Cheshire East Local Plan Draft Vision Consultation March 2012 2 I East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision 1. Introduction 2. Background 3. Vision, Aims & Objectives 4. Meeting Housing & Employment Needs 5. Land Use Options 6. Town Centre Principles 7. Infrastructure Priorities 8. Further Information 9. Acknowledgements 10. Glossary

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 3 1. Introduction

Wilmslow Town Council and representatives of the This draft document reflects the suggestions local community are working closely with Cheshire made by an Advisory Stakeholder Group which East Council to prepare the new development assisted the Wilmslow Town Council in preparing plan for Cheshire East - called the Local Plan the Wilmslow Vision. The Wilmslow Vision is now (previously the Local Development Framework, being put forward for wider public consultation. however the title has recently been changed by No decisions have been made. central Government). This document set out options for how Wilmslow The Local Plan will guide the future planning could develop over the next 20 years. Not all and development of our towns, villages and options will necessarily be taken forward. countryside up to 2030. The content of this draft document is the subject Cheshire East Council is in the process of of public consultation and will be presented developing a number of Town Strategies for areas to Cheshire East Council as a final document across Cheshire East. The Wilmslow Vision is following public consultation. the town strategy document being co-ordinated Cheshire East Council will then consider what by Wilmslow Town Council for Wilmslow. It will has been put forward in the Wilmslow Vision provide an evidence base for consideration by alongside other town strategies for areas across Cheshire East when developing the new Cheshire the Borough in developing the new Cheshire East East Local Plan. Local Plan. The purpose of this document is to summarise the views of the local community, establish the Vision and consider the development options to deliver on that Vision.

4 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision Wilmslow Vision Consultation The Place Shaping consultation undertaken Workshops have been held with this panel in 2011 by Cheshire East Council was the first of representative stakeholders including Wilmslow stage of the consultation and sought the views of Town Council, Wilmslow Business Group, residents, workers, visitors and shoppers about Cheshire East officers, Wilmslow Guild, Wilmslow what they most liked about their town or village Trust, Transition Wilmslow, the Schools Council and what they wanted to see improved. and many other business, environment, resident, community groups and local service providers. The next stage of consultation has been co-ordinated by Wilmslow Town Council in The workshops discussed how the Wilmslow developing the Wilmslow Vision document. Vision should meet the future needs of the town This process has involved working closely to make it an even better place over the next with an Advisory Stakeholder Group; a group 20 years. Figure 1 (below) sets out what was of representatives from the local community discussed at each of the workshops. to develop a town strategy to guide the future planning of Wilmslow.

Workshop 1: Introduction and Knowledge Building

Workshop 2: Vision and Objective Setting

Workshop 3: Potential Development Opportunities and Constraints in the Delivery of the Vision

Workshop 4: Priorities for Infrastructure Investment and Development of the Draft Town Strategy

Town Strategy Document ‘Wilmslow Vision’

Figure 1: Content of workshops

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 5 Wilmslow Vision (Town Strategy) This document sets out the Vision and objectives, The strategy outlines options which the Town potential development opportunities and priorities Council (and through consultation with the for investment in infrastructure as proposed by Stakeholder Group) has considered and would like the Stakeholder Group and endorsed by Wilmslow to present to the public for their views. Further Town Council for public consultation. to this process, this document will be finalised and presented to Cheshire East Council for The Wilmslow area has been considered consideration in developing the new Cheshire broadly within the boundary as illustrated East Local Plan. the Figure 2 below. The options and proposals within this document, In formulating the Wilmslow Vision, the Town therefore, are for further consideration, and do Council, Cheshire East Council and the not represent proposed development of all areas Stakeholder Group have sought to consider the indicated (with particular reference to Figure 4). future of Wilmslow up to 2030 (and beyond) and As this document illustrates in later sections, how planning and development can be managed more options have been presented than are positively and to the benefit of the Wilmslow required to achieve on the Vision and objectives community. This document has been published for the next 20 years. We would like to hear for consultation to seek the views of the local your views and suggestions. community, businesses and other stakeholders.

Figure 2: Wilmslow area

6 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision Next Steps Background Material The Wilmslow Vision document will form part A number of background documents have of a collection of documents and assessments informed the development of the Wilmslow Vision which will inform the Cheshire East Local Plan. during the consultation workshops. The Local Plan will be made up of a number of These documents include: key documents including the Core Strategy, Site • Macclesfield Local Plan (2004) Allocations Plan and Infrastructure Plan. • Cheshire East Core Strategy (Issues and Figure 3 highlights the relationship of the Options Consultation Paper (2010) town strategy documents to the Local Plan. This highlights how the Wilmslow Vision will • Cheshire East Local Infrastructure plan provide a steer to the content and direction of baseline report (2011) the Local Plan. • Cheshire Retail Study (2011) The Wilmslow Vision will provide an evidence • Local Transport Plan (2011-2026) base to deliver a broad range of objectives across the town. Building on this work, Cheshire • The Strategic Housing Market East Council will be looking at the town centre Assessment (2010) in more detail and identifying more specifically • The Strategic Housing Land Availability the opportunities for improving the town centre Assessment (2010) over the next 20 years. Consultation with • Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (2007) stakeholders and public engagement will form part of this process. • Open Space Assessment - Wilmslow summary report (2012) • Ambition for All - Sustainable Community Strategy for Cheshire East (2010 to 2025)

Town Strategy Core Strategy ‘Wilmslow Vision’ Vision and objectives Development Strategy Background Evidence Stratgegic site allocations

National Legislation and Guidance Site Allocations Plan Development policies Policy and Site Specific Site allocations Appraisals Site specific policies

Consultation Responses Infrastructure Plan

Figure 3: Relationship of the Wilmslow Vision (Town Strategy) to the Local Plan

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 7 2. Background

Wilmslow is a large town in the north of the There are around 10,500 jobs in the town within Borough, nestled in the valleys of the Rivers the key sectors of banking, finance and insurance; Bollin and Dean. The town is just to the north distribution, hotels and restaurants; and public of Alderley Edge and the south of Handforth. administration, education and health. Much of the It is also near to the boundary of the Greater office or employment space can be found in and conurbation, and close to the around the town and with smaller units dispersed towns of Macclesfield, Knutsford and Poynton. across residential areas. , the M56 and M60 Travel to work data suggests that Wilmslow motorways are accessible from the town. has a comparatively low level of self-containment Wilmslow has a population of approximately as over 65% of people who live in the town work 22,530 with 9,500 homes; the fourth largest town elsewhere (out-commuting) and over 66% in Cheshire East. Wilmslow has a comparatively of people who work within the town live strong economy, and a generally affluent and elsewhere (in-commuting). well-educated workforce, albeit, there are pockets of deprivation.

Wilmslow Park, River Bollin Wilmslow town centre, Grove Street

8 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision Bank Square St Bartholomew’s

Royal London, Alderley Road Wilmslow railway station

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 9 3. Vision, Aims and Objectives

Vision to 2030

Wilmslow, fostering a sense of community*

Wilmslow will be a forward thinking, dynamic and welcoming town with a strong community spirit. It will flourish as a sustainable town which provides for the needs of the whole community in all aspects of life. Wilmslow will have a distinctive, attractive and thriving town centre with a reputation for promoting a rich mix of environmentally sensitive retail and other businesses. The town centre will have an increasingly integrated transport network which minimises the need to travel by car. Wilmslow will have high quality, accessible, green and recreational spaces. It will be a safe, walking and cycling town. It will recognise the value of high quality, contemporary architecture in housing and development. It will attract sustainable, economic investment and provide a wide range of employment opportunities.

* The Wilmslow Business Group has presented an alternative town slogan of “Get into Wilmslow”

10 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 11 Aims for Realising the Vision

aim 1: aim 2: Housing Economy and Employment

• To provide a wide range of high quality, • To provide good quality education and well designed, sustainable housing in training resources for all sections of appropriate locations the community • To meet the current and future needs and • To continue to provide good quality, aspirations of the town sustainable economic investment opportunities through the provision • To meet the housing needs of all sections of appropriate locations, transport of the community, including high quality connections and quality environment, affordable housing including the town centre • To encourage a range of employment opportunities that reflects the skills and aspirations of the local community including where relevant apprenticeships • To encourage sustainable integrated transport connections with other key economic growth areas

aim 3: aim 4: Town Centre Community

• To foster a vibrant, welcoming and • To encourage ever-increasing community accessible town centre with a high involvement in the life of the town, quality environment that will draw fostering a sense of common purpose people to Wilmslow and civic pride • To develop the town centre to support the • To make the best use of existing assets current and future needs of • To deliver improvements to key the community community assets in leisure, health, • To provide opportunities for existing culture and education and new businesses to prosper • To support and improve the health • To reinforce a sense of place and establish and well-being of the community, the town centre as a focus for shared including provisions for all sections of community activity the community • To continue to be a community that is safe and welcoming

12 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision aim 5: aim 6: Transport and Movement Environment, Sustainability and Design • To reduce the need to travel by providing as full a range of services, employment • To encourage the sustainable use of opportunities, housing and facilities as energy and other resources, including possible, consistent with the character reducing waste and capacity of the town • To encourage forward thinking, • To encourage the use of public transport contemporary and sustainable design, through the development of an improved particularly in housing, the town centre and integrated transport network and public buildings • To establish Wilmslow as a leading • To protect and enhance the key ‘walking and cycling’ town, making it a environmental assets of the town safe and pleasant environment • To maintain a healthy balance between • To continue to build on Wilmslow’s urban and rural areas accessible location, whilst reducing the environmental and social effects of traffic and congestion • To support initiatives to take through traffic out of the town centre

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 13 Objectives for Realising the Vision

Cheshire East Council and its partners will aim to:

objective 1: Housing

• Deliver in the order of 1,500 new homes by 2030 • Deliver a good mix of types and sizes of homes to cater for the needs of all sections of the community • Promote well designed, sustainable development and encourage good quality, contemporary architecture • Encourage the re-use and redevelopment of brownfield land where possible

14 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision objective 2: Economy and Employment

• Promote Wilmslow as a location for a wide range of jobs, and provide employment opportunities for all sections of the community • Deliver sufficient employment land to ensure the economic potential of Wilmslow is met • Provide a range of good transport links between major housing and employment areas and the town centre to ensure people have a choice between different sustainable modes of transport • Seek out and encourage continued investment in the town from a range of employers • Support small businesses and start-ups • Support a skilled and sustainable labour force and support business opportunities which achieve this

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 15 objective 3: objective 4: Town Centre Community

• Provide a well-defined and welcoming • Develop a mixed and inclusive town centre community, in which all members feel supported and valued • Encourage the use of the town centre for all sections of the community through the • Secure new, improved and well- provision of a range of transport options connected community facilities, including improved swimming and sports provision • Enhance the appearance of key town and provisions for youths centre locations such as the shopping areas and train station • Develop a health ‘hub’ in the town centre, with good access via public and private • Promote Wilmslow town centre as a transport so all sections of the community destination for shopping, business, leisure are able to access good quality healthcare and living • Continue to build on the excellent • Develop and support the town centre educational facilities in the town to for shopping, including independent and provide a service to meet the needs of niche retail current and future populations • Create a destination and place where • Support existing schools and education people can gather, enjoy spending time provision and where necessary consider and which fosters a sense of community appropriate expansion or new build • Enhance the town centre to achieve • Consider community needs when Wilmslow’s aspirations planning for new housing and • Draw people back to Wilmslow and development, including open space compete well against other centres/ provision and public transport shopping destinations • Support community activities and provide spaces for activity to happen, including for children and young people

16 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision objective 5: objective 6: Transport and Movement Environment, Sustainability and Design • Develop the existing public transport • Protect and enhance buildings and areas systems to provide an integrated service of cultural and heritage value of benefit to the whole community • Encourage high quality, contemporary • Improve the environment around the architectural design within all new railway station so it acts as a welcoming developments in the town gateway to both visitors and residents • Encourage the provision of high quality of Wilmslow green spaces and children’s play spaces • Improve public transport along north- in all new residential developments, in south routes from the town centre and particular north of the town from the town to other nearby centres • Promote and develop accessibility to and • Develop good quality pedestrian and provision of high quality green spaces, cycle links and cycle parking at key including The Carrs and Wilmslow Park locations within the town to encourage • Encourage the use of renewable energy in the use of sustainable modes of transport all new developments within the town • Improve car parking in the town centre • Protect and enhance sites of biodiversity to support the centre as a location for and landscape importance shopping, employment and leisure • Improve safety, access and crossings in the town centre • Reduce traffic and congestion in the town centre and improve the quality of the environment

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 17 4. Meeting Housing and Employment Needs

There are currently around 9,500 homes in Over the last 5 years, Wilmslow has delivered on Wilmslow, the majority of which are detached average 26 new homes of all types per annum. or semi-detached properties. There is a higher This is lower than the projected requirement for than average proportion of homes containing affordable homes alone. three or more bedrooms, including a higher In Cheshire East as a whole the number percentage of 5+ bedroom properties. of households is expected to increase by Wilmslow has a population of around 22,530 approximately 24% between 2006 and 2031, and is the fourth largest town in Cheshire East. which equates to around 37,000 new homes The population generally reflects the overall age across the Borough. structure of Cheshire East. However, there is a If the number of households in Wilmslow were to lower proportion of young children and people increase at the same rate as the whole of Cheshire in their twenties compared to other settlements East (24%) then around 2,300 new homes would in the Borough, and a higher proportion of older need to be provided over the same period. children and residents in their thirties and forties. Over a similar period (by 2026), it is also predicted Across Cheshire, housing demand outstrips that there will be a demographic shift with supply. However, the position is particularly the number (and proportion) of older people acute in Wilmslow across all types of housing and increasing. Overall, the number of people aged tenure. In the Wilmslow and Alderley Edge area, over 65 is expected to increase by 44% across the current annual income needed to be able Cheshire East, and the number of people aged to afford an average priced house is £68,571. over 75 is expected to increase by 68%. An annual income of £45,714 is required to afford properties in the lowest 25% price range. It is This will have an impact on the types and quantity estimated that 47.5% of households in Wilmslow of dwellings provided in the future and will could afford this. place different demands on the housing market. Wilmslow will need to respond to change over the It is estimated that Wilmslow needs to deliver next twenty years in order to meet the needs of around 30 new affordable homes per annum to the community. meet current and future needs. This would equate to around 600 homes over twenty years.

18 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision The Cheshire East Core Strategy Issues and hectares of land to be identified (assuming a mix Options consultation (2010) considers the spatial of housing types at 30 dwellings per hectare). options and growth strategy for towns and areas A limited amount of housing can be expected to across Cheshire East. come from the redevelopment of existing sites, brownfield or other ‘windfalls’. This document suggests that a higher percentage of development could be focused in Principal In order to deliver new housing and employment Towns (e.g. and/or Macclesfield) and in Wilmslow, it is likely that greenfield land Key Service Centres in the southern part of the will be required given the lack of brownfield Borough, and therefore Wilmslow could take land available. a lower proportion of growth than other identified Cheshire East Council will need to review the towns. The Core Strategy estimated that between Green Belt across the Borough to ensure sufficient 500 – 2,200 new homes would need to be built in land provision for housing and employment. Wilmslow over the next 20 years depending on This process when complete will inform those the spatial distribution of growth across opportunities identified for Wilmslow. the Borough. In addition, the revised Green Belt should last Wilmslow is well-positioned to capitalise on beyond the 2030 Local Plan period and some its location and accessibility. The Vision for ‘safeguarded’ land will need to be identified. Wilmslow also promotes a sustainable town which This ‘safeguarded’ land would be removed from provides for the needs of the whole community. the Green Belt with the potential for it to come Further to the Core Strategy’s suggested direction forward for development as part of a future Local and consultation with the Stakeholder Group, Plan (i.e. after the current 2030 plan period). it is considered that Wilmslow could provide in the region of 1,500 new homes over the next 20 years. This could equate to around up to 50

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 19 5. Land Use Options

Wilmslow is a large town situated in the north of the Borough; it is surrounded by Green Belt Please note that these are options and has few opportunities for medium/large scale are for discussion and are to be development within the settlement outside of the considered further. Green Belt. As such there have been a relatively These options are subject to consultation small number of homes built in the town in recent and more detailed appraisals will need to be years. There are challenges and constraints undertaken to establish whether the sites to development and the relatively low number are suitable, developable or deliverable. of houses being built in the town is increasing pressure on the housing market, creating latent Cheshire East Council Local Planning demand, a lack of access to housing, leading Authority will use information gathered to additional in-commuting and issues through this consultation to consider the with affordability. most appropriate sites for allocation in the Figure 4 identifies a number of potential options Local Plan. Not all of the land identified is in the Wilmslow area that could offer opportunities required to deliver the 1,500 new homes for growth in the future (subject to Green Belt i.e. more land is identified here than would review) in meeting Wilmslow’s needs. These be required over the Local Plan period options have been developed in consultation depending on the use, scale and density with the Stakeholder Group – there may be other of development – so choices can be made. options and the public consultation process seeks to explore people’s views and suggestions on how to meet the need for new housing and employment and where this might be best located.

rail line Wilmslow Parish Boundary

Existing urban area

A538 Altrincham Road

G Manchester Road Hb Housing led options Ha (could inc. other uses)

Ba Employment led options A34 HANDFORTH BYPASS* (could inc. other uses) Bb Bc* Mixed use options (employment led) WILMSLOW TOWN Safeguarded land CENTRE (not in Green Belt) A538 A538 Prestbury Road Options for strategic sports pitch Aa * * Ab provision and/or other uses Cb D F

Knutsford Road Ca E

A34

Alderley Road

Figure 4: Potential Development Options (for discussion)

20 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision A limited assessment has been undertaken on the Figure 4 highlights a number of development suitability of the potential sites for development options that are on greenfield sites on the edge prior to inclusion in the Wilmslow Vision and they of the town which are being considered. Most will be subject to further appraisal as the local sites are in the current Green Belt. One site (site plan is prepared. Bc) is allocated as ‘Safeguarded Land’ and is not in Green Belt. This site has been allocated The Advisory Stakeholder Group felt that there historically in the Macclesfield Local Plan as land were some sites that could be considered more that may be required to serve development needs appropriate than others for planning potential new following a Green Belt review. It is not allocated development for housing and employment. for development at the present time, but could Wilmslow could deliver in the order of 1,500 new be considered for development within the new homes by 2030. Local Plan. As at January 2012, there are commitments The following table provides a brief description (that is sites with planning permission) for 42 of the option areas and an indication of their dwellings in the town (17 with full planning potential for development. Housing figures permission, 1 with outline planning permission are based on average density calculations and and 24 under construction). do not factor in the need for other uses as part Within the existing built up area of the town, of housing development e.g. playing fields, preference will be given to the use of vacant community uses, significant infrastructure or other buildings and brownfield sites for housing. physical or environmental constraints. The figures are therefore indicative of a gross number.* Most The amount of employment land that will be sites are in private ownership. Site Aa is in the required in the town will be subject to the ownership of Cheshire East Council. completion of the Cheshire East Employment Land Review. During the workshops, the panel considered constraints to growth around the town. This looked at designations such as Green Belt, flood risk and nature conservation, sustainable modes of transport and proximity to the town centre.

Please note that no decisions have been taken about the allocation of any of these sites or their development potential. Not all the option sites are required to deliver 1,500 new homes.

* These comments are applicable to the commentary in the table overleaf

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 21 Potential Area Comments Development Uses

A Residential Overview of Area A:

Located to the south east of the town bound to the north by Prestbury Road

• Area Aa/Ab could deliver up to around 700 dwellings* • Improved pedestrian links to Wilmslow High School and town centre would be required • Well located in relation to secondary school provision, but not as well located in relation to existing primary schools • The size of the area means it may be possible to include some form of other use on the site, such as education, leisure or community use, thus improving provision to the east of the town • Development could contribute towards the delivery of community infrastructure identified • Well located in terms of the town centre and access to recreational facilities • Allotments should be retained either in situ or reprovided • The area is in Green Belt • A masterplan / development brief could be developed to deliver a comprehensive development • The Stakeholder Group generally considered Area A to be a sustainable location for housing development

Aa – land off • Site could deliver up to around 220 dwellings* Prestbury Road • The site is allocated in the Macclesfield Local Plan as playing field and allotment • Redevelopment of the site could allow for the provision of higher quality sports provision as part of the development • Currently owned by the Council which could deliver additional benefits to the community • Good access from A347 and A538 • Site is in Green Belt • In close and walkable proximity to the town centre • Consider the potential of the site in relation to delivery of adjacent site Ab

Ab - land off • Site could deliver up to around 450 dwellings* Prestbury Road • Private land owner would need to work with Council to ensure comprehensive scheme was delivered • Access to the site would need to be considered • Good access from A347 and A538 • Site is in Green Belt • Consider the potential of the site in relation to delivery of adjacent site Aa

22 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision Potential Area Comments Development Uses

B Residential / Overview of Area B – sites Ba, Bb and Bc: Mixed Use Land bound by Dean Row Road to the north and Adlington Road (A5102) to the south.

• If all sites were to be developed the area could provide up to around 1150 dwellings*. However, the Stakeholder Group do not envisaged that this number of dwellings should be delivered in this area in the Plan period. The Town Council is also concerned about an over concentration of development in this area • All sites should be considered further and an appropriate approach adopted to ensure the location, scale and type of development is appropriate to the area • A masterplan/development brief could be developed to deliver a comprehensive development of all or some of the sites • Sites Ba and Bb are in the Green Belt but site Bc is not in the Green Belt and is allocated in the Macclesfield Local Plan as Safeguarded Land • Surrounding land uses include housing to the west and agricultural land uses to the east and north • Well located in relation to Dean Oaks Primary School and open space provision • Development could contribute towards the delivery of community infrastructure identified • Consider improved/retaining/reproviding playing field provision in this area • A range of densities should be developed throughout the site to ensure a mixed development and that surrounding character areas are reflected • Increased development to the north of the town could encourage the development of better public transport links to the area • Traffic impact will need to be assessed • There should be consideration of this area in relation to the potential development of the Woodford Aerodrome site and its impact

Ba - Land off Dean • Site could deliver around 480 dwellings* (subject to comments above) Row Road • Other community uses may be appropriate to better support the local community and improve public transport linkages • Has access and proximity to Dean Row Road and A34 • Adjacent to the settlement boundary • Site is in Green Belt

Bb - Land off Dean • Site could deliver around 380 dwellings* (subject to comments above) Row Road • Visual impact on surrounding area would need to be fully assessed • The Stakeholder Group considered this site to be the least favourable option of the ‘B’ sites • Site is in Green Belt

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 23 Potential Area Comments Development Uses

B Bc - Land off • The site is Safeguarded Land and not included in the Green Belt Adlington Road • Could deliver around 280 dwellings* (subject to comments above) • New residential homes that respect the character of surrounding homes would be considered appropriate • Appropriate scale, density and character of homes will be required of a high quality and will need to reflect the surrounding character area • Improvement/retention/reprovision of playing fields should be considered • Adjacent to the settlement boundary

C Residential Overview of Area C – sites Ca and Cb:

Land off Upcast Lane and to the rear of Cumber Lane

• If all sites were to be developed the area could provide around 370 dwellings*, however, access and deliverability amongst other considerations would need to be assessed and the actual number of new homes that could be built may not be reflect this figure • Located within the Green Belt • Land in various private ownerships • Part of the area has not been considered previously through the SHLAA • Well located for primary schools and playing fields, but further from the town centre and secondary school • Access to the area is constrained and would need to be considered

Site Ca – land off • Adjacent to existing settlement boundary Upcast Lane • Access arrangements would need to be considered • Close proximity to Lindow Primary School and playing fields • Site is in Green Belt

Site Cb – land to • Adjacent to existing settlement boundary rear of Cumber Lane • Access to the area is constrained and would need to be considered • Close proximity to Lindow Primary School and playing fields • Site not included within SHLAA and may not be available • Site in Green Belt

24 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision Potential Area Comments Development Uses

D Residential Land off Alderley Road (opposite Royal London site)

• Site could accommodate around 100 dwellings* • Well related to the existing urban area • Good access to transport links and employment areas • Potential for a number of access points • Currently provides an area of green, open space on a key gateway to the town. The Stakeholder Group generally felt that this site contributed to the ‘gap’ between Alderley Edge and Wilmslow • Site is in Green Belt • Private ownership

E Residential Land off Welton Drive

• The area could accommodate approximately 200 dwellings* • The area has not been put forward for development in the SHLAA and may not be available • Access to and constraints on the site(s) would need to be assessed more thoroughly • Siteis in Green Belt • Majority of the area is in private ownership • Small area of open space is located to the south of the area and is in Council ownership

F Employment / Land to the east of Royal London site Mixed Use • Close to existing employment site, the area would therefore lend itself to a mixed use development or expansion of existing employment site • Potential for some residential development as part of an employment led mixed use scheme could be considered • Opportunity to develop smaller start up business units within close proximity to the town centre and rail links • There could be the potential for noise issues from the railway lines • Site is in Green Belt • Relatively contained in relation to the urban area • Access to the site would have to be established and would likely be via the existing business park • Good access to the rail station and links onto the A34 by pass • Bound to the east by the railway line and A34 • Close proximity to the secondary school and primary schools • The site has not been put forward for development in the SHLAA and therefore may not be available • Vehicle, pedestrian and cycle access would need to be considered

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 25 Potential Area Comments Development Uses

G Employment Land off Altrincham Road (land around Waters site)

• Could explore opportunity to expand this area for business and employment use • Co-location of business uses could make the provision of public transport to the site more viable • Could support business and employment objectives • Playing fields and sports provision located in close proximity • Access onto A538, Manchester Airport and M56 in close proximity • Site in Green Belt • Private ownership

H Residential Overview of sites Ha and Hb:

Land to the north of Handforth Roa

• Adjacent to existing settlement boundary • Well located in relation to primary schools and access to strategic highways • Site access issues to be considered, in particular site Hb • Potential land ownerships issues to be considered, site Ha may not be available • Site Ha is in private ownership. Site Hb is in Council ownership • Sites are in Green Belt

26 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision There are very few brownfield sites within All development sites will be expected to involve Wilmslow, and few greenfield development an element of affordable housing in line with opportunities outside of the current Green Belt current Cheshire East policy. boundaries. It is therefore likely that a strategic All development sites will also be expected Green Belt review would need to be undertaken to to contribute towards primary and secondary allow for any form of large scale development at education within the town to meet the demands Wilmslow as part of the plan process. arising from the development. It is considered that where urban sites become Cheshire East Council and Wilmslow Town available for redevelopment then an element of Council are interested to hear the views of housing should be included within the proposals everyone including residents, businesses and to allow for higher density developments in community groups and all other stakeholders accessible locations. Wherever possible existing on these potential development areas and their flats above shops/vacancies should be considered potential uses. to be brought back into use as dwellings to maintain the town centre as a living space and increase natural surveillance in the evenings and outside of trading hours. Development on brownfield land that becomes available within the urban area should be undertaken in preference to releasing greenfield sites.

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 27 6. Town Centre Principles

Wilmslow has an attractive town centre with a Some of the strengths and opportunities good mix of shops and offices. The main focus identified include: for retailing in the town centre is around Alderley • Strengthening the town centre as a destination Road, Grove Street and Water Lane. There are and the range of shops and businesses also extensive retail developments at Handforth Dean and Cheadle Royal to the north of the town. • A town centre which supports a sense of community and with a range of uses and However, over recent years the town centre has activities shown signs of decline and a loss of trade to other centres. The town centre is also constrained • Opportunities for improving Wilmslow as a in terms of its ability to develop and attract new walking and cycling town investment. • Wilmslow is on a key rail link and there is The Stakeholder Group identified a range of potential to improve accessibility to the station issues, strengths and opportunities that have fed and a transport interchange into the strategy for the town centre as outlined in • The character of the town centre and the quality this section. of environment Some of the issues raised include: • Local events and activities, including the market • The potential to improve public transport One of the key objectives identified for Wilmslow services to the town centre and surrounding is to foster a vibrant, welcoming and accessible communities, including bus services town centre, to reinforce a sense of place and • High traffic volumes and congestion establish the town centre with a focus for shared community activity. It will be important to draw • Car parking people back to Wilmslow to make it a better place • Areas of relatively poor environment, particularly over the next 20 years. around Grove Street and Green Lane • A lack of a sense of arrival and the poor appearance of some key gateways, including frontages along Alderley Road and the area around the train station • The lack of a ‘civic space’ or focal point to the town centre where people can gather and meet • A lack of a mix and variety of shops, including independents and niche retailing

28 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision N

The Carrs 4

3

A

TOWN CENTRE ‘ZONE’ SCHEME e.g. 20mph, parking strategy, traffic calming, enhanced gateways and signage (’Welcome to Wilmslow’)

Ha wt hor Waitrose ne La n e Wilmslow Park

Spring Street t e car park e tr Wilmslow S F e railway station v ro A W G B ater C Lane Leisure Mac clesfie Centre ld Road

d oa R

ey l D Library lder B A e Sainsbury’s d

e

l l s

La

n e Wilmslow High School 4

E 3

A

FigureWilmslow 5: Town Town Centre Centre Principles Principles(for discussion) KEY Interchange - potential location Town centre ‘zone’ Enhanced gateways Improved public transport for improved services linkages & potential bus loop Town centre streetscape/ public realm improvements Support key anchors Improved pedestrian linkages Grove Street enhancement to maintain footfall Green link: improved predestrian/ cycle Alderley Road shared surface scheme Opportunity Sites - Enhanced accessibility linkages to Wilmslow Park and The Carrs Town centre ‘zone’ Enhancedto be considered gateways further Enhanced accessibility Green Lane enhancement Enhanced core ‘retail circuit’ Town centre streetscape/ High School - potential N Town ‘square’ / focal points Supportfor future expansionkey anchors to maintainPotential footfall renewable energy Enhanced core ‘retail circuit’ public realm improvements project Opportunity Site - to be considered further Potential renewable energy project Grove Street enhancement A High School - potential for future expansion Improved public transport linkages Alderley Road shared & potential bus loop surface scheme Interchange - potential location for improved services Green link: improved pedestrian/ cycle Green Lane enhancement linkages to Wilmslow Park and The Carrs Improved pedestrian linkages Town ‘square’ / focal points

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 29 Figure 5 outlines a number of the principles and potential projects that were identified as being important to the town centre in order to deliver the Vision and objectives. The Stakeholder Group looked at various areas in the town centre and identified a number of opportunity sites which could assist in delivering additional or improved facilities. Potential projects and key priorities identified include: • Improvements to the train station, accessibility and sense of arrival • A transport interchange and ‘bus loop’ around the town and to key employment sites • Supporting key anchor locations in the town centre, improving footfall and an enhanced retail circuit around Alderley Road and Grove Street • A ‘town centre zone’ scheme to improve gateways, signage and sense of arrival, traffic calming, 20mph, parking strategy and streetscape enhancements • Potential to expand Wilmslow High School • Improvement to Bank Square to provide a focal point to the town centre • Sites were identified with opportunities for development (and their potential to be considered further) Enhancements to the public realm in the town centre have also been proposed, with the greatest priority given to improvements along Alderley Road, particularly where it connects on to Water Lane. Improvements to the streetscape are also proposed along Green Lane, Swan

30 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision Street, Hawthorn Lane and Church Street. The Opportunity sites identified for further creation of a focal point or town square has been consideration include: suggested (around Bank Square) where key roads A. Land west of Alderley Road (between meet to reinforce the town centre as a focal point the junctions of Water Lane and for community life. Manchester Road) The area around the station and route along B. Land east of Alderley Road (between the Station Road into the town centre could also petrol station and The Rectory pub) benefit from enhancements to improve the sense of arrival when entering the town centre and work C. Leisure Centre site (to facilitate new as a welcoming introduction to Wilmslow for those or improved leisure facilities) visiting the town. D. Library site and adjacent car park Improvements to pedestrian and cycle linkages in (to facilitate new or improved library the town have also been suggested to ensure that facilities and other uses) walking and cycling are viable alternatives to the E. Land off Chapel Lane / Bedells Lane private car in Wilmslow. Particular opportunities / Alderley Road that have been proposed for enhanced links from the corner of Alderley Road north towards the F. Spring Street car park station and south towards Wilmslow High School These areas could provide opportunity for providing improved accessibility between the investment or new uses which would support town centre and both of these locations. the Vision and objectives for the town centre. Enhanced gateways into the town centre at Sites which are developed or redeveloped should Manchester Road, Alderley Road and Water Lane. support the vitality and viability of the town centre Public transport along these routes and to the and improve its provision and offer including High School should also be improved to allow for shopping and retail, business, leisure, health and better east west connections in the town. community uses. With regard to environmental enhancements in the town centre it is suggested that an improved green link is established for pedestrians and cyclists to The Carrs and Wilmslow Park.

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 31 7. Infrastructure Priorities

The Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge is a list of potential infrastructure requirements that local authorities can choose to apply to new identified by the stakeholder panel, as priorities developments in their area to support the delivery needed to deliver the Vision and strategy of community and other infrastructure. as proposed. It is important to consider the infrastructure A long list of potential infrastructure projects has required to support the development proposals been drawn up by the Stakeholder Group and is and the relative priorities for phasing (in what being consulted on to establish whether these order infrastructure is delivered over the Cheshire priorities are correct and whether there are any East Local Plan period). The Wilmslow Vision additional suggestions. should establish priorities to guide future The list of priorities established (following public investment in the town through the Community consultation) will also be shaped by further Infrastructure Levy. evidence and assessments including transport, The local authority will publish a schedule of employment, viability and others to ensure the infrastructure required to deliver development in delivery of the Local Plan. We would like to hear the town and their funding to ascertain the levels your views on what should be the priorities for of Community Infrastructure Levy. The following community infrastructure investment in Wilmslow.

Community Infrastructure Suggestions and Potential Projects

• Town centre public transport interchange • Loop or hopper bus around the town centre • New and improved cycle and pedestrian routes • Open space provision around the town • Improved health facilities in the town centre • A defined town centre ‘zone’ inc. 20mph, improved car parking and traffic calming, enhanced gateways and signage • Renewable energy project in Wilmslow Park • Affordable housing • Small units for start-up businesses • A new theatre • Improved leisure facilities in the town centre • Investment in schools and education • Improved library provision in the town centre • Town centre environmental enhancements • Enhanced green links to The Carrs and Wilmslow Park • Improvements to Bank Square to create a focal point in the town centre

32 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision The resources received from the Community Infrastructure Levy are finite and will not be able to cover all the aspects the local authority and community may wish. The local authority in the preparation of the Local Plan will investigate the expected costs in infrastructure provision across the Borough, prepare a list of charges attached to development and set out how this should be spent. It is important to consider priorities or phasing of infrastructure so that it is clear in what order investment in infrastructure should be prioritised and delivered in the Local Plan. The consultation on the Wilmslow Vision seeks your views on the infrastructure proposals and priorities for the town.

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 33 8. Further Information

Following a period of public consultation For further information during and consideration of the responses received the public consultation period the Wilmslow Vision document will be finalised and issued to Cheshire East Council for please contact: consideration when the new Cheshire East Matthew Jackson, Town Clerk Local Plan is being prepared. Wilmslow Town Council, Wilmslow Parish Hall, Cliff Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4AA Tel: 01625 402 907 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wilmslow-tc.org.uk

For further information on the Cheshire East Local Plan please contact: Tel: 01270 685893 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan

Please send your comments and completed questionnaires to Cheshire East Council via the online questionnaire (see website above) or post to: Freepost RSRX-YYYE-AYRS, Spatial Planning, Cheshire East Council, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach, CW11 1HZ

34 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision 9. Acknowledgements

Wilmslow Town Council and Cheshire East Council would like to thank the following groups and individuals for taking part in the series of workshops that have informed this document. Wilmslow Health Centre, Friends of the Carrs, Wilmslow Trust, Living Streets, Cycle Wilmslow, Wilmslow High School, Wilmslow Business Group, CETRA, Transition Town Wilmslow, Cheshire Constabulary, Churches Together in Wilmslow, Wilmslow Guild, Evans Trust, Wilmslow Cricket Club, Fulshaw WI, Cheshire Peaks and Plains Housing Trust, Glam Mams and the Schools Council.

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 35 10. Glossary

This Glossary provides definitions of the uncommon words, terms and abbreviations that may have appeared in this document.

Affordable Housing Housing, whether for rent, shared ownership or outright purchase, provided at a cost considered affordable in relation to incomes that are average or below average, or in relation to the price of general market housing.

Brownfield Previously developed land that is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the developed land and any associated fixed surface infrastructure.

Community Infrastructure The basic facilities, services and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society. It includes community buildings and halls, leisure facilities, education services, healthcare facilities and renewable energy installations.

Community A charge Local Authorities in and Wales will be able, but not Infrastructure Levy required, to charge on most types of new development.

Conservation Area Areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

Core Strategy Development Plan Document setting out the spatial vision and strategic objectives of the planning framework for an area, having regard to the Community Strategy.

Development Defined under the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act as “the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operation in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material change in the use of any building or other land.” Most forms of development require planning permission.

Development Plan A document setting out the Local Planning Authority’s policies and proposals for the development and use of land and buildings in the Authority’s area. It includes Unitary, Structure, and Local Plans prepared under transitional arrangements.

Employment Land Land identified for business, general industrial, and storage and distribution development as defined Use Classes B1, B2 and B8 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order. It does not include land for retail development nor ‘owner specific’ land.

36 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision Employment Land Review A review of the employment land portfolio within the Borough to form part of the evidence base for the Local Plan.

Green Belt A designation for land around certain cities and large built-up areas, which aims to keep this land permanently open or largely undeveloped. The purposes of the Green Belt are to: • Check the unrestricted sprawl of large built up areas • Prevent neighbouring towns from merging • Safeguard the countryside from encroachment • Preserve the setting and special character of historic towns • Assist urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land

Greenfield Land, or a defined site, usually farmland, that has not previously been developed.

Infrastructure Basic services necessary for development to take place, for example, roads, electricity, sewerage, water, education and health facilities.

Infrastructure Plan National planning policy formally requires Local Authorities to demonstrate sufficient infrastructure exists, or will be provided, to support their strategies for new development as set out in their Local Plan documents.

Local Development These include Development Plan Documents, which form part of the Documents statutory development plan, and Supplementary Planning Documents, which do not form part of the statutory development plan. Local Development Documents collectively deliver the spatial planning strategy for the Local Planning Authority’s area.

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 37 Local Plan Through the Localism Act 2011 the Government refers to the statutory development plan as the ‘Local Plan’. To reflect this it is proposed that in future the Cheshire East Local Development Framework will be renamed the Cheshire East Local Plan. The term is used to describe a folder of documents, which includes all the Local Planning Authority’s Local Development Documents. A Local Plan is comprised of: • Development Plan Documents, which form part of the statutory Development Plan; • Supplementary Planning Documents The Local Plan will also comprise of: • The Statement of Community Involvement • The Local Development Scheme • The Annual Monitoring Report • Any Local Development Orders or Simplified Planning Zones that may have been added Alternatively it is also an old-style development plan prepared by District and other Local Planning Authorities. These plans will continue to operate for a time after the commencement of the new development plan system, by virtue of specific transitional provisions.

Local Planning Authority The Local Authority or Council that is empowered by law to exercise planning functions. Often the local borough or district council. National parks and the Broads authority are also considered to be Local Planning Authorities.

Open Space All space of public value, including public landscaped areas, playing fields, parks and play areas, and also including not just land, but also areas of water such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs, which can offer opportunities for sport and recreation or can also act as a visual amenity and a haven for wildlife.

Place Shaping A stage in preparing new plans for places in Cheshire East. It looks at the Consultation challenges facing each town or village and ideas about how each place can be improved. It will then look at the options for the plan for each place. From this a Strategy for each town or village will be produced and the proposals will be incorporated into the draft Cheshire East Local Plan Core Strategy.

Public Realm Those parts of a village, town or city, whether publicly or privately owned, available for everyone to use. This includes streets, squares and parks.

Renewable Energy Energy flows that occur naturally and repeatedly in the environment, for example from the wind, water flow, tides or the sun.

Safeguarded Land Safeguarded land may be required to serve development needs in the longer term. It is not allocated for development at the present time, and it may only be allocated in the future within the strategic planning context.

38 I Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision Strategic Housing Land A key component of the evidence base to support the delivery of Availability Assessment sufficient land for housing to meet the community’s need for more (SHLAA) homes. The primary role of the SHLAA is to: • identify sites with potential for housing; • assess their housing potential; and • assess when they are likely to be developed.

Strategic Housing Market Evidence based report which supports local authorities in developing a Assessment (SHMA) strategic approach to housing through consideration of housing need and demand in all housing sectors – owner occupied, private rented and affordable – and assessment of the key drivers and relationships within the housing market

Site Allocations Plan Part of the Local Plan and will contain land allocations and detailed policies and proposals to deliver and guide the future use of that land.

Sustainability Appraisal An appraisal of the economic, environmental and social effects of a plan from the outset of the preparation process to allow decisions to be made that accord with sustainable development.

Sustainable Development A widely used definition drawn up by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The Government has set out four aims for sustainable development in its strategy ‘A Better Quality of Life, a Strategy for Sustainable Development in the UK’. The four aims, to be achieved simultaneously are: • Social progress that recognises the needs of everyone; • Effective protection of the environment; • Prudent use of natural resources; and • Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.

Town centres Includes a range of different-sized centres, including market and country towns, traditional suburban centres, and quite often, the principal centre(s) in a Local Authority’s area.

Windfall sites Sites including conversions which are not included as part of the housing land supply at the base date of the Plan but which subsequently become available for appropriate housing development, other than through the Local Plan allocation process.

Cheshire East Local Plan I Draft Wilmslow Vision I 39 Cheshire East Council

Freepost RSRX-YYYE-AYRS Spatial Planning, Cheshire East Council Westfields, Middlewich Road Sandbach, CW11 1HZ

Email: [email protected] Tel: 01270 685893 www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan