DOCSLIB.ORG

Cheshire Minerals Development Framework

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Cheshire Minerals Development Framework Core Strategy & Site Specific Policies & Allocations - Issues and Options Strategic Flood Risk Assessment September 2007 Minerals Development Framework Cheshire County Council Minerals Development Framework Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Cheshire County Council – SFRA Minerals Issues and Options 1 documents. September 2007 (v1) Cheshire County Council CHESHIRE MINERALS DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK STRATEGIC FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT Andy Farrow Strategic Planning Manager Waste and Planning Service Cheshire County Council Backford Hall Chester CH1 6PZ For further information please contact: Louise Hilder Daniel Stafford Tel: (01244) 976756 Tel: (01244) 972954 E-mail: E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] This document is available in alternative formats, including large print, Braille, tapes and other languages, on request from Cheshire County Council Media and Promotion Team, County Hall, Chester, CH1 1SF. Phone: 0845 11 333 11 Web site: www.cheshire.gov.uk Email: [email protected] Paper and CDrom copies can be obtained: By post: Pat Fricker Team Leader, Information Management Waste and Planning Service Cheshire County Council Backford Hall Backford Chester CH1 6PZ Tel: 01244 973766 Fax 01244 603033 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.cheshire.gov.uk/Planning/ Cheshire County Council – SFRA Minerals Issues and Options 1 documents. September 2007 (v1) Contents 1.0 Introduction 1 Planning Policy Statement 25 1 Approach to Producing SFRA 2 2.0 Summary of Flood Risk in Cheshire 3 Climate Change 3 Potential Minerals Development 4 3.0 The Weaver Gowy Catchment 6 Overview 6 Current Flood Risks and Management 7 4.0 The Upper Mersey Catchment 9 Overview 9 Current Flood Risks and Management 10 5.0 The Lower Mersey Catchment 11 Overview 11 Current Flood Risks and Management 12 6.0 The River Dee Catchment 13 Overview 13 Current Flood Risks and Management 13 7.0 Minerals Development 14 Issues at Existing Sites 14 Mitigating Flood Risk at Minerals Workings 14 Opportunities to Reduce Flood Risk 15 8.0 Conclusions 16 References 17 Appendix 1 - Historical Flooding in Cheshire 18 Table of Figures Figure 1 - Catchments in the North West (source: Mersey Estuary CFMP Scoping Report, March 2007) 3 Figure 2 - Flood risk in Cheshire and active and proposed minerals sites 5 Figure 3 - Weaver Gowy Catchment (source: Weaver Gowy CFMP Scoping Report, feb 2007) 6 Figure 4 - Upper Mersey Catchment (source: Upper Mersey CFMP Scoping Report, January 2006) 10 Figure 5 - The Mersey Estuary Catchment (source: Mersey Estuary CFMP Scoping Report, March 2007) 11 (Please note: Figures 1, 3, 4 and 5 supplied by the Environment Agency) 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA) is the term currently used for the type of assessment of flood risk undertaken to inform the spatial planning process at the sub-regional or local scale. However, it is unclear whether an additional SFRA is needed at the County tier as neither PPS25 nor its Practice Guide provides effective guidance on this matter. 1.2 The purpose of this report is to collect information in relation to flooding and flood risk in Cheshire as part of the baseline evidence of the Sustainability Appraisal of the Minerals Development Framework Core Strategy and Site Specific Policies and Allocations which are currently at the Issues and Options stage of Development Plan Production. Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25) 1.3 PPS25: Development and Flood Risk requires all Planning Authorities to carry out a SFRA to inform the development of Development Plan Documents (DPDs). PPS12: Local Development Frameworks establishes that development plans must be based upon a robust and credible evidence base. Therefore, the County Council considers that an SFRA is necessary to inform the development of both the Cheshire Minerals Development Framework (MDF) Core Strategy and Site Specific Policies and Allocations DPDs. It will also go on to inform the Sustainability Appraisals of any future Minerals DPDs. 1.4 The SFRA has been developed in consultation with the Environment Agency. 1.5 The aim of this SFRA is to refine information on the probability of flooding from all sources in Cheshire. It will also take climate change into account. It will provide the basis for applying the sequential test to the location of development, on the basis of the zones set out in Table D.1 of PPS25. These are: • Zone 1: Low Probability o This zone comprises land assessed as having a less than 1 in 1000 annual probability of river or sea flooding in any year (<0.1%) • Zone 2: Medium Probability o This zone comprises land assessed as having between a 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 annual probability of river flooding (1% - 0.1%) or between a 1 in 200 and 1 in 1000 probability of sea flooding (0.5% - 00.1%) in any year. • Zone 3a: High Probability o This zone comprises land assessed as having a 1 in 100 or greater annual probability of river flooding (>1%) or a 1 in 200 or greater annual probability of flooding from the sea (>0.5%) in any year. • Zone 3b: The Functional Floodplain Cheshire County Council – SFRA Minerals Issues and Options 1 documents. September 2007 (v1) o This zone comprises land where water has to flow or be stored in times of flood. 1.6 PPS25 states that non-natural or artificial flooding may arise from operational and redundant industrial processes including mining, quarrying and sand and gravel extraction as they may increase floodwater depths and velocities in adjacent areas. The effects of dewatering through sand and gravel extraction may also impact on the flood risk in the receiving water course. 1.7 The over-all aim of PPS25 is to steer new development to flood zone 1. However, minerals development presents a number of unique issues in relation to flood risk that may prevent this: • Minerals can only be worked where they are found, restricting the use of the sequential test to guide development away from areas of higher flood risk. • Sand and gravel workings are defined as “water compatible development” and are therefore appropriate in all flood zones. Therefore, the sequential test does not need to be carried out in relation to sand and gravel workings. • Other minerals workings and processing (not sand and gravel) are defined as “less vulnerable development” and are appropriate in all flood zones except Zone 3b. Again, this limits the application of the sequential test as new minerals development need only be steered away from flood zone 3b. • The greenfield/rural nature of minerals development limits flood risk and surface run-off issues. Approach to Producing SFRA 1.8 Although the issues outlined above limit the detail appropriate to this SFRA, the general flood risk issues in Cheshire in relation to minerals development will be set out with an assessment of the implications of climate change. 1.9 In line with the Environment Agency’s Catchment Flood Management Plans, the general issues will be examined on a catchment basis. The catchments within Cheshire are the Weaver Gowy, Lower Mersey and Upper Mersey (see figure 1). An examination of Environmental Statements will allow existing hydrological issues to be set out for the active mineral sites within Cheshire. This SFRA will also set out the general principles towards mitigating any flood risk issues at a site specific level and the possible opportunities that minerals development may have on reducing flood risk in the County. Cheshire County Council – SFRA Minerals Issues and Options 2 documents. September 2007 (v1) 2.0 Summary of Flood Risk in Cheshire 2.1 This section will provide an overview of the catchments that cover Cheshire and the general flood risk issues that exist within them. An examination of flood risk issues at individual active sites will also be included. Figure 1 - Catchments in the North West (source: Mersey Estuary CFMP Scoping Report, March 2007) Map supplied by the Environment Agency for use by Cheshire County Council Climate Change 2.2 Climate change is an important driver in terms of flood risk as it has catchment wide influence on peak flows across the whole of Cheshire. A figure of +20% (on peak flows) has become a simple benchmark for the allowance that should reasonably be given for climate change impacts for all flood return periods. This is in line with Defra and CFMP guidance. An allowance for the impact of climate change on tidal levels has been set for the North West of England of +2.5mm/yr up to 2025 (see table B.1 of PPS25) for North West England. Post 2025, sea level rise is predicted to be around 7mm/yr from 2025-2055, 10mm/yr from 2055-2085 and 13mm/yr from 2085 to 2115. Sea level rise may increase the chances of “tidal locking” of the lower reaches of the rivers increasing the risk of flooding. It should also be noted that extreme wave heights are expected to increase by +5% up to 2055 and +10% up to 2115 (see table B.2 of PPS25). This may increase the instances of sea defences being overtopped. Cheshire County Council – SFRA Minerals Issues and Options 3 documents. September 2007 (v1) Potential Minerals Development 2.3 The map below (figure 2) shows the topography of Cheshire, the location of the active minerals sites, the main rivers and flood zones 2 and 3, and potential mineral sites, areas of search and preferred areas (it should be noted that the proposed sites have been put forward by consultees and have not yet been through the plan making process). Due to their nature, especially sand (silica and construction) workings, the minerals sites tend to be located in the floodplains of the main rivers in Cheshire.
Recommended publications
  • Advisory Visit River Bollin, Styal Country Park, Cheshire February

    Advisory Visit River Bollin, Styal Country Park, Cheshire February

    Advisory Visit River Bollin, Styal Country Park, Cheshire February 2010 1.0 Introduction This report is the output of a site visit undertaken by Tim Jacklin of the Wild Trout Trust to the River Bollin, Cheshire on 19th February 2010. Comments in this report are based on observations on the day of the site visit and discussions with Kevin Nash (Fisheries Technical Specialist) and Andy Eaves (Fisheries Technical Officer) of the Environment Agency (EA), North West Region (South Area). Normal convention is applied throughout the report with respect to bank identification, i.e. the banks are designated left hand bank (LHB) or right hand bank (RHB) whilst looking downstream. 2.0 Catchment / Fishery Overview The River Bollin is 49 km long and rises in the edge of Macclesfield Forest, flowing west to join the River Mersey (Manchester Ship Canal) near Lymm. The River Dean is the major tributary of the Bollin, and the catchment area totals 273 km2. The section of river visited flows through Styal Country Park, downstream of Quarry Bank Mill, and is owned by the National Trust. A previous Wild Trout Trust visit was carried out further downstream at the National Trust property at Dunham Massey. The Bollin falls within the remit of the Mersey Life Project which aims to carry out a phased programme of river restoration, initially focussing on the non-tidal section of the River Mersey, the River Bollin and River Goyt (http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/wildlife/102362.aspx). The construction of fish passes on Heatley and Bollington Mill weirs in the lower Bollin catchment means it is now possible for migratory species (e.g.
  • Raven Newsletter

    Raven Newsletter

    TheNo.17 Winter 2011 aven RThe quarterly magazine for the whole of Rainow G Village News G Social Events G Parish Council News G Clubs & Societies G School & Church The Parish Council would like to wish everyone a very.... Happy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year Very BestWishes for 2012 Winter Gritting Signage We have asked that the bins already in place at We are endeavouring to get Highways to improve the Rainow Primary School, Chapel Lane near Millers signage for Bull Hill and hopefully prevent HGVs from Meadow, the stone bin on Lidgetts Lane, Millers using the road. Meadow (near Spinney), Sugar Lane at the junction Community Pride Competition Hough Close and on Berristall Lane be kept filled. Rainow has received the “Little Gem” award in this Highways are also depositing 1/2 tonne sacks of salt year’s competition for Trinity Gardens and Highly mix at strategic locations in the parish to assist when Commended for the Raven newsletter. the weather is particularly wintery. They will be dropped on the verge as they are and the salt can be spread Civic Service from the sack. We have asked for sacks at the top of The Civic Service was once again a great success Sugar Lane, top of Round Meadow near telephone with Steve Rathbone providing, as ever, a splendid kiosk, Berristall Lane (should the bin not be filled), service. Over Alderley Brass Band accompanied the Tower Hill and mid-point of Kiskill Lane. In addition, choir and congregation with the hymns. Amongst the Tom Briggs will continue to salt Round Meadow, Millers guests were the Mayor of Cheshire East Roger West, Meadow and Sugar Lane.
  • Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy: Examination (Resumed Hearings)

    Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy: Examination (Resumed Hearings)

    Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy: Examination (Resumed Hearings) Supplementary Statement submitted on behalf of BDW Trading Limited (Representor Number: 750734) in relation to Matter 5: Urban Potential and Site- Selection Methodology St James Park, Wilmslow (formerly known as Land at Little Stanneylands) September 2015 Does the assessment of Urban Potential and Site Selection Methodology fully consider the potential for development within and around the existing towns and settlements in Cheshire East, including development of smaller sites within the built-up area or on the fringes of settlements in the north of the area and the balance between brownfield and greenfield sites, and provide an appropriate, consistent, objective, justified and effective approach to the selection of sites, in line with national guidance and fully addressing the Inspector’s concerns in his Interim Views, particularly in terms of: a) Urban Potential Study 1. BDW Trading Limited (BDW) would raise the following general points in relation to the robustness of the Urban Potential Study: • The study has applied a density of 30dph across all sites, ‘unless [there is] a clear reason to deviate from this’. It is not clear whether this is a gross or net density. It would appear somewhat overly simplistic to apply a 30dph density across all sites without considering the gross to net ratio, even on a standardised basis. • This study is entirely separate from the SHLAA and does not follow accepted SHLAA methodology. Crucially it does not include any specific consideration of deliverability, and particularly viability. 2. BDW would note that even with these concerns, the potential for new housing sites within the built-up area of Wilmslow is very low.
  • Catchment News

    Catchment News

    Cheshire Agricultural Project | Preventing Water Pollution ISSUE 1 Catchment News 1 Cheshire Agricultural Project | Preventing Water Pollution Editorial Taking the CAP off Exploring a brave new In the past 15 years farms have been This is Helm’s preferred proposal given lots of grants but with thousands which would see subsidies cease and world to fund farming of farmers still waiting to receive public money used for public goods this year’s Basic Payment Scheme, directly contracted through public in the post-Brexit and Pillar 1 and 2 payments only bodies. landscape. guaranteed until 2020, one message is coming across loud and clear – we A public good is any good or need to create a new revenue flow if service which when consumed Whether you voted to leave the subsidies dry up. or stay in the European Union by one person, does not reduce last June, we’ve been told in Dieter Helm, Professor of Energy the amount available to others no uncertain terms by Prime Policy at the University of Oxford and it is not possible to supply Minister Theresa May that and Independent Chair of the Natural it to one person without Capital Committee, gave plenty of supplying it to all - clean water, ‘Brexit means Brexit’. food for thought on this subject in his recent Natural Capital Network paper clean air, productive soils, So how will our environment, British Agricultural Policy after BREXIT, carbon storage and biodiversity our soils, our water and our outlining a number of options for a - are public goods that keep biodiversity be managed and way forward: us and our planet healthy and by whom once we divorce from alive.
  • C/R/D Summary Skeleton Document

    C/R/D Summary Skeleton Document

    Application No: 17/4521M Location: Land at Stanneylands Road, Wilmslow,, SK9 4ER Proposal: Full planning application for the erection of 174 residential dwellings, new roundabout onto Stanneylands Road, public open space, pedestrian/cycleway connection between Linneys Bridge and the River Dean, a new bridge crossing of the River Dean, and associated works. Applicant: Andrew Taylor, Barratt & David Wilson Homes North West Expiry Date: 22-Dec-2017 SUMMARY The site is allocated within the Local Plan for residential use and consists of the entire LPS56 allocation. The development accords with the Local Plan policy relating to its allocation by providing housing. The applicant is providing financial contributions required in order to make the development acceptable and is providing the full amount of affordable housing on site which is essential in order to make developments sustainable in the future. It is considered that the proposals are environmental, socially and economically sustainable and accord with the development plan and the framework. The site is sustainably located within the town and the proposals represent an efficient use of the land. Cheshire East is currently able to demonstrate a 5 year supply of housing however this site is included within the 5 year supply and as a result this proposal will make a valuable contribution in maintaining this position. The design and layout of the development are in accordance with the Cheshire East Design Guide and no issues have been identified in respect of overlooking or other amenity impacts. It has been demonstrated the development will not have a detrimental impact on the local highway network, the trees on and around the site, to local ecology.
  • Parish Profile

    Parish Profile

    THE PARISH OF ST PETER, HARGRAVE (0510) In the DIOCESE of CHESTER, MALPAS DEANERY PARISH PROFILE 24th February 2021 1 CONTENTS Introduction A popular place to live Church and associated buildings Church worship Huxley Church of England (Controlled) Primary School Church and village activities Finance Forward planning The incumbent This Parish Profile was prepared by members of Hargrave Parochial Church Council and approved by members of the whole PCC. Introduction The Parish of Hargrave, including Huxley, lies about 7 miles south east of Chester, between the roads to Whitchurch (A41) and Nantwich (A51). It is predominantly farmland on the Cheshire plain, overlooked by the Peckforton Hills and also by the castles of Beeston and Peckforton. The river Gowy ambles through the parish eventually feeding the River Mersey and flowing out into the Irish sea between Liverpool and New Brighton. The Parish (0510) forms part of the Malpas Deanery in the Diocese of Chester and is one of 20 Parishes in that Deanery. A Popular, attractive and vibrant place to live. Having been predominantly a farming community for most of its history, the Parish is now attracting residents who mostly travel to work. However several farms still remain, making in total, about 140 dwellings, and a population of less than 500 of all ages. There is a Village Hall in Huxley and, unusually, a new public house called ‘The Inn at Huxley’. Hargrave has the benefit of the Church Hall which also doubles up as a Village Hall. The Parish Church is St. Peter’s at Hargrave. We have the benefit of an excellent butcher’s shop and Deli at ‘The Inn at Huxley.’ There are other shops within a short driving distance at Tattenhall and Tarporley, both of which are lovely Cheshire villages.
  • Anfield Bicycle Club Circular

    Anfield Bicycle Club Circular

    ANFIELD^CIRCULAR JOURNAL OF THE ANFIELD BICYCLE CLUB (formed March 1879) President: Tony Pickles Captain: Martin Cartwright (S: 01244 539979) Hon Secretary: Craig Clewley 92 Victoria Road, SALTNEY, Flintshire, CH4 8SZ (ffi:01244 683022; e-mail: [email protected]) March 2001 no.896 CLUBRUNS (Please support - lunch is 1230hrs) April 7 Llew Coch Ffrwd (Cefn-y-Bedd) 14 Club 7 Huntington 1130hrs White Horse Churton 21 The Buck Bangor-on-Dee 28 The Swan Marbury May 5 Club 7 Huntington 1130hrs White Horse Churton 12 Committee ii30hrs Sportsman's Arms Tattenhall 19 Miner's Arms Minera 26 Yew Tree Spurstow 28 Anfield 100 HQ: Prees Village Hall June 2 The Crown Liandegla 9 The Bull Clotton 16 Trotting Mare Eastwick 20 Midweek Club 7 Huntington (Wednesday) 1930hrs 23 Committee H30hrs Sportsman's Arms Tattenhall 30 ©Miner's AnfieldArms Rhes-y-CaeBicycle Club CLUB SUBSCRIPTIONS 21 and over: £15.00 Junior (under 21): £7.50 Cadet:£3.50 Hon Treasurer: Chris Edwards, Old Orchard, Darmond's Green, West Kirby, WIRRAL CH48 5DT (S: 0151 625 8982) Editor: David Birchall, 53 Beggarmans Lane, KNUTSFORD, WA16 9BA ffi:01565 651593; e-mail: [email protected] * CLOSING DATE FOR NEXT ISSUE - 23 June 2001 * Racing Notes - Mark Livingstone I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year and an enjoyable and successful year's cycling and racing (especially the enjoyable bit). Right then, down to business: The first race of the year is almost upon us and it's going to be an interesting one. The Club '14' on March 24th provides everyone with the first of 2 opportunities to put in a good ride in the Club 14 mile handicap competition.
  • The Bishop Bennet Way

    The Bishop Bennet Way

    The Bishop Bennet Way A 34mile/55km route for horse riders following bridleways, byways and minor roads through the countryside of southwest Cheshire For more information about where to ride in Cheshire, visit www.discovercheshire.co.uk Managed by Cheshire & Warrington Tourism Board Managed by Cheshire & Warrington Tourism Board Tarvin A49 Chester A51 A55 A41 Tarporley Start River B5130 The route is named after Dee an eighteenth century traveller Tattenhall Beeston The Bishop Bennet Way who once explored the tracks Farndon A534 Bishop runs from near Beeston Castle to the village that we now ride for pleasure. A41Bennet Way A49 of Wirswall on the Shropshire border. The For information about the life Malpas route is largely on flat ground, with some of Bishop Bennet, visit B5069 Finish Bangor on Dee _ _ gentle hills in its southern half. Some of the www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/HorseRiding/bishop bennet way.htm. A525 Whitchurch central sections of the route can be very wet during winter months. The route comprises some 27kms of surfaced roads (mostly without verges) and 12kms of ‘green lanes’ of which some have bridleway status, some restricted byway status, and others byway open to all traffic status. The rest of the route is by field-edge and cross- field paths, the latter being occasionally subject to ploughing. You must expect to share all these routes with walkers and cyclists and, in the case of byways, roads and some restricted byways, with motor traffic too. You should also expect some use of routes by farmers with agricultural vehicles. Using bed and breakfast accommodation for horse and rider, the whole ride can be completed over two consecutive days or you could choose to ride shorter sections individually.
  • Woodford Habitat Survey

    Woodford Habitat Survey

    Woodford Habitat Survey North West Woodford, Area 10 (surveyed September 2015 and spring 2016) Area 10 forms the south west of the Neighbourhood Area, lying between Blossoms Lane, Church Lane, Wilmslow Road and the River Dean, as shown in OS and satellite images below, bounded by the turquoise line. The western boundary follows a tiny stream which meanders downhill to the River Dean and marks the border with Cheshire East. The road to Kingstreet and two footpaths, 4HGB and 5HGB, cross the area. 1 Land use Area 10 is largely agricultural land belonging to local farms and landowners, including Dean Valley Farm, Dean Farm and Barr Green Farm. It is nearly all improved grassland, either used for grazing for horses, sheep or cattle and/or for hay, haylage or silage crops in the summer. There are a few small patches of unmown or infrequently mown grass. Map showing land use in Area 10 10F25 2 Small areas of mixed deciduous woodland are to be found adjacent to the River Dean, around the Deanwater Hotel, behind the houses along Wilmslow Road and along the banks of a small stream which runs down to the River Dean. Area 10 is characterised by large fields bounded by native hedgerows with mature trees, mostly oak with some ash and sycamore. Parts of Dean Valley Farm are used for horse grazing and have been subdivided into smaller fields with fences. Open views across fields and to the Pennines can be enjoyed from footpath 4HGB. View of 10F25 and 10H40b from footpath 4HGB Hay ready for baling in 10F25 Views to hills across Dean Valley Farm Wooded stream forming western boundary 10F19 beside River Dean in Dean Farm Trees around River Dean in Dean Farm land 3 Hedgerows There are numerous native hedges in Area 10, particularly in the west of the area.
  • Bollin Valley Way: 2. Wizard!

    Bollin Valley Way: 2. Wizard!

    Deanwater Adlington Hall 393 Bollington Hotel 1.3km/0.8mile Cross River Dean A5102 A523 B5091 B5090 Walks & Cycle Routes FB B5358 393 B5358 A523 Bollin Valley Way & Footpath Junctions FB B5358 Dean River Bollin Cheshire Cycleway (Extended route) Row FB Sewage Works Golf Cheshire Cycleway A538 + Wizard Trail Course Bridleway Mottram P Hall A5102 Other Public Footpaths Hotel Tytheringto FB Permissive Footpaths WILMSLOW Golf Course PRESTBURY P Macclesfield P R T R T FB Riverside Park i 287 KEY Golf 287 A538 Course Roads A538 287 Fences/Hedges Canals / Rivers MOTTRAM ST. ANDREW National Trust Properties N Railway 287 Built-up Area 287 Buildings Hare A34 Hill Forest / Woodland (NT) P P T P Parking 287 B5087 287 Country Pub 26,130 287 MACCLESFIELD R Other Refreshment 287 Alderley Edge (NT) T Toilets R T i Information P Picnic Site A34 287 Train Station © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 287 B5085 Cheshire County Council Licence No.100019582.2004 38 Bus Services Golf 26,27,130 See overleaf for details Course ALDERLEY FB Footbridge 26,130 1 km EDGE Nether Henbury P R T 2.5km/1.5mile Alderley 1.4km/0.9mile A537 A535 A34 Via Wizard Mill Via Bradford Lane 1 mile Trail (NT) The Bollin Valley Way and other recreational routes between Prestbury and Wilmslow, including Alderley Edge. are not pavements, so wear sturdy footwear and be Nether Alderley Mill THE BOLLIN Wizard! prepared for the British weather. Not all paths shown Unusual 15th century watermill; regular flour grinding Good views, not too many hills, pretty are managed by the Bollin Valley Partnership.
  • Spatial Distribution Update Report

    Spatial Distribution Update Report

    Design, Planning + Prepared for: Submitted by Cheshire East Council AECOM Economics Bridgewater House, Whitworth Street, Manchester, M1 6LT July 2015 Spatial Distribution Update Report Final Report United Kingdom & Ireland AECOM Spatial Distribution Support TC-i Table of contents 1 Executive Summary 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Approach 1 1.3 Key findings 2 1.4 Options for testing the spatial distribution 5 1.5 Options analysis 10 1.6 Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulation Assessment 13 1.7 Habitats Regulation Assessment 13 1.8 Recommendations 13 1.9 Implications for site allocations 15 2 Introduction and scope 17 2.1 Background to the commission 17 2.2 Council’s approach to date 17 2.3 Key objectives/issues that the commission must respond to 20 2.4 Key Requirements and Outputs 23 3 Methodology 24 3.1 Approach 24 4 Alternative spatial distribution options 27 4.2 Options for testing the spatial distribution 27 4.3 Options analysis 33 5 Summary of issues identified through the Settlement Profiles 36 5.2 Principal Towns 37 5.3 Key Service Centres 38 5.4 Local Service Centres 41 5.5 Conclusions 44 6 Vision and Strategic Priorities 47 7 Consultation and the Duty to Cooperate 49 7.1 Consultation Responses 49 7.2 Duty to Cooperate 50 8 Infrastructure 53 8.2 Public transport 53 8.3 Utilities 54 8.4 Emergency Services 54 8.5 Health facilities 54 8.6 Education 55 8.7 Leisure and culture 56 8.8 Community facilities 57 9 Highways modelling 58 10 Deliverability and Viability 62 10.2 Residential Development 62 10.3 Commercial Development 64
  • Adders in Cheshire Andy Harmer

    Adders in Cheshire Andy Harmer

    Adders in Cheshire Andy Harmer The Adder could possibly be the most under-recorded of all of our terrestrial vertebrates in Cheshire, and though the secretive nature of this animal is a factor, it is not considered the main cause. Unfortunately, other than Risley Moss SSSI there is no evidence of structured or even ad hoc surveying or monitoring throughout the Cheshire recording area. At a time when nationally the Adder is regarded as our fastest declining herptile, it is crucial that Cheshire naturalists aren’t caught napping. How unpalatable would it be for the Adder to survive centuries of persecution only to demise now through naturalist apathy? All known documented sites, both historic and contemporary have been used in the preparation of this article so this animal’s distribution, past and present, can be put into some type of context. The aspiration is that it will serve to encourage natural historians out of their armchairs and away from their usual haunts to go and search for this much maligned but beautiful animal. This animal can only be protected regionally if there is up to date knowledge of its distribution. The Records On examination of the Adder records in the Local Record Centre’s (rECOrd) database, plus a few additional records I’ve gleaned recently from national surveys and historical documents, I can say without doubt it makes grim reading. If the lack of modern records from former sites actually means absence of the animal rather than absence of a recorder then it is worrying, though skewed results due to recorder apathy must be considered.