of Wrexham Road could link the Chester whilst respecting existing character and Business Park with the City and deliver communities. on land within single ownership much The City has been the subject of various needed housing and growth required strategic reports and reviews identifying to transform Chester and capture the need for growth. This will inevitably economic investment. involve a need to review the Green Belt, a point identified by the Urban Land Institute as a constraint to future economic prosperity. The Grosvenor Estate believes that whilst tough choices need to be undertaken regarding such land releases, with the right approach and balance in accommodating growth