Cheshire East Local Development Framework

Place Shaping Consultation

Sandbach Snapshot July 2011

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 11 Town Centre 13 Transport 15 Open Space and the Countryside 16 The Built Environment 17 Community Infrastructure 19 3 To Sum Up... 22 To Sum Up... 22 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 Sandbach 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 . 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, Sandbach.

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 Sandbach 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 Sandbach 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 Sandbach 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 Sandbach 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 Sandbach Snapshot Report 7 An Introduction to the Town

2.1 Sandbach is located within the central area of Cheshire East, with close links to towns such as Crewe, , Congleton and . With nearly eighteen thousand residents living in just over eight thousand households, Sandbach is one of the larger settlements within Cheshire East. Sandbach is located approximately 5km north east of Crewe and about 9km west of Congleton and is located less than 1km from junction 17 of the M6.

2.2 Sandbach is classed as one of 9 Key Service Centres within the Cheshire East Settlement Study. It has a good range of employment, retail and education opportunities and services, with relatively good public transport.

Figure 2.1 Location of Sandbach

2.3 Sandbach dates back to Saxon times and it is widely famed for its weekly market, which has taken place since the 16th Century, and the ancient Saxon Crosses. It contains a number of areas and features of historical and architectural value as well as encompassing several significant areas

own of local environmental importance. The town grew around truck manufacturing industries, but since T these closed in 2002 there have been significant changes in its employment base with considerable losses of manufacturing jobs. the

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8 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report Housing

2.4 There are a little over 8,000 homes in Sandbach, with a variety of house types provided including a significant number of detached properties and relatively high proportion of bungalows and chalet style bungalows. The majority of these properties are owner occupied, with the level of social housing below the Cheshire East average.

Figure 2.2 House Types in Sandbach

2.5 Although house prices within Sandbach are below the Cheshire East average there remains a significant proportion of people who cannot afford to purchase their own home. The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2010) has identified a need for 75 affordable homes to be provided each year within Sandbach, particularly for properties with 1 or 2 bedrooms.

2.6 There are only a small number of vacant or empty homes with Sandbach. However, there is a level of both under and over-occupancy within the town; with a number of households having a larger number of bedrooms than required and a much smaller number of households with insufficient bedrooms to meet the requirements of their family. The levels of both under and over-occupancy within the town are both below the averages for Cheshire East. own T

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report 9 2.7 In recent years the level of housing development in Sandbach has been restricted in order to assist in the regeneration of the Potteries. However, Sandbach has remained a popular place to build and in the last five years an average of 40 new homes have been built each year, with recently completed developments including the Hop Yard. The attractiveness of the town to house builders is reflected in the recent planning appeals in respect of major housing developments in the town.

2.8 There are a number of previously developed sites in and around Sandbach that have planning permission or that have the potential for housing development. The redevelopment of these sites could help to improve the quality of the local area.

2.9 This is particularly relevant for the sites to the west of the town adjacent to the Canal, including the former Foden's Factory and Test Track sites. There are also a number of sites within Sandbach that are currently under construction for housing including The Cross on Old Mill Road and Farrier's Green on Crewe Road.

2.10 Within Sandbach there is an increasingly ageing population, with around a quarter of households being pensioner households.

2.11 The forecasting and various options within the Core Strategy Issues and Options report identified a range of between 920 and 3,200 homes to be provided within Sandbach by 2030. There is a demand for market housing, particularly those with 3 bedrooms and for bungalow style properties. Figure 2.3 Age Structure of Sandbach 2.12 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 20 years or so. It is also important to make sure that sufficient affordable housing is provided for

own people who cannot afford to purchase market housing. T

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10 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report Economy

2.13 The advent of the railway in the nineteenth century which soon followed the canal development, facilitated the establishment of industry in Sandbach, on a greater scale that had previously been possible. Sandbach remained a country town as a centre for trade for the surrounding rural population. There were a number of mills in Sandbach in the 19th Century. Newfield Mill, dating from the mid 19th Century was located north of Scotch Common and Brook Mill, south of Old Hall, were both silk mills. The 20th century saw the age of heavy vehicle manufacturing.

2.14 Foden Trucks' origins date back to 1856 when Edwin Foden began his career with a small engineering company in , Sandbach that would become Foden Trucks. The Foden name became synonymous with a reputation for quality engineering and played a key role in the evolution of commercial road transport both in the UK and around the world through the steam era, into the diesel age up to the present day. Sandbach was also the home of ERF Trucks which was established in 1933 by Edwin Foden. Vehicle manufacturing in Sandbach was discontinued in the early part of this century.

2.15 Sandbach has a number of existing employment sites including:

Former Fodens Factory and Fodens Test Track, both of these sites have planning permission for redevelopment. The permission for the former Fodens Factory site includes a number of small business units as well as residential development; Edwin Fodens Business Centre; Norton Way Industrial Area; Former Saxon Sandbec Site; Springvale Industrial Estate and Millbuck Way Industrial Area; Middlewich Road Offices; Moss Lane Business Centre; Sibelco HQ; and Elworth Wire Mill.

2.16 The Capricorn Business Park at Junction 17 of the M6 motorway has been allocated for employment purposes since the 1990's but for a variety of reasons has not been developed to date.

2.17 Out of a total of 164,400 jobs provided in Cheshire East, Sandbach provides approximately 5,300; this is 3.2% of the jobs available in the Borough. The majority of these jobs are within the 'Distribution, hotels and restaurants' sector and the 'Public administration, education and health' sector. With key employers in the town including Cheshire East Council, the Health Authority and Flowcrete. Economic activity levels are slightly above average, with inactivity levels being similar to Cheshire East. Of those aged sixteen to sixty four who are inactive, half are retired.

2.18 Due to Sandbach's location close to the motorway network, the canal network and its historic character there are a number of elements of the tourism economy that could be further explored to increase the level of income and employment opportunities in this sector. own T 2.19 Mineral extraction also plays an important role in the wider Sandbach area economy, with the nearby Quarry providing a wide range of sands for businesses across the country. The principle the use of silica (or industrial) sand is as a raw material in a range of industrial processes; notably glass manufacture and foundry casting. of

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report 11 Figure 2.4 Jobs by Sector

2.20 Sandbach has a high proportion of residents who are of working age, with unemployment below the Cheshire East average. The number of locally available jobs is approximately half the number of residents who are of working age, highlighting that a number of residents travel outside the area to find employment, most notably to Crewe. In order to maintain this high employment rate it will be important to ensure that there is sufficient variety and appropriate opportunities available within Sandbach and that links to opportunities outside of Sandbach are retained.

2.21 Qualification levels are very similar to the Cheshire East average, with around one in four residents aged sixteen to sixty four having a degree or equivalent. However, although the population are generally well educated, they are not paid as highly as elsewhere within Cheshire East with income levels about £1,000 below the Cheshire East average. own T

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12 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report Town Centre

2.22 Sandbach town centre is located within the centre of the eastern half of Sandbach, it has a number of interesting specialist shops unique to Sandbach. It is famous for the ancient Saxon Crosses and the historic cobbled market square. It contains many distinctive areas and architectural features of interest and much of the town centre is designated as a conservation area. The comprehensive shopping area is along High Street and into High Town, however, there are other shopping streets, some of which are accessed through the alleyways and footpaths.

2.23 Markets are held every Thursday and Saturday, with a monthly Farmers Market on a Saturday. The market stalls are mainly located on the Scotch Common Car Park, the car park behind the Town Hall and within the Town Hall. Stalls are also located in front of the Town Hall and in front of the Black Bear Pub on the Market Square, which is where the market historically was held.

2.24 The 2010 Town Centre Survey (2010) provides the following information:

There are 263 retail premises within Sandbach town centre; 10% (27 units) were vacant; 106 premises were shops; 34 were financial and professional services; 37 were restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments and hot food take-aways; and A further 59 were in other uses.

2.25 The Council commissioned a Cheshire East Retail Study Update (2011) which provides the following additional information

There is 26,540 sqm of retail floorspace in the town centre; 26.5% of floor space is used for convenience retailing (food); 27.7% of floor space is used for comparision retailing (clothes, electrical, furniture etc).

2.26 There is currently a lack of comparison (clothes, electrical equipment, furniture etc) retail within the town centre, encouraging people to shop elsewhere. There may be opportunities for Sandbach to continue to build on its selection of own

unique, independent and specialist T shops and also to attract larger national retail chains, to increase the the number of people using the centre for of

their shopping.

2.27 There are a number of community facilities within the town centre including the Town Hall, the Library, Ashfields Medical Centre and the Council Offices, these buildings are well used by the local community and there may be opportunities to increase the level of community facilities within the town centre. Snapshot

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report 13 2.28 Sandbach Park is located within close proximity to the town centre and is well used. The Park is well maintained and has been subjected to renewal by the Council in recent years, including works currently ongoing. However, there may be opportunities to improve signage to the Park as many visitors to the town may be unaware of its location.

2.29 There are a number of restaurants, pubs and bars within the town centre. There may be opportunities to increase trade through improvements to the tourist economy and through an increase in the level of hotel and tourist accommodation available within the town. To this end, a group of Sandbach retailers have recently formed 'STAR' (Sandbach Traders and Retailers) an organisation aimed at helping local businesses turn Sandbach into a shopping and dining destination.

2.30 The repair and restoration of the Sandbach Old Hall Hotel, a grade I listed building, into a restaurant will be a welcome addition to the range of dining opportunities in the town.

2.31 There are a number of festivals within the town centre throughout the year, many of them with a focus in the town centre. It will be important to ensure this community spirit is built upon and enhanced.

2.32 The services and facilities that town centres provide are vital for local communities and their surrounding areas, therefore it will be important to ensure that Sandbach has an attractive and lively town centre. own T

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14 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report Transport

2.33 The town lies on the A533 and is adjacent to junction 17 of the M6, providing easy access to the north and south of the country. However, due to the design of junction 17 of the M6 there are issues with access from both the north and south bound M6 carriageways on to the A534. As with many towns, Sandbach suffers from peak time congestion on a number of roads such as Middlewich Road and Old Mill Road and on adjoining roads.

2.34 is managed by Northern Rail and is located a little way out of the town centre. The rail network provides a regular service to destinations including Crewe and via Stockport, , and , and access on to . There are opportunities to increase the connectivity between the train station to the town centre, thereby increasing the accessibility of both the town centre and the train station. There are also opportunities to increase the levels of accessibility from the train station to employment areas within the town.

2.35 The town is relatively well served by bus services, with routes providing access to destinations including Congleton, Crewe, Macclesfield, and . It is important to ensure that providers of transport in the town such as train and bus services are linked and co-ordinated.

2.36 The Trent and Mersey Canal runs to the south-west of the town, forming part of the Cheshire Ring Canal Walk and the South Cheshire Way footpath. The canal's towpath and the Wheelock Rail Trail are also routes of the National Cycle Network. There are opportunities to improve the connectivity between the town centre and the canal, increasing the towns ability to attract visitors. These improvements could also help to provide areas for leisure walks and bike rides for the local residents and may also provide opportunities to connect to nearby towns such as Middlewich.

2.37 Through the provision of improved public transport and pedestrian and cycling networks there will be positive impacts on local people's health and well-being, through increased activity and social interaction. The use of sustainable transport modes will also help to lower resource use and in turn, carbon emissions.

2.38 Sandbach has an annual transport festival which usually takes place during April. It originally started in 1992 as ‘Transport through the Ages parade’, and was such a success that it became an annual event. own T

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

2.39 Sandbach Park provides a valuable public open space close to the town centre. The park covers an area of 3.3ha and provides bowling greens, tennis courts, a skate park and a children's play area and also provides a variety of habitats for wildlife and specialist plant communities. The Council, Town Council and Sandbach Partnership are currently implementing a scheme of improvement within the Park to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of local people.

2.40 Several woodland belts are located close to the town centre, for example the A534 Old Mill Road has areas of woodland running parallel to it. The woodland provides a valuable green lung close to the busy town centre, and provides a safe corridor for wildlife between the town centre and the open countryside.

2.41 Sandbach has numerous trees that are subject to Tree Preservation Orders, some of which are part of a large group, most notably at Abbeyfields and along the A533 between High Street and Brookhouse Road.

2.42 The Trent & Mersey canal runs to the south and west of the town. The combination of water, the towpath, hedgerows and grassed areas provides a variety of habitats for plants and wildlife and is a valuable wildlife corridor.

2.43 Open spaces and the opportunities they offer are highly valued by the community and link crucially with both physical and mental health. There is a need to ensure that there is an appropriate level of provision of open space within Sandbach, the open space needs to be safe and accessible as well as of a high quality whether that be as amenity space, children's play space or as parks and gardens. There would also be increased value if these open sites could be linked into a network of green infrastructure. It may also improve the visitor experience if there was clearly signposted routes between the greenspaces. When surveyed as part of the ballot for the Youth Parliament the young people of Sandbach highlighted the need for an improved skate park, although there is a small facility in Sandbach Park, there may be opportunities for further or improved provision elsewhere within the town.

2.44 Sandbach is situated in an area of gently undulating dairy farming land, between the valleys of the Rivers Wheelock and Dane. A tributary of the runs through the town. The Trent & Mersey Canal passes to south of the town, through the outlying village of Wheelock.

2.45 The salt flashes are located to the west of Sandbach, as are numerous brine wells and bore holes. The Sandbach Flashes that make up much of this area are designated as SSSIs. The Moston Flash area consists of two parallel elongated hollows, which were formed by the removal in solution of underlying salt deposits and resultant collapse of glacial deposits above. These were initially formed naturally but historic brine extraction has accelerated their development. own T

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

2.46 Sandbach has grown over the years to encompass the previously separate villages of Elworth and Wheelock and the hamlets of Ettiley Heath and Sandbach Heath. The historic core of the town was built around St Mary's Church but the town has grown alongside the main arterial roads leading to Crewe, Congleton, Newcastle Under Lyme and Middlewich.

2.47 The majority of buildings within Sandbach are two storey, however, there is good selection of bungalows and chalet bungalows across the town and a number of taller properties within the employment areas and within the town centre.

Figure 2.5 Land use in Sandbach

2.48 The land use diagram identifies a clear commercial core to the town where the majority of food retail, professional services and other retail are clustered. Beyond the town centre, the surrounding streets are largely residential in nature, with the occasional community use, such as schools or churches interspersed. The employment and business areas are mostly concentrated on the outskirts

of the town, most notably to the west adjacent to the Station and the Trent and Mersey Canal. There own T

is also a small number of retail and employment uses within the centre of Wheelock.

2.49 Sandbach is a market town with many listed buildings close to the centre. These include the the 13th century church of St Mary, the Town Hall and The Old Hall Hotel, many of the local public houses, of which were formerly Coaching Inns, are also listed, for example the Lower Chequer.

2.50 Many of the significant community buildings of the town were designed by the renowned architect Sir who designed Sandbach Literary Institution, , St John's Sandbach Heath and the Almshouses. Snapshot

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report 17 2.51 Sandbach is also known for its Saxon Crosses - two sandstone obelisks, dating back to the 8th or 9th century, which stand in the cobbled Market Square, close to the church. The Sandbach Saxon Crosses are identified on the Cheshire Historic Environment Record, which illustrates the importance of the Crosses. The Crosses (SMR 23637) are highly celebrated, and are grade I listed structures. The crosses due to their age are vulnerable and are regularly monitored by English Heritage.

2.52 Sandbach Conservation Area encompasses different phases of development of the town centre. It was first designated in 1970 and included the area around St Mary’s Church and Market Square. The area was extended again in1976 to include Hightown and then again 1995 to include Welles Street, Green Street, Bold Street, Wesley Avenue and Chapel Street. own T

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Figure 2.6 Sandbach Conservation Area of

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18 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report Community Infrastructure

2.53 The term 'community infrastructure' embraces a wide number of facilities / services in Sandbach including education, learning and childcare, health care and social care services, leisure facilities, community safety and policing, and meeting places and places of worship. It is important to ensure that important community facilities and services are delivered and that further provision meets the needs of local communities, including disadvantaged groups.

Education

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. Sandbach is situated within an EIP area, which also covers the settlements of . Within the Sandbach EIP there are 8 primary schools. There are two high schools catering separately for girls and boys. Based on current projections, there are sufficient primary school places in the area to meet demand over the next 5 years. However, this is being kept under review. The number of secondary school places available is more than sufficient to meet local demand; however, there has been some pressure on places due to the pattern of parental preference and demand from residents in nearby towns and villages.

2.54 Health Care

Ashfields Medical Centre is a large modern one-stop health centre located in Sandbach. It has thirteen GP consulting rooms, a large physiotherapy unit, hydrotherapy pool and a wide range of enhanced services such as minor surgery. It also has meeting and teaching rooms along with a conference suite. There are fifteen doctors, forty practice staff and fifty health support professionals who work alongside the doctors. There are a number of dentist practices in Sandbach.

2.55 Leisure Facilities own T

Sandbach Leisure Centre. Its current facilities include: 25 metre Pool; Everybody the

Fitness Suite; multi-purpose Sports Hall; Drama Studio; Children's Parties facilities; Squash

Courts; and Table Tennis. of

There are Tennis Courts at Sandbach Park, Sandbach School and Sandbach High School. There are 3 Cricket pitches within the town, at Elworth Cricket Club, at Sandbach Cricket Club and at Sandbach School. There are rugby pitches Sandbach Rugby Club and at Sandbach School. Snapshot

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report 19 There are a number of football pitches available within the town, with pitches available at Boothville, Ettiley Heath Recreation Centre, Forge Fields Playing Fields, Wheelock Recreation Ground and at a number of the local schools including Sandbach School, St John Primary School, Elworth CofE Primary School, Offley County Junior and Infant School, Wheelock County Primary School. Sandbach United Football Club has started the construction of a new football 'Centre of Excellence' at Abbeyfields. When finished the development will include a state-of-the-art floodlit pitch, four full sized grass pitches, three youth size pitches and two senior pitches together with changing rooms and an education suite. There are Bowling Greens within Sandbach at the Limes Public House and Sandbach Park. There are two golf clubs in Sandbach. Sandbach Golf Club is located on Middlewich Road, approximately 1km West of the Town Centre. It was founded in 1895 and is a 9-hole parkland course (with 16 tees). Malkins Bank Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal course. Sandbach Town Council are currently working with a local organisation to provide allotments within Sandbach.

2.56 Places of Worship

There are a number of churches in Sandbach including St Mary's, Sandbach Methodist, St John's, Sandbach Heath Methodist, St Winefride's, Sandbach Baptist, St Peter's, Elworth Methodist, The Church on Ettiley Heath, Christ Church and Wheelock Methodist.

2.57 Renewable Energy

Cheshire East Council are currently undertaking a Renewable Energy and Climate Change Study; this will assess the viability of policies and targets for the provision of sustainable energy.

2.58 Other Facilities

Sandbach Library offers a variety of services including a Customer Service Point, computers, meetings, photocopier and local studies. There are also activities for the younger audience and the University of the Third Age. Sandbach Town Hall dates back to 1889 and still has many of its Gothic features, it has 3 rooms that can be hired for meetings and events. own T

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20 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report 2.59 Community Infrastructure within the town is indicated in the figure below: CHESHIRE

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Figure 2.7 Infrastructure in Sandbach

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21 A Snapshot of the Town To Sum Up...

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

Housing

The Core Strategy Issues and Options report identified a range of between 920 and 3,200 homes to be provided within Sandbach by 2030. There is also demand for a greater mix of house types, particularly those with 3 bedrooms and for further bungalow style properties. Although house prices within Sandbach are below the Cheshire East average there remains a significant proportion of people who cannot afford to purchase their own home. The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (2010) has identified a need for 75 affordable homes to be provided each year within Sandbach, particularly for properties with 1 or 2 bedrooms. There are a number of previously developed sites in and around Sandbach that have planning permission or that have the potential for housing development. The redevelopment of these sites could help to improve the quality of the local area.

Economy

There is a need to provide new employment land in the town. The proposed Capricorn Business park site at Junction 17 of the M6 represents the only major site with potential for employment development. The number of jobs available within Sandbach is low, however, there is lower than average unemployment, which indicates that many resident travel to work outside of the local area. Qualification levels within Sandbach are similar to the Cheshire East average, however, the average income remains below average. There are opportunities to improve the visitor economy in Sandbach, particularly looking at greater links to the canal and cycle networks and building on recent work to the ‘Cobbles’ and Sandbach Town Park.

Town Centre

There is currently a lack of comparison (clothes, electrical equipment, furniture etc) retail within the town centre, encouraging people to shop elsewhere. There may be opportunities for Sandbach to continue to build on its selection of unique, independent and specialist shops and also to attract larger national retail chains, to increase the number of people using the centre for their shopping. There are a number of restaurants, pubs and bars within the town centre, which are well used by local residents, but again there may be opportunities to increase trade through the improvements to the tourist economy. A number of festivals take place within Sandbach throughout the year, many of them with a focus within the town centre. It will be important to ensure this community spirit is built upon and enhanced.

Transport

Sandbach is well located; adjacent to Junction 17 of the M6 motorway, with a train station, which includes services to many of the surrounding towns and cities and onwards to London. Due to the design of junction 17 of the M6 there are issues with access from both the north and south bound M6 carriageways on to the A534. There is also a need to reduce congestion and Up... improve road safety. Sum

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22 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report Bus services link various areas of the town, and to other nearby towns, but there is potential for improvements to the services. There are opportunities to improve the link between the town centre and the canal. These improvements could help to provide leisure walks and bike rides for the local residents and visitors.

Open Space and the Countryside

There is a need to ensure that there is an appropriate level of provision of open space within Sandbach. The open space needs to be safe and accessible as well as of a high quality whether that be as amenity space, children's play space or as parks and gardens. There would also be increased value if these open sites could be linked into a network of green infrastructure. Formal sports provision in the town will be greatly enhanced by the new Sandbach United Football Club development currently under construction. There is a need for the provision of allotments in the town.

The Built Environment

Sandbach has a wealth of historic and attractive buildings and places. It will be important to conserve these in order to maintain and enhance the character of the town.

Community Infrastructure

Generally there is a good range of community facilities within the town. There is a strong feeling of community spirit within Sandbach, with a number of community events held throughout the year and a significant number of active community members. Up...

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CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report 23 Up...

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24 CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach Snapshot Report Appendices Appendices

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach 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 Report The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) forms part of the Local 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 electricity Power (CHP) and useful heat, to provide hot water for example in a district heating system. Community Infrastructure Community infrastructure is the basic facilities, services, and 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 Sandbach 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 Lower Deprivation (IMD) 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 Area A set of geographical areas developed by the Office for National Statistics (LSOA) 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 its Interest (SSSI) special interest, which may be due to its fauna, flora, geological or geomorphological features. Appendices

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach 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 for (SHLAA) more homes; and to inform housing policy within the Cheshire East Local Development Framework. Strategic Housing Market This is a study that assesses the local housing markets and need for Assessment (SHMA) housing in the area. 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 Sandbach Snapshot Report Appendix B: References

Author Document Date Population Cheshire Constabulary Crime Records 2009 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 Economy Cheshire East Council - Annual Business Enquiry 2008 Research and Intelligence Town Centre Cheshire East Council Shopping Surveys 2010 Cheshire East Council Annual Monitoring Report 2010 Cheshire East Council Cheshire Retail Study Update 2011 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 The Natural Environment Cheshire East Council Cheshire Landscape Character Assessment 2007 Cheshire East Council Open Spaces Assessment 2011 Cheshire East Council Green Infrastructure Framework for North East Wales, Cheshire and 2011 Wirral The Built Environment Cheshire East Council Local List of Historic Buildings Supplementary Planning Document 2010 Community Infrastructure Cheshire East Council Leisure, Culture and Tourism 2011 Cheshire East Council Infrastructure Study Unpublished Renewable Energy Cheshire East Council Climate Change and Renewables Study 2011 Appendices

CHESHIRE EAST LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK Sandbach 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