Whitegate & Marton Neighbourhood Plan – Summary of Publicity Stage Representations

All representations including attachments are available to view in full on the Council’s Consultation Portal at: http://consult.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/portal/cwc_ldf/np/whitegate_marton_pub

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Mr Dewi Dwr Cymru Thank you for the consultation. This area falls outside of Welsh Water’s operational area as such we have no Griffiths Welsh Water comments to make.

Mr John Moran Health & Safety Thank you for your request to provide a representation on the above consultation document. When consulted on Executive land-use planning matters, HSE where possible will make representations to ensure that compatible development within the consultation zones of major hazard establishments and major accident hazard pipelines (MAHPs) is achieved.

We have concluded that we have no representations to make on this occasion. This is because our records show that the Whitegate and Marton boundary and the land within does not encroach on the consultation zones of major hazard establishments or MAHPs 1. As no encroachment has been detected, HSE does not need to be informed of the next stages in the adoption of the Whitegate and Marton Neighbourhood Plan.

1 Planning authorities are advised to use HSE’s Planning Advice Web App to verify the advice given. The Web App is a software version of the methodology used in providing land use planning advice. It replaces PADHI+. All planning authorities should have an authorised administrator who can access the Web App; further information is available on HSE’s website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/landuseplanning/padhi.htm. HSE also advises that you contact pipeline operators for up-to-date information on pipeline location, as pipelines can be diverted by operators from notified routes. Most incidents involving damage to buried pipelines occur because third parties are not aware of their presence. Mr Spencer National Grid plc National Grid has appointed Amec Foster Wheeler to review and respond to development plan consultations on its Jefferies (comments behalf. We are instructed by our client to submit the following representation with regards to the above submitted by Neighbourhood Plan consultation. Amec Foster About National Grid Wheeler) National Grid owns and operates the high voltage electricity transmission system in and Wales and operate the Scottish high voltage transmission system. National Grid also owns and operates the gas transmission system. In the UK, gas leaves the transmission system and enters the distribution networks at high pressure. It is then transported through a number of reducing pressure tiers until it is finally delivered to our customers. National Grid own four of the UK’s gas distribution networks and transport gas to 11 million homes, schools and businesses through 81,000 miles of gas pipelines within North West, East of England, West Midlands and North London. Full Name Company / Comments - Comments on neighbourhood plan Organisation

To help ensure the continued safe operation of existing sites and equipment and to facilitate future infrastructure investment, National Grid wishes to be involved in the preparation, alteration and review of plans and strategies which may affect our assets.

Specific Comments An assessment has been carried out with respect to National Grid’s electricity and gas transmission apparatus which includes high voltage electricity assets and high pressure gas pipelines, and also National Grid Gas Distribution’s Intermediate and High Pressure apparatus.

National Grid has identified that it has no record of such apparatus within the Neighbourhood Plan area.

Gas Distribution – Low / Medium Pressure

Whilst there is no implications for National Grid Gas Distribution’s Intermediate / High Pressure apparatus, there may however be Low Pressure (LP) / Medium Pressure (MP) Gas Distribution pipes present within proposed development sites. If further information is required in relation to the Gas Distribution network please contact [email protected]

Key resources / contacts National Grid has provided information in relation to electricity and transmission assets via the following internet link:

http://www2.nationalgrid.com/uk/services/land-and-development/planning-authority/shape-files/

The electricity distribution operator in West and Borough Council is SP Energy Networks. Information regarding the transmission and distribution network can be found at: www.energynetworks.org.uk Mr Dave I would like to confirm my support for the work done by our local Neighbourhood Plan group in producing a Cotterill document which I believe reflects the aspirations of our community. As a retired planner and village resident for over 50 years, I have deliberately kept out of the detailed work to allow the "grass roots" feelings of the community to feed into this document. However I consider that the NP that is out for consultation is a properly considered document that will serve the community well. It accepts that satisfying local housing need will always be difficult in small settlements that cannot support sustainable development, but it also encourages local businesses to flourish albeit on a small scale. Such things are important to rural communities and our efforts with respect to the community cafe at Whitegate Station is a reflection of this. The NP also sets out those features and characteristics of our area that are important both to this and the wider community. Facilities such as Whitegate Way and the local footpath/bridleway network are well used by visitors from well beyond our parish boundaries. Small scale tourism will continue to be important and valuable to the community and the NP objectives with regard to improving and developing new facilities and infrastructure are to be supported. Full Name Company / Comments - Comments on neighbourhood plan Organisation

Ms Clare Olver The Mersey The Mersey Forest response To Whitegate and Marton Neighbourhood Plan Forest Whitegate and Marton are located within The Mersey Forest. The Mersey Forest is a community forest established in 1991 with the vision to “get more from trees” to help make Merseyside and North Cheshire one of the best places in the country to live.

The Forest works with partners, communities and landowners across rural and urban areas, to plant trees and woodlands, improve their management and complement other habitats. This will increase woodland cover to 20% of the area. It will revitalise a woodland culture, and bring economic and social benefits through the transformed environment.

The Mersey Forest Plan is a long term and strategic guide to the work of the Forest and its partners. It is recognised in the National Planning Policy Framework as a material consideration in preparing development plans and deciding planning applications:

http://www.merseyforest.org.uk/The_Mersey_Forest_Plan_web_version_single_new.pdf

It is recommended that the Neighbourhood Plan makes reference to the Mersey Forest Plan and makes consideration of these following policies:

C15. , Sandy Woods, and Sandstone Ridge : Expand the well-wooded landscape around Delamere Forest, along the Sandstone Ridge and long distance trail, and on steeper slopes. It is inappropriate to plant on the sandstone escarpment ridge line. Extend and plant medium to large woodlands from to . Take into account internationally significant meres and mosses in the area, along with other non- woodland habitats. Maintain and restore hedgerows, hedgerow trees, and orchards, and create heathland and meadows, including following quarry restoration. Retain water bodies.

C16. Weaver Valley: Extend the wooded nature by planting on the valley shoulders, sides and, where appropriate, floor, buffering and connecting ancient semi-natural woodland. Ensure planting does not block the line of the valley floor. Manage existing woodlands with special regard to ancient semi-natural woodlands.

C19. Rolling farmland from to : Create small copses and restore and plant hedgerows and hedgerow trees. Do not restrict long distance views to Lowland Plain, Weaver Valley, Peak District and the Peckforton Hills.

In reviewing the Neighbourhood Plan, please note comments re. 4.3.2 where we have worked with the Friends of Church Wood for many years. Full Name Company / Comments - Comments on neighbourhood plan Organisation

4.3.2 Protection and enhancement of the Natural Environment Since 1998, The Mersey Forest has supported a network of Friends of Woodlands groups which anyone can join ( http://www.merseyforest.org.uk/things-to-do/join-a-community-group/ ).These groups, such as the Friends of Church Wood, help manage their local woodlands and our aim is to assist them in becoming increasingly self-sufficient, whilst recognising that longer term support is also required. Depending on the group, we help with a range of activities, from setting up and managing the group, creating woodland management plans, and accessing funds for specific projects and events, such as practical task days, and courses and workshops to learn new skills. Engaging people through trees and woodlands can help to bring communities together, making them more resilient and cohesive, and acting as a springboard for engagement on a wider range of issues. Ms Rebecca United Utilities Thank you for your email and links to the draft neighbourhood plan. Pemberton You may be aware that we work closely withCheshire West & Chester Council to understand future development sites so we can facilitate the delivery of the necessary sustainable infrastructure at the appropriate time.

It is important that United Utilities are kept aware of any additional growth proposed within your neighbourhood plan over and above the Council’s allocations. We would encourage further consultation with us at an early stage should you look to allocate additional development sites in this area in the future.

If you wish to discuss this in further detail please feel free to contact me. Ms Becky Pitt Natural England Natural England does not have any specific comments on this neighbourhood plan.

Mr Philip As a recent resident coming into the area, I can honestly say that this report and the standards currently upheld by Johnston the area of Whitegate and Marton were a critical reason for me making a substantial financial commitment to move to the area. I am understandably therefore fully supportive of the contents contained in this report and would be devasted if any disruption occured which was against the plans outlined in this policy. Mr Raymond My wife and I strongly support the proposal to complete the footpath along Cinderhill, Whitegate between the Smith intersection with Dalefords Lane and the village of Whitegate. Our 13 year-old son takes his school bus from this intersection, so it is an urgent matter of child safety for this footpath to be completed as soon as possible. It would also be of more general benefit as part of the network of footpaths in the area. Mr Darren Historic England Re: Updated SEA Screening and draft Neighbourhood Plan for Whitegate and Marton. Ratcliffe Thank you for your email dated 23rd August 2016. Regarding the revised SEA screening, we have nothing to add to our letter dated 27th July 2016.

Our advice on the Neighbourhood Plan process was offered on the 29th May 2015, we equally have nothing to add to this advice.

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If you have any queries about this matter or would like to discuss anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me. Mr Keith I fully support the Whitegate & Marton Neighbourhood Plan as representing the vision and objectives for our Rayner community. I have been engaged in the process of developing the plan over the past 4 years and I have consulted widely with neighbours and fellow residents to ensure that we have a common view of the future direction for our parish. I value the rural character of Whitegate & Marton and as such the classification under Local Plan Part 1 under STRAT9, with limited opportunities for housing development, is in my view correct and sustainable.

I also strongly reject the proposals in Local Plan Part 2 policy DM19 which identifies four Gypsy & Traveller sites in this beautiful countryside parish. Travellers would not use such sites because of the remoteness and lack of facilities. The plan clearly shows the value of tourist and leisure business to our community which would not be helped by such inappropriate development. We need to protect assets such as the Whitegate Way and Whitegate Station Community Cafe which would be at risk should these traveller sites be located alongside.

I fully supprt the Neighbourhood Plan and look forward to its adoption at the referendum stage. Mr Philip Alfred I have followed the neighbourhood plan and feel that the projects like the village green space and the community Hickson cafe are important and valuable to the community.

Also that assets such as Whitegate way and local footpath network are highly valued and should be protected. Mrs Patricia I have been involved in the neighbourhood plan process from the start of the petition I feel very passionate about the Anne Hickson new projects such as the village green space and the new up and very popular community cafe. They bring both residents and walkers of all ages and interests together and have become extremely popular to many.

Secondly, assets such as the whitegate way and surrounding footpath networks are priceless to both me and my fellow equestrian and walking friends and therefore should be highly protected. Ms Teresa As Chair of Governors at Whitegate Church of England Primary School, and a resident of Whitegate village for 27 Finney years, I have followed the development of the neighbourhood plan with much interest. The children, staff and parents have all been involved in its development, and the school is supportive of the document that has been produced, especially the inclusion of those measures that promote new facilities for the village, such as the Safe School Drop Off area. I very much hope that you in turn will lend your support to this well thought out document. Mike and Helen We would like to inform you of our support of the proposed Neighbourhood Plan. The major reason for our support Harvey is, as we understand it, that it will protect the open countryside classification and thus preserve the rural nature of the parish. We believe that restricting the creation of new homes to where there is an existing footprint will defend the parish against random building and thus preserve the ambiance of the parish of Whitegate and Marton. Full Name Company / Comments - Comments on neighbourhood plan Organisation

Mrs J Ellis I wish to write in support of this neighbourhood plan. The Parish Council has provided regular updates and opportunities to residents to attend NP sessions whilst drafting their policies.

There are two community initiatives which have already sucessfully started as a result of the NP process, that being the reuse of Whitegate Station as a community cafe and community green space (drop off and community space) known as Vicarage Green.

The plan seeks to retain the original character of the parish of Whitegate and Marton, limiting development and preserving our open spaces and views such as the Whitegate Way and surrounding area. Mr Carl Ellis I would like to offer my support to the Neighbourhood Plan for Whitegate and Marton. The plan remains in keeping with the rural area, which aims to protect the rural views, especially those surrounding our key tourist attraction the Whitegate Way, which should be preserved.

Housing and building of any kind should be restricted, with the main focus on protecting landscape, countryside and rural villages. Ms Sue Glover I write in support of the Neighbourhood Plan for the following reasons:

1. The Parish Council and Steering Group have actively engaged with the whole community by holding various public events and are to be commended for the effort expended and the vast amount of work they have achieved. The work builds on the Village Design Statement. 2. The Plan reflects policy in the adopted Local Plan (Part One), and in particular Policy STRAT 9. The Parish comprises the small and compact Whitegate village, part of which is within a conservation area, with the remainder of the Parish having a disaggregated rural character with scattered pockets of development. Whitegate village and the Parish’s status, defined as Open Countryside in the local plan, reflects the disaggregated nature of the limited services and the fact that there is no public transport. 3. The Parish has particular recreational and amenity value with a high quality landscape and a network of public rights of way linking into the Whitegate Way spine serving surrounding towns and villages. The community-run café in the old station buildings has added to that value. The Whitegate Way and its hinterland has special landscape value on account of the unique heritage of the former railway line, the station buildings, and the former sand workings, with views into woodland, lakes and farmland, all linked by an extensive footpath network. 4. The recreational and tourism value of the area is reflected in the economic well-being of local businesses, including hotel, touring caravan sites, riding stables, public house, fishing lakes, golf club, and the community café. Policies that support existing businesses, the retention of employment land and premises, and the growth of appropriate new businesses in a rural context are welcomed. 5. Whilst there is an imbalance in housing types and sizes in the Parish compared to the average, the high quality housing and environment acts an attractor for incoming businesses to this part of Cheshire. The Full Name Company / Comments - Comments on neighbourhood plan Organisation

unusually high number of Park Homes however does add to the affordability and diversity of residences in the area. 6. I support the provision that new dwellings and redevelopment of dwellings built under Policy STRAT 9 should be restricted in size to increase the supply of smaller dwellings (Policy 1). It should be noted however that there is a large supply of new housing and a range of dwelling types and affordability just beyond the Parish in Sandiway, Winsford, Hartford and in accessible locations. 7. I respect the Parish Council’s views to impose a restriction on the size of extensions to existing dwellings. However having dealt with appeal applications for extensions (amongst other things) all over the country, I would personally be uncomfortable imposing such a restriction outside the Green Belt. There is no substantive evidence that such a policy has any significant effect on affordability overall, and it places an unreasonable burden on growing families who cannot or do not wish to move. 8. The 30% restriction example beyond the original dwelling is a low proportion even in Green Belt terms, where the objective is to retain openness. As indicated by the final sentence of the text to this policy, effects such as on character and appearance may be controlled by other policies.

S Glover BA (Hons) MCD MRTPI, 4 October 2016 Dr Robin Creed As a past Chairman of Whitegate and Marton Parish Council (W&M PC), I have followed the Neighourhood Plan process with great interest since it was initiated. I fully agree with the findings of what is special about W&M, in particular the importance of the rural nature of the Parish and the essential need to preserve and protect this aspect. The Whitegate Way is used extensively and is the key example of this rural nature aspect. I fully support the Neighbourhood Plan in opposing any development in the vicinity of the Whitegate Way. Mr James As a resident, I am writing to add strong support to this Plan. Michael Rountree I take the view that Whitegate Way is a very important large recreational facility in our area which is readily usable to all communities within the range of Cuddington and Winsford. This facility also has a large car park so that people can not only walk but also bring their children, bicycles and horses. Any move to spoil this facility such as transit sites near the facility should NOT be made.

I myself use this facility for walking once every week or so. Mr Gary Cliffe Whitegate I am writing on behalf of the Whitegate Station Community Group who have worked with our local Parish Council, Station CWAC officers and members to create a community asset in the old Station House. Community Group We have created something special, as recognised by many, and we couldn't have done it without the support of the parish council and the emerging Neighbourhood Plan that set the scene for our community action to help bring together a rural and isolated community.

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The area might be wealthy in terms of house prices but not in terms of community spirit and the Neighbourhood Plan, as well as setting the framework for planning and development, has set a framework for a more integrated community.

We have followed and engaged in the NP process at all stages and agree wholeheartedly with the findings about what makes Whitegate and Marton special.

The NP objectives cover the matters that we think are important, e.g. housing, employment, highway safety, leisure and tourism.

We agree that projects like the village green space and the community cafe are important and valuable to our community.

We agree that it helps to support existing and promote new small scale businesses such as ours and that assets such as Whitegate Way and the local footpath network are highly valued and should be protected.

We fully support the Neighbourhood Plan and look forward to its ratification at the referendum stage. Ms Dawn Environment Thank you for consulting us with the above consultation which was received in this office 23 rd August 2016. Hewitt Agency We have no comments to make with regards to the Neighbourhood Plan. Miss Charlotte Cheshire West Please see attached letter. Aspinall and Chester Council http://consult.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/file/4193524

Ms Julia I am writing in response to the publicity stage of the Whitegate & Marton Neighbourhood Plan which closes today. I Kermode would like to register my wholehearted support for the neighbourhood plan, an initiative that I have been pleased to engage with since it's inception in 2012. The vision is spot on, in particular:

 Whitegate & Marton in 2035 will be a place where people want to live, work and visit  Accommodation will continue to be provided in small pockets  No major developments will have been built

I also support the objectives of the plan, in particular:

 permitted developments reflect the needs of the local community  any development respects the landscape and views that make the area special Full Name Company / Comments - Comments on neighbourhood plan Organisation

 providing access to the countryside through footpaths etc  supporting existing and new leisure & tourism facilities consistent with the rural character  plans for traffic management and community well being

In particular, the rural nature of the area is important, so I welcome the Neighbourhood Plan objectives to minimise any developments, and any that are permitted must reflect the needs of the local community. It is essential to protect the unique landscape of the area, and to support our local tourism and leisure facilities which are essential to our community. The Whitegate Way for example is very popular and the recent addition of the community-run Station Cafe has made this an even more desirable location for leisure activities. We must continue to nurture these type of projects and support other entrepreneurial small businesses that are critical to the local economy.

The Neighbourhood Plan captures all of the salient points that are important to myself and my neighbours, and I hope that the policy commitments are genuine and will be adhered to. In particular, we must preserve the uniqueness of our area and not allow any developments that contradict the Neighbourhood Plan. The document has been created democratically with engagement of the local community and that needs to be respected.