1. Nantwich - Planning for a Sustainable Future
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1. Nantwich - Planning for a Sustainable Future Cheshire East Council is charged with Core Strategy Options consultation preparing its Development Plan to guide undertaken from November 2010, with housing and other growth over the period higher options looking at 1,350 and 1,600 to 2030. The Council intends to publish its additional dwellings annually. The Preferred Options for both an overarching Council has explained that the evidence Core Strategy and more detailed Site of household formation projections by the Allocations document for public Government for Cheshire East justifies at comment in the second half of 2012. least the middle option and, if the sub- regional economic growth strategy is to The Core Strategy will establish the overall be delivered, then the high housing housing growth requirement and growth option would need to be taken strategic policies for employment areas forward. and job growth, key infrastructure and significantly how development needs In all of these scenarios, in the options should be distributed across Cheshire being considered by the Council in East. This will include statements about November 2010, Nantwich will be Nantwich’s role and how much required to accommodate new development should be delivered. peripheral housing growth given its Nantwich is recognised as a Key Service location on the A500/A51 corridor, its Centre settlement where new services base and its economic potential. development can be sustainably delivered. Mosaic Estates and Reaseheath College have reviewed the Nantwich Young The Council is currently undertaking a Persons’ Group response to the Cheshire series of consultations and assessments as East Local Development Framework part of a Place Shaping process, where Consultation. The Group was concerned workshops and exhibitions have been that facilities for younger people were held in each major centre in the Borough. designed in from the outset and that new That process, together with other developments have a mix of uses with evidence, will be used to help make good linkages and integration to the town recommendations and decisions on what and to the countryside. is the right spatial strategy for the Borough as a whole and also for the individual Land to the North West of Nantwich towns and their environs. between Waterlode and A51 offers a sustainable opportunity to address the The Council is currently reviewing the development needs of the area. This evidence of overall housing needs. It is exhibition provides background currently working to an annual housing information about the area and illustrates requirement of 1,150 new dwellings over the benefits of development both for the period to 2030. However, this equates Reaseheath College and, particularly for to the low level option identified in the Nantwich. To inspire individuals, communities and rural businesses by delivering “ world class education and skills accessible to all” 2. Reaseheath College, Nantwich Employs over 500 staff Contributes £24.5m to local economy Doubled size in past 5 years OFSTED inspection - “Good with Outstanding Features in all areas” £30m investment since 2006 Further £20m planned investment Government capital grant withdrawn in August 2009 Development of North West Nantwich* extension to replace funding source *North West Nantwich extension has been identified in the local planning arena for the past 10 years as a potential location for additional housing and riverside park To inspire individuals, communities and rural businesses by delivering “ world class education and skills accessible to all” 3. How We’re Funding The Expansion? The college land is part of a proposal put forward by Jennings in the late 1990’s, following on from the receipt of planning consent on Kingsley Fields and the construction of the Weaver Bridge. The initial proposal was submitted as part of the Local Plan but, at that time, the inspector felt Nantwich as a town needed to be ‘rested’ following the development of Cronkinson Farm & Kingsley Fields. It has been 5 years since the completion of these developments and the argument that the need for a rest has we believe now passed. The development of this land will benefit not only the college in allowing the proposed expansion of facilities, but also the Town of Nantwich by: • Incorporating a relief road on the A51 around The Green - originally proposed by Cheshire County Council • Providing a new distributor road through the development between Waterlode and the A51 • Reducing traffic in Town Centre & under the Aqueduct as well as around the Showground • Reducing traffic past existing school access • Delivering new homes allowing Nantwich to maintain its growth & position as a desirable area to live To inspire individuals, communities and rural businesses by delivering “ world class education and skills accessible to all” 4. The Benefits - Reaseheath College • Ability to invest income from land sales to secure future of the college through completing the agreed master plan of specialist facilities and resources, which include: • Sports centre and specialist playing surfaces • Business starter units linked to the colleges specialism • Removal of student pressure on residential accommodation in Nantwich Town • Social, recreational and dining hub • Specialist learning difficulties facility • Schools and Countryside education centre • Specialist centre for horticulture and sustainable food production • Secure the employment of over 500 staff • Improved access to the College, increasing safety for staff and students • Removal of all non-college traffic from access • Separate access from A51 • Safe movement between College & the Equine Centre To inspire individuals, communities and rural businesses by delivering “ world class education and skills accessible to all” 5. The Benefits - Nantwich Town • Delivery of the Riverside Walk & conservation area between A51 & Waterlode • Realignment of A51 around The Green and a contribution towards Cheshire East proposals to improve the Burford crossroads • Removal of traffic passing high risk areas • Receive benefit of significant road improvements without funding issues • Expansion of town in controlled way • A leading centre for sustainability and low carbon food production • Ability to invest income from land sales to secure future of the college through completing the campus re-development of specialist facilities & resources • Delivery of new homes allowing sustainable growth • 24 acres for Equine Management • Removal of student pressure on residential accommodation in Nantwich Town • Provide community access to new sports complex • Allocation of 4 acres employment land for potential employers of Reaseheath students • Provide a newly built primary school and play facilities within the development • 1100 new homes, including affordable homes up to 2030 To inspire individuals, communities and rural businesses by delivering “ world class education and skills accessible to all” 6. Reaseheath College - Re-Development Master Plan Reaseheath College master plan: • Aboriculture & countryside • Horticulture • Foundation learners practical unit • Entry/Pre-Entry learners facility • Equestrian learner welfare facilities • Infrastructure improvements • Student residential accommodation • Student hub • Sports centre • All-Weather sports pitches • Employment starter units The benefits to the local community will include: • A51 improvements and new link from Waterlode to A51 • Business development • Modern indoor & outdoor sports facilities • Associated employment opportunities • Better traffic management • Riverside walk To inspire individuals, communities and rural businesses by delivering “ world class education and skills accessible to all” 7. Site Assessments & Constraints Site Location Landscape Analysis The site is generally bounded by Welshman’s Lane in the west, the In particular, consideration has been given to the landscape character A51 Chester Road in the north, the River Weaver and the urban area of the area and the important features which should be respected and to the east, and Waterlode and Kingsley Fields development and protected. The plan below presents graphically the Landscape Analysis the recreation uses of Malbank School and the Football Club to the that has been undertaken which identifies the location of important south. features and designations including the Conservation Area covering the College and The Green in the north, the River Weaver floodplain, In formulating development proposals for the area, Mosaic Estates the hedgerow structure within the site and the extent of the Registered has worked closely with Reaseheath College and has liaised with Historic Battlefield to the west of Welshman’s Lane beyond the outer various departments at Cheshire boundary of the site. East to understand the constraints and opportunities The topography of the area has also been considered, noting the site is which apply. less undulating and with larger field sizes to the west. Henhull Hall Farm is located within the site on the western boundary and the site of The development proposals the buildings and their immediate environs can continue to be served avoid the River Weaver off the existing access on Welshman’s Lane in respect of the current Floodplain and the Registered character of the area. Historic Nantwich Battlefield which is located to the west of Welshman’s Lane provides an effective and defensible outer boundary Welshman’s Lane. to the town. Landscape Analysis 8. Site Assessments & Constraints Access and