Cheshire East Local Development Framework

Place Shaping Consultation

Nantwich Snapshot July 2011

1 Foreword 2 1 Introduction 3 Introduction 3 What is the Local Development Framework? 3 How is the Local Development Framework being prepared? 3 What are the timescales for preparing the Local Development Framework? 4 What is the Place Shaping Consultation? 5 How do we assess the suitability of proposals? 6 How does this relate to Community-Led Planning? 7 How does this relate to Neighbourhood Planning? 7 2 A Snapshot of the Town 8 An Introduction to the Town 8 Housing 9 Economy 10 Town Centre 12 Transport 13 Open Space and the Countryside 16 The Built Environment 17 Community Infrastructure 19 3 To Sum Up... 23 To Sum Up... 23 Appendices 26 Appendix A: Glossary of Terms 26 Appendix B: References 29 Contents

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

Place Shaping Consultation – Snapshot Reports

Foreword

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

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

Your Place

Your Future

Your Say

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

The Place Shaping Consultation asks some fundamental questions:

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

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

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

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

Cllr David Brown Foreword

2 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Background Evidence

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

Strategic Issues and Options Consultation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stakeholder workshops Exhibitions - community consultation On line and postal consultation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2.1 Nantwich is an historic market town located in the south west of Cheshire East and 6.5km to the south west of Crewe. The runs northwards through the town, and the acts as its western boundary. Due to the town's location, it has strong connections to Crewe, and towns within neighbouring Shropshire.

Figure 2.1 Location of Nantwich

2.2 The town is a thriving service centre with a population of 17,180. Nantwich dates back to Roman times, when it was a centre for the production of salt. The town's extensive heritage is evident present day in its 2 conservation areas and more than 100 listed buildings, one of the largest collection of historic buildings in the Borough.

2.3 Nantwich has a variety of employment, education and retail opportunities, with a popular town centre containing 286, mainly independent, units. It also has a range of community services and a good public transport network. These facilities are used by both the residents of the town and the community living within the town's rural hinterland. own T

2.4 The extensive heritage and attractive town centre offering combine to make Nantwich a popular destination for tourists and visitors alike. the of

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8 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report Housing

2.5 There are nearly 7,000 homes in Nantwich, the majority of which are semi- detached houses. There are also a number of terraced houses and flats spread throughout the town. However, the town has only a low proportion of detached properties.

2.6 Although the prices for detached, semi-detached and terraced properties in Nantwich are above the Borough average, the average house price in the town is below the Cheshire East average. This is likely to be as a result of the Figure 2.2 Percentage of Houses by Type large number of lower priced flats within the town.

2.7 The age structure of Nantwich generally reflects the overall age structure for Cheshire East. However, the town has a higher proportion of young children and pensioners than the average for the Borough, and generally a lower proportion of working age residents that the average for the Borough.

2.8 There is a connection between the types of housing available within the town and the age structure of its residents. This may impact on the type of housing required in the town in the future.

2.9 Private and social renting within Nantwich is high (10.3% private renting and 15% rented from registered social landlords) compared to the Borough average (7.1% private renting and 12.5% Figure 2.3 Age Structure of Nantwich from registered social landlords).

2.10 Nantwich is likely to need between 690 - 2,400 new homes by 2030. Studies have indicated that there is a need for a range of house types, sizes and tenures.

2.11 According to the Cheshire East Strategic Housing own T

Market Assessment (2010) there is a need for 73 affordable dwellings to be provided each year within Nantwich up to the

2014, particularly for dwellings with 1 and 2 bedrooms. of 2.12 There have been a number of homes built in Nantwich over the last 5 years. On average there has been 106 houses completed in each of the last 5 years in Figure 2.4 Housing: The Blankney Nantwich. Snapshot

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 9 2.13 Much of this housing built over the last 5 years was located at:

Land on London Road; Land adjacent to Red Lion Lane; Land at former Nantwich Town Football Club on Jackson Avenue, and Land of Barony Road.

2.14 Other large sites include: the former Lamb Hotel on Hospital Street; land at the corner of Mill Street and Waterlodge; the former mill buildings off Arnold Street and Albert Street; land at Station Yard on Pillory Street; the Beam Bridge Works on Barony Road; and land off Davenport Avenue.

2.15 There is a need to ensure that there is sufficient housing to meet the needs of the town's existing and future residents over the next twenty years or so. It is also important to ensure that sufficient affordable housing is provided for people who cannot afford to purchase market housing. Economy

2.16 Nantwich's economy has undergone significant change since its origins as a centre for salt production and later as a key manufacturer of leather goods.

2.17 Today, there are 6700 jobs within the town and its surrounding area, this is 4.1% of the total jobs in the Borough. Many of these jobs are within:

Shops, hotels and restaurants in the town centre Distribution centres in the surrounding area At banks and other financial services operating out of the town Within public administration, education and health. own T

the Figure 2.5 Percentage of jobs by employment sector of 2.18 Despite the relatively high number of jobs available, Nantwich has only a limited number of larger employment areas within the town itself, these are:

Alvaston Business Park, which is a 0.8ha site used for offices Barony Court Employment Park, which is an 8.3ha site used for offices, industry and storage and distribution Snapshot

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10 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report Pepper House, which is located in the centre of Nantwich and is used for offices Chatwins Bakers, which is located in the centre of Nantwich and is used for manufacturing, storage and distribution.

2.19 The town also benefits from a number of employment centres located in the surrounding area, these include:

Calveley Industrial Estate in Calverley, north of Nantwich. The site is used for offices, for research purposes and for light industry Reaseheath College, located to the north of Nantwich. The site is a higher education facility The Wardle Industrial Estate in Wardle, north of Nantwich. The site is used for offices, industry and storage and distribution The NWF and Boughey sites also in Wardle. The site is used for manufacturing and storage and distribution The New Primebake Ltd site in Newhall, to the south west of Nantwich. The site is used for manufacturing, storage and distribution The Alpha Buildings, in , to the south of Nantwich. The site is used for offices, manufacturing and storage and distribution.

2.20 The existence of employment in the surrounding area, combined with the high number of individuals that commute to other settlements for employment, particularly Crewe, , , Stoke - on - Trent and Newcastle - under - Lyme mean that a high proportion of residents of Nantwich currently work outside of the town.

2.21 It is also the case that the number of people living in Nantwich of working age and in employment (65.6%) is below the Borough average (68.8%), mainly due to people taking early retirement (54.5%), being permanently sick or disabled (15.0%) and Figure 2.6 Chatwins Bakery looking after the family or home (15.0%).

2.22 To provide greater access to jobs within the local area, to reduce commuting and increase the ability of residents to access jobs, there may be a need for additional employment opportunities within the town.

2.23 There are currently only two locations within the town, which have been identified for additional employment facilities, these are:

Stapeley Water Gardens, a 13 ha site, allocated for mixed used development. The site has outline

planning permission for a mixed use regeneration, own T including houses, offices, shops and car parking. Land off St Anne's Lane, which is suitable for mixed the

used regeneration, including shops, offices and

apartments of

2.24 If we are to increase the number of residents who Figure 2.7 Pepper House work within the town, there may a need to identify additional employment sites. Snapshot

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 11 Town Centre

2.25 Nantwich has an historic town centre, with public spaces, green spaces and numerous heritage features. Focal points include the town square, Nantwich Riverside park, the River Weaver, St Mary's Church, the market hall and the civic hall.

2.26 The shopping centre is mainly located along Beam Street, High Street, Hospital Street, Pepper Street and Pillory Street. According to a recent survey, there are:

245 shops within the town centre 171 of these were shops Figure 2.8 Nantwich Town Centre 28 were used as financial or professional offices 34 were used as restaurants, cafés, pubs or take-aways 8 were used for other purposes 4 units were vacant.

2.27 Most shops within the centre are small units occupied by independent traders, many selling specialist food items or designer clothes. The pubs and restaurants attract people into the town in the evening. The town also hosts two markets, these are a general market, held three days a week and a farmers market, held once a month.

2.28 These factors combine to create a strong retail centre, which serves both the community and visitors to the town. The vitality of the town centre is also demonstrated by the very low vacancy rate of 1.6%, compared to the Cheshire East average of 12% and the national average of 13.9%.

2.29 In addition to the shops within the town centre, there are a number of supermarkets within the town, which serve the community. These are the own

T Morrison’s and Aldi stores on Station Road and the recently expanded Sainsbury's store on the edge of the the

Figure 2.9 Market Centre town, on Road. of

2.30 According to the Cheshire Retail Study, there is a current need for additional retail premises in Nantwich. Any development to meet these needs will have to be balanced against maintaining the role and character of the centre. Snapshot

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12 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 2.31 Two potential sites have been identified for retail development, these are:

Snow Hill, located to the north west of the town centre. The site is adjacent to the town centre and could be developed for a mixed use scheme of shops and leisure facilities.

Land off St Anne's Lane, to the west of the town centre off Welsh Row. The site could be developed as part of a mixed use scheme of shops, offices and apartments.

2.32 If these sites are allocated for retail development, it will be expected that development should be designed to link into the existing town centre, respect the historic setting, contain attractive public and green spaces, have a high design quality and provide good pedestrian links. Transport

Private Transport

2.33 Nantwich is situated on the A534, A51 and A530. It is primarily accessible from the north by the A530, A51 and B5074; from the south by the A530 and A529; from the east by the A534, A51 and A500; and from the west by the A534.

2.34 There are a number of restrictions to road access to the town from the surrounding area, including:

The Shropshire Union canal to the west of the town; The River Weaver and its floodplain, which runs south to north through the town; Figure 2.10 Water Lodge Road The tributaries of the River Weaver, to the south of the town; The railway line which runs east to west through the town; and The Valley Brook to the east of the town.

2.35 Despite the presence of a bypass to the north of the town, the roads within the town are heavily utilised, and the town suffers from congestion during peak times. Indeed, the largest growth in traffic in the urban areas of Cheshire East was experienced in Nantwich.

2.36 Nantwich has 10 public car parks, 4 are short stay and 6 are long stay. Despite this provision, Nantwich experiences very high demand own

for parking all year, especially in Spring and T

Summer and when the town hosts a festival or

event. This need for parking will need to be the

Figure 2.11 Car Park off Water Lodge Road reflected in any future development. of

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 13 Public Transport

2.37 Nantwich Train Station is managed by , it is located just to the south of the town centre accessible from Wellington Road. The Station is on the Crewe to Shrewsbury Line and provides a 2 hourly service (Monday-Saturday) in each direction between the hours of 06:00 and 23:00. Nantwich can also access national rail links via its connection to Crewe.

2.38 Despite the relatively infrequent service, Nantwich Train Station is well used, and usage is increasing. During the 2009/10 monitoring period 98,360 journeys were made to and from the station, this represents a 7.7% increase in use from the previous period.

2.39 Two bus interchanges are located in Nantwich, these are at Nantwich Bus Station on Beam Street in the town centre and Nantwich Railway Station on Wellington Road to the south of the town centre.

Figure 2.12 Nantwich Bus Station

2.40 A total of 76 bus journeys arrive or depart from the town per day. These buses provide an important link between the town and the rural area around it as well as links to other towns in the area.

2.41 Nantwich is also located on the National Express coach service between Birkenhead and Southsea. This service operates daily.

Walking

2.42 Nantwich benefits from good pedestrian links within the settlement and a number of routes from the town into the surrounding rural area. However, despite the good supply of routes, many own of them do not connect to each other T

2.43 Key pedestrian links within the town include: the

Nantwich Riverside circular walk, running north of to south alongside the River Weaver. Although Welsh Row creates a barrier between the north and the south of the site. Any future development of this area should seek to increase north-south connections Figure 2.13 Footbrige in Riverside Park within the park. Snapshot

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14 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report Footpath in the south west of the town, running from Stapeley Water Gardens into the town centre. Routes through the town centre and into the surrounding area. Through Barony Park. Along Heathside, to the west of the town.

2.44 Key links from the town to the surrounding area include:

Llangollen Canal Shropshire Union Canal Footpaths from north west Nantwich to Willaston and onto Crewe Footpaths from north east Nantwich to Acton Village.

Cycling

2.45 Cycling is an ideal way to travel for short local trips, particularly in an urban area. Within Nantwich, cycling is encouraged by the provision of a mixture of on and off road routes. However, the availability of routes within the town is varied and not all routes are inter-connected.

Figure 2.14 Riverside Park

2.46 Key cycle routes within the town include:

Route 74: an on-road route running through Nantwich, east to Crewe and west to own

Route 75: a mainly on-road route running through Nantwich, north to Reaseheath College T and eventually Winsford and south to Ravensmoor and beyond Route 76: a mainly traffic-free route running along the A5301 in South Nantwich, from Brine the Leas School to Blakelow of

Riverside Park routes: a series of traffic-free routes running through Riverside Park. Waterlode route: a local traffic-free route running along Waterlode from Malbank school into the town centre The Connect2 Nantwich scheme: a traffic-free route connecting Nantwich Riverside Park to Queens Park in Crewe. Snapshot

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

2.47 Nantwich has a number of green spaces scattered through the town, key sites include:

Nantwich Riverside, an easily accessed 70ha green space in the centre of the town, which runs along the banks of the River Weaver. The site is mainly used for dog-walking, fishing, jogging and cycling. Barony Park, an 11ha multi-sports ground in the north of the town. It contains a children’s play area, tennis courts, open grassland, multi-use games area, skate park, bowling green, pavilion, football pitches and all weather Figure 2.15 Nantwich Town Square pitch. Brookfield Park, a 3 hectare park in the south of the town. It contains a children’s play area, grass areas and a football pitch. Coronation Gardens, provides a space for rest and relaxation, with grassed and seating areas. Nantwich Tennis, Football and Cricket Clubs, which provide dedicated sports facilities. The football club is located to the north west; and the cricket club and tennis club are located to the north east of the town.

2.48 There are also numerous formal and informal green spaces scattered in amongst the residential areas of the town.

2.49 There are a number of school sites of significant value including Malbank School playing fields, Weaver Primary School playing fields, Brines Leas School playing fields, St Annes School playing fields and Pear Tree School playing fields.

2.50 However, according to the Open Space Assessment, Nantwich has a significant deficit of both Figure 2.16 Riverside Park sports facilities and children's play space within the town.

2.51 Nantwich has numerous trees that are subject to Tree Preservation Orders, some of which are part of a large group, most notably at Regents College on London Road, at Foolpenny Hall on London Road at Lakeside View on Shrewbridge Road, around St Marys Church in the Town Centre and at the Cemetery on Boundary Road. own T 2.52 The countryside surrounding Nantwich is fairly accessible, although it is of mixed recreation and biodiversity value. It contains a number of Sites of Biological Importance including Haymoor the

Green Farm Meadow and Nut Tree Cottage Meadows to the south east, Reaseheath Pasture to

of the north, Bridge Farm Flashes to the south-west, and Roadside Verge, Coole Lane to the south

of the town. Snapshot

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16 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report The Built Environment

2.53 Nantwich was, after Chester, the most important of Cheshire’s medieval towns. Its importance was based upon the presence of brine springs, from which salt has been extracted since at least the Roman period. Present day Nantwich remains a local market centre which has retained a medieval street pattern and many fine timber-framed buildings of the 16th and 17th Centuries.

2.54 In recognition of its heritage value, Nantwich has over 130 Listed Buildings and a Conservation Area which includes most of the town centre. There are also conservation areas at Reaseheath, to the north of Nantwich and in the nearby village of Acton.

Figure 2.17 St Marys Church

2.55 Nantwich conservation area covers approximately 38 hectares and broadly follows the boundaries of the late medieval and early post-medieval town. The conservation area contains the majority of the town's listed buildings which are typically timber-framed buildings, constructed following the 'great fire' own

of 1583 that destroyed much of the settlement. T

2.56 However, there are three buildings the which escaped the fire and pre-date this period, these are the 14th Century Grade I listed St of

Mary's Church, and the timber-framed, Elizabethan mansion houses of Sweetbriar Hall (Grade II listed) and the Churches Figure 2.18 Churches Mansion Mansion (Grade I listed). Snapshot

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 17 2.57 The area covered by the Nantwich Conservation Area is indicated below:

Figure 2.19 Nantwich Town Centre Conservation Area

2.58 Nantwich also has 2 buildings on the Local List of Historic Buildings, these are Regent Theological Colleges Chapel and Grove House on London Road and Willaston House Business Centre on Crewe Road, Willaston.

2.59 There is a Registered Park and Garden 1km to the west of Nantwich. This is the garden of Dorfold Hall, a late-19th Century formal and woodland gardens of about 7.5 hectares which are set in a wider landscape park of about 125 hectares.

2.60 There are also three Scheduled Ancient Monuments in proximity to Nantwich, these are the Monks Lane moated site and the Standing Cross in the Figure 2.20 Dorfold Hall and Garden village of Acton to the west; the Reaseheath moated site and two annexes at Reaseheath College to the north; and the moated site and fishpond to the south.

2.61 During the Civil War, Nantwich was the location of a key battle between Royalist and Parliamentarian troops in 1644. The battle lasted for 2 hours and ended in a Parliamentarian victory. Due to the historic importance of this battle, the site has since been listed by English Heritage as an historic battlefield. own T

2.62 Due to the level of Roman, medieval and post-medieval activity within Nantwich, there is also significant archaeological potential within the town. the of

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18 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 2.63 The Historic Towns Survey for Cheshire (2003) indicated that there are 5 character zones of archaeological potential, these zones are indicated in the figure below:

Figure 2.21 Areas of Archaeological Potential in Nantwich

Community Infrastructure

2.64 Community infrastructure includes community buildings and halls, leisure facilities, education services, healthcare facilities and renewable energy installations.

2.65 Ensuring a good range of community infrastructure provision within a town is important, to provide residents with access to necessary facilities and services. own T

the

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Figure 2.22 Nantwich Library Snapshot

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 19 2.66 The location of community facilities in Nantwich is shown in the map below:

Figure 2.23 Infrastructure in Nantwich

Community and Cultural Facilities

2.67 Nantwich has a Civic Hall and Library within the town centre. Both buildings host local clubs and offer a range of facilities to the local community.

2.68 Nantwich also has a number of other cultural facilities including the town museum and gallery, the Nantwich Players Theatre (currently considering plans to improve facilities and expand the theatre to 120 seats) and the community film screening service offered by Malbank School, which shows films 1 or 2 nights a own

T week.

the 2.69 There are also a number of

Figure 2.24 Nantwich Civic Hall churches in Nantwich, including: of

St. Mary's C of E Church on Church Lane Nantwich Elim Pentecostal Church on London Road St. Anne's R.C Church on Pillory Street Nantwich Methodist Church on Hospital Street Market Street Church Baptist-United Reformed on Market Street. Snapshot

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20 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report Leisure Facilities

2.70 Nantwich's public leisure facilities are located on three sites, the Swimming Pool & Fitness Centre which provides swimming pool and heath and fitness facilities and the two Sports Halls provided by local High Schools, although these facilities are only available in the evenings and weekends.

2.71 Due to high demand, the swimming pool and health and fitness facilities are currently operating at full capacity, particularly at peak times. Additionally, there is no public sports hall facility available during the day, as these facilities are linked to high schools.

2.72 There is a private leisure centre in Nantwich, Motivation 2000 Ltd on High Street.

2.73 There is a range of outdoor leisure facilities which increase provision within the town, including:

Barony Park, a multi-sports ground which contains a children’s play area, tennis courts, open grassland, multi-use games area, skate park, bowling green, pavilion, football pitches and all weather pitch Brookfield Park, which contains a children’s play area, grass areas and a football pitch Nantwich Tennis Club, providing dedicated tennis pitches Nantwich Football Club, which has both a stadium and a number of training pitches Nantwich Cricket Club, providing a cricket pitch There are also a number of smaller outdoor Figure 2.25 Nantwich Town Football Club facilities, throughout the town.

Education Facilities

2.74 All schools in Cheshire East are clustered into voluntary partnerships known as Education Improvement Partnerships (EIP). Each EIP covers a discrete area, and seeks to develop an integrated approach to delivering children’s services and ultimately to achieving better outcomes for young people. Nantwich is situated within an EIP area, which also covers Nantwich Rural.

2.75 Based on current projections there are sufficient school places in the area to meet demand over the next 5 years, although for primary education, the anticipated surplus is low Figure 2.26 Malbank High School putting pressure on individual schools. This is being kept under

review. own T

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 21 Health Facilities

2.76 There are two doctors surgeries within Nantwich, these are the Kiltearn Medical Centre off Bream Street and the Tudor Surgery at Nantwich Health Centre, Bream Street. There are also 8 dental surgeries, 6 pharmacies and 4 opticians based within the town.

Renewable Energy

2.77 Reaseheath College has installed a range of renewable technologies, including an anaerobic digestion facility, which is now a key demonstration resource.

2.78 Nantwich Police Station has had Figure 2.27 Church Lane Medical Centre funding approved for the installation of solar technology to provide hot water and electricity, along with improved electrical connections and insulation; these technologies will lead to reduced running costs.

2.79 A potential hydro power scheme at Nantwich Mill on the River Weaver is also being pursued by the Nantwich Sustainable Towns Group.

Other Services

2.80 According to a Transport Assessment, Nantwich generally has a lower than average standard of access to a number of services, including job centres, secondary schools, bank/building society's, general practitioners, supermarkets, post offices and primary schools than other towns in the Borough. own T the of

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22 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report To Sum Up...

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

Housing

Nantwich is likely to need between 690 - 2,240 new homes by 2030. Although the prices for detached, semi-detached and terraced properties in Nantwich are above the Borough average, the average house price in the town is below the Cheshire East average, probably as a result of the large number of lower priced flats in the town. However, as flats do not always meet the needs of households an affordability issue remains. There is a need for 73 affordable dwellings each year in Nantwich.

Economy

The number of people of working age and in employment is below the Borough average, mainly due to people taking early retirement. Nantwich has only a limited number of larger employment areas within the town, although there is a good provision in surrounding areas. Nantwich has a high number of people who commute out of the town for work.

Town Centre

Most shops within the centre are small units occupied by independent traders, many selling specialist food items or designer clothes. Nantwich has a strong retail centre, with a very low vacancy rate of 1.6%, compared to the Cheshire East average of 12% and the national average of 13.9%. Nantwich has a current need for additional retail premises. Any development to meet these needs will have to be balanced against maintaining the role and character of the centre.

Transport

Nantwich suffers from congestion during peak travel times. There are a number of restrictions to road access to the town from the surrounding area, including canals, rivers and railway lines. Nantwich has 10 public car parks. However the town experiences very high demand for parking all year, especially in Spring and Summer and when the town hosts a festival or event.

Open Space and the Countryside

There are shortages of outdoor sports space and facilities for teenagers and children within Nantwich. The countryside surrounding Nantwich is fairly accessible, although it is of mixed recreation and biodiversity value.

The Built Environment

Nantwich has a wealth of character, attractive buildings and places. It will be very important to maintain, conserve and enhance the character of the town.

Community Infrastructure Up... Due to high demand, the public swimming pool and health and fitness facilities are currently operating at full capacity, particularly at peak times. Additionally, there is no public sports hall facility available during the day, as these facilities are linked to high schools. Sum

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 23 There are sufficient school places in the area to meet demand over the next 5 years, although for primary education, the anticipated surplus is low putting pressure on individual schools. Nantwich generally has a lower than average access to a number of services, including job centres, secondary schools, bank/building societies, general practitioners, supermarkets, post offices and primary schools than other towns in the Borough. Up...

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24 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report Appendices Appendices

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 25 Appendix A: Glossary of Terms

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

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

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

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

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

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 27 Special Area of SACs are areas which have been given special protection under the Conservation (SAC) European Union’s Habitats Directive. They provide increased protection to a variety of wild animals, plants and habitats and are a vital part of global efforts to conserve the world’s biodiversity.

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

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

28 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report Appendix B: References

Author Document Date Introduction Cheshire East Council Settlement Study 2010 Housing Cheshire East Council Strategic Housing Market Assessment 2010 Cheshire East Council Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 2010 Cheshire East Council Annual Monitoring Report 2010 Cheshire East Council Housing Monitoring Database Unpublished Economy Cheshire East Council - Annual Business Inquiry 2008 Research and Intelligence Cheshire East Council Employment Site Monitoring Unpublished Regularly Cheshire East Council Planning Application System Updated Town Centre Cheshire East Council Shopping Surveys 2010 Cheshire East Council Annual Monitoring Report 2010 Cheshire East Council Cheshire Retail Study Update 2011 Crewe & Nantwich Snow Hill Masterplan 2007 Borough Council Transport Cheshire East Council Transport Baseline Data Report 2010 Cheshire East Council Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2011 Cheshire East Council Local Transport Plan 2011 Cheshire East Council Car Parks Town by Town 2011 Cheshire East Council Cycle Routes in Cheshire 2011 Sustrans Cheshire Cycle Routes 2011 Waterscape Walking Routes in Nantwich 2011 Discover Cheshire Discover Cheshire: Walks 2011 Open Space and the Countryside Weaver Valley, Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council Nantwich Riverside Masterplan 2007 and Mersey Basin Campaign Cheshire East Council Cheshire Landscape Character Assessment 2007 Cheshire East Council Annual Monitoring Report 2010 Cheshire East Council Open Spaces Database Unpublished Green Infrastructure Framework for North East Wales, Cheshire and Cheshire East Council 2011 Wirral The Built Environment Cheshire County Council Cheshire Historic Towns Survey: Nantwich 2003 and English Heritage Crewe & Nantwich Nantwich Conservation Area Appraisal 2006 Borough Council Cheshire East Council Annual Monitoring Report 2010 Community Infrastructure Cheshire East Council Leisure, Culture and Tourism 2011 Cheshire East Council Infrastructure Study Unpublished Cheshire East Council Climate Change and Renewables Study 2011

Sources of information for this Town Strategy Appendices

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Nantwich Snapshot Report 29 Cheshire East Council Planning and Housing Service, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach, CW11 1HZ www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ldf email: [email protected] Tel: 01270 685893

Issues and Options Paper