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2. PLAN STRATEGY
   
 
PS1-2 General Scale and Location of Development
PS3 Settlement Hierarchy
PS4 Towns
PS5 Villages in the Open Countryside and Inset in the Green Belt
PS6 Settlements in the Open Countryside and the Green Belt
PS7 Green Belt
PS8 Open Countryside
PS9 Areas of Special County Value
PS10 Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope Consultation Zone
PS12 Major Employment Development
PS13 Strategic Transport Corridors
 
  INTRODUCTION
2.1 The Plan Strategy provides the framework for all new development within the plan area. It indicates the main directions of the plan and provides the context within which the various policies will operate.
2.2 The review provides an opportunity to reappraise the plan strategy to ensure that it remains consistent with national, regional and strategic planning guidance for the plan period to 2011, as well as reflects current local strategies and priorities. In this way the Local Plan can continue to provide a sensible and realistic framework within which future decisions regarding new development can be properly, fairly and consistently made.
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  NATIONAL CONTEXT
2.3 The Government is committed to the principles of sustainable development based on four broad objectives:
 
  • maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment;
  • social progress which recognises the needs of everyone;
  • effective protection of the environment;
  • prudent use of natural resources.
2.4 To reflect these objectives there has been a significant number of new or revised Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) Notes which cover different aspects of planning policy and which planning authorities must take into account in preparing or reviewing their development plans.
2.5 The Government's White Paper on the future of transport 'A new Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone' published in 1998 also recognises that a vital element of sustainable development is one where land use policies are fully integrated with transport policies and proposals at all levels.
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  REGIONAL CONTEXT
2.6 Congleton Borough occupies a strategically important location within the North West region on the main north-south communication routes between the major conurbations of Liverpool, Manchester, The Potteries and The West Midlands.
2.7 Regional Planning Guidance for the North West (RPG13) provides a regional spatial strategy within which development plans can be prepared. Replacement RPG13 was issued by the Secretary of State for the Environment in March 2003. This puts forward a broad framework for development in the region over the next 20 years by setting out the core development principles which Structure and Unitary Development Plans should accord with. It gives guidance on the amount of housing development to be accommodated in each county area, defines key investment sites and promotes urban regeneration in the conurbations.
2.8 The RPG continues the established regional development strategy of concentrating development in the Mersey Belt between Liverpool and Manchester in order to support urban regeneration and limits greenfield development through strong Green Belt policies.
   
  Dig.4 The Regional Setting
 
2.9 A Regional Economic Strategy for the North West was produced in June 1993 by the North West Regional Association and North West Business Leadership Team which aims to increase average income levels and employment for the whole of the North West and to improve the spread of prosperity and opportunity in all areas. A new Regional Strategy, 'England's North West: A Strategy Towards 2020', was published by the North West Development Agency in November 1999 which identifies the steps needed to encourage sustainable economic growth in the region for the next 20 years.
2.10 One of the principle objectives of the Strategy is investing in infrastructure by securing a strategic and physical planning framework which encourages high levels of private investment in industry, commerce and provides for inward and locally generated investment.
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  STRATEGIC CONTEXT
2.11 Congleton Borough Council is one of six district authorities in the County of Cheshire and the administrative area of Cheshire County Council. It also directly adjoins the County of Staffordshire to the south-east.
2.12 The Cheshire 2011 Structure Plan was adopted in 1999 and sets out the strategic planning context for the six districts of New Cheshire, including Congleton Borough, for the period up to mid-2011. Sustainability is the underpinning philosophy of the new plan by providing for the new homes, jobs, shopping and leisure facilities which are needed by this generation whilst conserving the County's environment and natural resources for the benefit of future generations.
2.13 The scale of development allowed by the Plan is essentially that needed for local needs between 1996 and 2011. The Structure Plan generally requires that new development is guided principally to sites within towns or on the edges of selected suitable towns, or exceptionally to other sustainable locations that are well related to nearby towns, on good lines of communications and well served by existing or proposed public transport. Within the Green Belt, open countryside, Areas of Special County Value for Landscape, Jodrell Bank Consultation Zone and on good quality agricultural land, the Structure Plan allows only limited forms of development.
2.14 In respect of the Borough, the Structure Plan expects the District to make provision for the development of about 3,800 new dwellings and about 180 ha. of land for business, general industrial, storage and distribution development within its area between 1996 and 2011. Within this provision, the Structure Plan requires Regional Employment Sites to be identified in or on the edge of Sandbach and Middlewich. The continued maintenance of the South Cheshire Green Belt is also a major requirement of the Structure Plan in order to support the urban regeneration policies of the Potteries conurbation.
2.15 The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Structure Plan (1996 - 2011) sets out the strategic planning context for those areas of Staffordshire adjoining the Borough. It reinforces the regional strategy for the regeneration of The Potteries sub-region by concentrating development in Stoke-on-Trent to maintain the urban regeneration impetus of the area and by maintaining a strong Green Belt in North Staffordshire.
   
  Dig.5 Cheshire County and its Neighbours
 
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  LOCAL CONTEXT
  THE BOROUGH - ITS CHARACTERISTICS & FEATURES
2.16 The Borough covers an area of just over 81square miles with a population of around 91,102 (2002 mid-year estimate). The main centres of population are Congleton, Sandbach, Alsager and Middlewich although over three-quarters of the district is rural with many attractive villages, the largest being Holmes Chapel. For planning purposes the Borough is divided into 5 subdivisions - Congleton, Sandbach, Alsager, Middlewich and the Rural Areas.
2.17 The district has quite diverse features and characteristics reflecting its location within the Cheshire Plain but close to the Potteries conurbation and the uplands of the Peak District, and its wide spectrum of history from the Stone Age Bridestones burial tomb to the futuristic radio telescope at Jodrell Bank.
2.18 The largest settlement in the district is the old textile town of Congleton (25,960 pop.) situated on the River Dane which still contains much evidence of its medieval history, particularly in the town centre. It has grown to become an important centre providing a wide range of services and facilities as well as containing several major industrial concerns, such as Airbags International, Siemens and Berisfords. There are several Conservation Areas and a large number of Listed Buildings within the town whilst much of the surrounding rural area is subject to Green Belt and various landscape and nature conservation designations.
2.19 To the west of the Borough next to Junction 17 of the M6 lies the ancient market town of Sandbach (17,530 pop.). It is widely famed for its weekly Thursday market 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 of local environmental importance. Although important for its former truck manufacturing industries, there have been significant changes in its employment base recently.
2.20 Alsager (12,690 pop.), situated near to the Staffordshire border, is a town of more recent origins which still retains its rural charm and has a good range of local facilities. The sanitaryware manufacturer of Caradon Twyfords is the major employer in the area together with the nearby Royal Ordnance factory. Being the closest settlement to the Potteries it is largely surrounded by Green Belt to maintain its separation from the conurbation.
2.21 Situated to the north-west of the Borough, Middlewich (13,170 pop.) has been a salt producing settlement since Roman times with much evidence of its industrial history still in evidence. The canals are an important feature of the town which plays host to an annual folk and boat festival. As well as providing local services and facilities, it is a major employment area containing both the traditional salt-based firms of British Salt, Centura Foods and Ideal Standard as well as the newer technology companies and distributive firms such as Tesco. Because of its industrial history it has a legacy of derelict land which presents a major planning and development challenge.
   
  Dig.6 The Local Setting
   
2.22 The Rural Areas of the district (21,750 pop.) are the least densely populated but contain a wealth of features of historic, landscape and nature conservation value. Much of the area is subject to development constraints but the demands of agriculture, tourism and meeting local needs are major issues. Holmes Chapel (5,669 pop.) is the largest village which has grown recently as a commuter centre and is the home of a small industrial estate and also a major pharmaceutical firm.
   
  CORPORATE STRATEGY
2.23 In October 1999 the Council adopted its new Corporate Strategy which seeks, as its statement of purpose, to 'protect the character, heritage, culture and environment of the Borough and to enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants, through democratic, representative and accountable governance and delivery of best value services' . In order to achieve this statement of purpose, the Council has identified 9 corporate objectives, many of which have land use and transportation implications which will need to be reflected in the Local Plan:
 
  • to work with the Borough's different communities, to identify their needs and priorities and to lead the work which is needed to enhance the social, economic and
  • environmental wellbeing of the area o to support the creation of a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable local economy which, in turn, will enable the quality of life of residents to be enhanced, whilst preserving the character and environment of the Borough
  • to work in partnership with others to develop an inclusive society within the Borough and to seek out and tackle inequalities and deprivation
  • to work in partnership to make the Borough a safe place to live and work in
  • to protect and enhance the Borough's environment by promoting sustainability as a cornerstone for improving the quality of life for all people and communities of the Borough
  • to ensure the housing stock in the Borough provides for the needs and desires of its residents
  • to work to improve the health of the people of Congleton Borough, through the Council's statutory functions and in partnership with others
  • to facilitate a greater choice of transport for the Borough's communities, which is as sustainable as possible
  • to maximise the resources which are available to the Borough and to excel in managing the Council's assets, resources and services to ensure they bring the highest level of benefit
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  THE PLAN STRATEGY
2.24 The plan strategy consists of the following elements :
  Aim, Objectives and Targets - these set out the purpose of the Local Plan, establishing intentions and priorities. They identify those issues which are considered important for the future planning of the Borough. They also establish targets against which the performance of the Local Plan can be monitored over time.
  Guiding Principles - this sets out the principles for all development in the Borough, describing how the aims and objectives are to be achieved in terms of the key areas of concern.
  Development Approaches - this sets out broadly the preferred development approaches for the plan area, identifying the relative priorities and accepted scale of development within each of the sub-divisions of the Borough.
   
  AIM, OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS
2.25 A single aim and 12 objectives have been drawn up based on current planning guidance, the results of the various studies and the outcome of consultations on issues and key priorities. They also reflect the objectives of the Council's Corporate Strategy and other Council strategies.
2.26 The aim represents the overall 'vision' for the Borough whilst the objectives are more specific, establishing intentions in respect of different issues. For each objective there is a set of targets. The objectives are not prioritised, but represent those expectations of the Local Plan which are considered particularly important.
2.27 The targets represent quantifiable goals to be achieved which will be a gauge of how successful the plan is in terms of achieving the objectives. These need to be relevant to the objective, capable of being influenced by planning policy and decisions and capable of being monitored.
   
  AIM
  To improve the quality of life in the Borough and to protect and enhance the Borough's environment through sustainable development which supports a prosperous economy and ensures adequate provision of housing, facilities and services.
   
  OBJECTIVES AND TARGETS
   
  1 .
  To support the regional policies for the North West and The Potteries to assist in the prosperity of the region and the regeneration of the conurbations
  Targets
 
  • regional employment sites established at Sandbach and Middlewich
  • inward migration into the Borough not to exceed 1991 levels by 2011
  • no net loss of Green Belt land to new built development other than in exceptional circumstances
  2 .
  To support the strategic policies of the approved County Structure Plan and fulfill its land use requirements
  Targets
 
  • net addition of 3,800 new dwellings completed within the Borough between 1996 and 2011
  • 180 hectares of land made available for business, general industrial, storage and distribution development between 1996 and 2011
  3 .
  To minimise the loss of countryside to new development and maximise the use of urban land, particularly brownfield sites
  Targets
 
  • minimum 50% of new dwellings completed on previously used land between 2001 and 2011
  • minimum 75% of all new built development completed on existing urban land and minimum of 40% on previously used land between 2001 and 2011
  4 .
  To minimise the need to travel, to reduce reliance on the car and facilitate greater choice of other alternatives such as public transport, cycling and walking, and to make efficient use of the existing transport network
  Targets
 
  • minimum 75% of all new housing development to be within 1/2 mile of public transport node and 1 mile of existing or proposed local convenience shop and primary school between 2001 and 2011
  5 .
  To create a sustainable balance between housing, employment, services and facilities within the towns
  Targets
 
  • rate of growth in number of jobs to at least equal rate of growth in workforce between 2001 and 2011 within each sub-divisio
  6 .
  To protect and enhance areas and features of nature conservation and landscape value and to increase public enjoyment of them
  Targets
 
  • no net loss or damage to designated sites and features of nature conservation value or, areas and features of landscape value as identified in the Borough Council's Landscape Character Assessment, through development
  • no net loss of surface water through development
  7 .
  To preserve and enhance the quality of the built environment and the heritage of the Borough and to promote local distinctiveness
  Targets
 
  • no loss of buildings listed (statutory and local) as being of architectural or historic interest through development
  • no loss of Scheduled Ancient Monuments through development
  • to undertake Conservation Area Appraisals and Building at Risk surveys across the Borough by 2011
  8 .
  To ensure the provision of sufficient land and premises for employment purposes of a range and in locations which meets the needs of the local workforce, diversifies the local economy and helps reduce the need to travel
  Targets
 
  • to increase number of jobs within the Borough to 75% of the workforce by 2011
  • level of unemployment within the Borough not to exceed national rate
  9 .
  To ensure the provision of an adequate number and range of housing units which meets the needs of local communities and the environmental capacity of the settlement
  Targets
 
  • overall provision of 328 subsidised affordable housing units by 2011
  • minimum 25% of all new housing stock built between 2001 and 2011 to be low-cost affordable housing units
  • an annualised provision of around 200 dwellings in the Borough as a whole with the distribution between each sub division not materially exceeding the following percentage of the overall provision in a 5 year period:
    Congleton 30%
    Sandbach 25%
    Alsager 15%
    Middlewich 25%
    Rural areas 15%
  10.
  To safeguard and strengthen the vitality and viability of the town centres as focal points for shopping, commercial, leisure and cultural activities and to support local shopping provision
  Targets
 
  • net increase of 25% in shopping floorspace in town centres between 2001 and 2011
  • no net loss of convenience floorspace in the rural areas
  11.
  To protect and support the provision of appropriate and adequate facilities and leisure opportunities to meet the needs of individual communities
  Targets
 
  • no net loss in overall amount of open space within each sub-division by 2011 through development
  • no net loss in amount of outdoor playing space provision within each sub-division by 2011 through development
  12.
  To protect and improve the quality of air, water and land resources in the Borough and to minimize the consumption of non-renewable resources
  Targets
 
  • net loss of undeveloped land outside settlements between 2001 and 2011 to be no greater than 0.75% of total land coverage
  • no significant loss of grades 1, 2 and 3a agricultural land to new irreversible development
  • 50% of recorded derelict land within urban areas as at 2001 to be brought back into beneficial use by 2011
  GUIDING PRINCIPLES
2.28 The aim and objectives of the Local Plan are to be achieved through five guiding interrelated principles for development underlying the Plan Strategy which will not normally be compromised. These are:
 
  • promoting sustainable development
  • respecting the need for restraint
  • raising environmental quality and design standards
  • enhancing quality of life · supporting a prosperous local economy
2.29 These principles have guided the Borough Council in formulating its policies and proposals for the Local Plan.
   
  Promoting Sustainable Development
2.30 Sustainable development means accommodating necessary change in ways which safeguard and improve the environment and the resources it provides. It acknowledges that whilst we must develop economically, socially and physically, this must be in a way which accords with the whole range of environmental concerns including nature conservation, energy efficiency, conserving future resources, purity of air, earth and water, archaeology, agricultural land, landscape and countryside protection.
2.31 The Local Plan seeks to promote sustainable development in the Borough through the following measures:
 
  • emphasis on urban areas and in particular realising the development potential of areas within the urban boundaries - greenfield sites only where development is essential to local needs and cannot otherwise be accommodated within urban boundaries.
  • accommodating new development within a hierarchy of settlements according to local needs and their ability to sustain development in a balanced manner supported by adequate local services and facilities.
  • controlling the density of development and associated parking and open space needs in a manner which makes best use of resources and respects local identity.
  • increasing transport choice through new development being appropriately located near to transport corridors and in areas with good public transport. · ensuring adequate access by modes of travel other than just the car to all new development and promoting investment in pedestrian, cycle and public transport facilities.
  • strengthening the roles of the Borough's town, village and local shopping hierarchy through sequential control of further development and improvement of town centres including the conservation and enhancement of their heritage.
  • encouraging reuse of underused and derelict buildings and considering alternative uses of land already committed for development which has not yet been brought forward.
  • promoting mixed use and mixed tenure development where sustainable.
  • encouraging more energy efficient development.
  Respecting the Need for Restraint
2.32 The majority of the Borough is comprised of countryside, the protection and enhancement of which are considered to be of crucial importance. This countryside not only provides a valuable resource for agriculture, recreation, employment and nature conservation, but is also important in providing the setting for the distinctive character of each of the Borough's towns and villages. Restraint is also necessary to help meet strategic needs for the regeneration of The Potteries and the protection of acknowledged interests, such as Jodrell Bank Radio Telescopes.
2.33 The Local Plan respects the need for restraint through the following measures:
 
  • reaffirming the Borough Council's commitment to maintaining the strategic aims of the South Cheshire Green Belt.
  • limiting opportunity for growth in Alsager so as not to adversely affect the urban regeneration of the Potteries.
  • protecting areas of best and most versatile agricultural land.
  • restricting development in and around the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope by means of the Jodrell Bank Consultation Zone.
  • protection of the distinctive character of the landscape (identified through the Landscape Character Assessment), nature conservation, heritage and archaeology through appropriate designations, where necessary.
  • restraining development in many villages to conserve their character and avoid development encroaching into the surrounding countryside.
  • incorporating policies which protect existing areas of local value such as "green wedges" and amenity open space from development.
  Raising Environmental Quality and Design Standards
2.34 To a large extent, the Borough will be judged - by residents and visitors alike - on the quality of the physical environment which incorporates new development, the conservation of the old, the quantity and quality of its open spaces and countryside and the quality of its urban design; consequently, environmental quality is a high priority of the Local Plan. The protection and enhancement of the Borough's environment are, likewise, priorities of the Borough Council's Corporate Strategy - the environment is one of the main ways in which the Council can improve the health of its inhabitants, make the Borough more attractive to live in, provide a good base for businesses to thrive and - by promoting civic pride - reduce crime and vandalism.
2.35 The Local Plan seeks to raise environmental quality and design standards through the following measures:
 
  • recognising and reflecting the distinctive character of individual towns and villages through control of new development and appropriate designations.
  • maintaining and enhancing the distinctive character of the Borough's landscape as identified through the Landscape Character Assessment and through the application of appropriate policies.
  • the intention to have Settlement Character Assessments, Village Appraisals and Village Design Statements prepared to identify key characteristics of the local environment, to ensure that dedicated policy guidance is available for particular areas.
  • promoting the layout of developments to secure high standards of amenity, accessibility, safety and energy efficiency.
  • promoting high standards of design by the control of new development and the fostering of a greater awareness of design, and its value through the contribution which it makes to the quality of urban life.
  • tackling contaminated and degraded land and improving air and water quality through positive proposals to reclaim areas and policies to mitigate negative affects of development
  • promoting opportunities for environmental enhancement initiatives, traffic management measures and conservation measures.
  Enhancing the Quality of Life
2.36 The Local Plan has a significant role to play in enhancing the quality of life of the Borough's citizens through the consideration of social and community issues which are relevant to land use planning. It seeks to achieve this by ensuring that development takes place in a corporate and co-ordinated manner which promotes community safety, meets local needs, ensures better health and improves the provision of leisure and amenity facilities through the following measures:
 
  • · encouraging the design of new developments to encompass the principles of "Designing out Crime".
  • facilitating the provision of housing to cater for those in greatest need, and which will help ensure the achievement of other complimentary objectives relating to health, the environment, transportation, community safety and employment.
  • considering in particular the relationship of the proposed housing to existing (or proposed) local facilities and work opportunities
  • controlling the adverse effects of development on the environment
  • facilitating the provision of new/enhanced leisure and recreational facilities, securing greater public access to land and monitoring and reviewing policies and standards for the adoption/maintenance of land for public open space purposes as a means of helping promote better health.
  • facilitating the provision of new/enhanced cultural facilities and the incorporation of arts projects within developments.
  Supporting a Prosperous Local Economy
2.37 The Borough Council, through the South East Cheshire Enterprise, is seeking to encourage the sustainable development of a dynamic, high skill, high value added economy which embraces new technologies, enhances and safeguards the quality of life of the communities of the Borough and enables them to fulfil their potential. The Council is determined therefore to ensure not just economic growth within the Borough, but is equally committed that this shall not be at the expense of the environment and that this should be achieved within an increased emphasis on sustainability.
2.38 The Local Plan seeks to support a prosperous local economy through the following measures:
 
  • creating an environment which will attract and retain business in the Borough by ensuring sufficient high quality locations and improved infrastructure
  • revitalising town centres from a business and community perspective through further development opportunities
  • addressing the problem of out-commuting, particularly in Congleton, through further employment allocations
  • assisting with strategic requirements for the provision of Regional Employment Sites through new allocations
  • maintaining existing employment areas in employment use wherever feasible through the implementation of appropriate policies
  • providing a variety of employment sites to suit the needs of differing uses and users
  • supporting the improvement of strategic transport corridors to assist access and reduce local congestion
  • promoting reuse of existing underused/derelict buildings for employment use where sustainable
  • diversifying the rural economy through policies to facilitate appropriate employment and tourism uses
  DEVELOPMENT APPROACHES
2.39 The development approaches described below represent the Borough Council's relative priorities and accepted scale of development for the Borough and its sub-divisions. Diagram 7 illustrates diagrammatically the development strategy for the Borough.
   
  Dig.7 The Development Strategy
   
  Borough-wide
2.40 The reduced scale of housing required to be provided in the Borough to meet Structure Plan requirements compared to previous requirements means a 40% reduction in overall housing growth from past levels. This will have significant implications for the location and nature of housing development in the Borough with priority directed towards meeting local needs rather than demand. The Structure Plan policy figure for industrial and business development, on the other hand, represents a doubling of past rates of development in order to help reduce out-commuting and to build on the regional locational advantages of the west of the Borough.
2.41 In accordance with the principles of sustainable development and strategic planning guidance, the overall development approach for the Borough therefore seeks to maintain and strengthen the role of the 4 towns of Congleton, Sandbach, Middlewich and Alsager as the principle focus of employment, housing and services in the Borough. This will be achieved by realising the potential that exists within urban areas and ensuring a balance between housing and employment to primarily meet local needs. The bulk of new development will therefore be directed towards the 4 towns in line with their potential for accommodating development and local needs. Expansion of urban areas shall only occur where necessary to meet essential needs which cannot be accommodated within the existing built-up area.
2.42 New development will generally continue to be discouraged in the rural areas because of strategic development restraints and the need to protect the countryside and agricultural land and because remoter locations are less likely to be sustainable. The emphasis shall be on sustaining existing communities through selective growth in established rural centres.
   
  Congleton
2.43 Congleton is the largest town in the Borough with the greatest local need for housing and employment land and the most potential for development on brownfield and vacant urban sites. However it remains subject to strategic development restraints to support the urban regeneration of the Potteries and to protect adjoining areas of high landscape value and is locally constrained by an inadequate transport network. Further housing growth shall therefore need to be limited to that which can be accommodated within the limits of these constraints, maximising the opportunities for utilising existing urban sites and meeting local needs only.
2.44 The creation of a more sustainable community through the establishment of a major new, high-quality employment area and improvements to the range of shopping facilities to reduce existing high levels of outcommuting and shopping leakage to adjacent towns are seen as priorities. Transportation measures to facilitate greater choice of travel modes and continued improvement to the A34 corridor are also a high priority. Whilst the bulk of new development can be accommodated on sites which are within the urban area, there is a need to identify a suitable edge of town site to meet the employment needs of the town.
   
  Sandbach
2.45 Although lying within the 'West Coast Spine' growth corridor in Regional Planning Guidance for the North West, the character and limited size of Sandbach do not make it suitable for significant growth. The town also has only limited urban development opportunities and is subject to local environmental constraints which it is proposed to maintain. There is not considered to be any overriding need to expand the town significantly beyond its current boundaries other than where it is necessary to accommodate growth to meet local needs. Priority will continue to be given to protecting areas of local environmental importance in order to maintain the open character of the town and to further improving the attractiveness and viability of the town centre and the provision of facilities in the town. Allocations will, therefore, be dispersed around the town on sites which are least environmentally sensitive and which will maintain the existing settlement form. Due to the recent loss of manufacturing jobs within the town there is also an overriding need to bring forward good quality employment land in the town to meet both strategic and local employment needs.
   
  Alsager
2.46 The town is subject to development restraints to support the urban regeneration of the Potteries and has very limited urban development potential. Therefore a low rate of housing growth to meet local needs only is proposed and only limited employment development will be allowed. The maintenance of the towns rural character, enhancing the range of shopping and leisure facilities and addressing local traffic problems are the key priorities for the town. In allocating land priority will continue to be given to improving the range of facilities serving the town, minimising environmental impact and maximising development opportunities on the principal public transport corridor through the town.
   
  Middlewich
2.47 Middlewich also lies within the 'West Coast Spine' growth corridor in Regional Planning Guidance for the North West. It has experienced significant growth in recent years which it is unlikely to be able to sustain without considerable investment in infrastructure and facilities. The opportunities for further housing growth are also limited due to land constraints. Although there are significant areas of derelict land, much of this is unsuitable or likely to be unavailable for housing use during the plan period. It is therefore considered undesirable to maintain past levels of housing growth, but the town will have a continuing role to play in meeting strategic and local employment land requirements because of its location and to facilitate the implementation of the remainder of the Middlewich Eastern bypass. Priority will continue to be given to bringing forward for development existing areas of derelict land, environmental improvements, further community and leisure facilities to serve the town and the improvement of the town's highway network. Allocations will principally be within the existing settlement and on land to the east where it will facilitate the completion of the eastern by-pass to the town.
   
  Rural Area
2.48 The bulk of development in the rural areas will be focused within established rural centres where growth in housing will continue slightly below past rates of development providing essentially for local housing and employment needs and supporting existing facilities and services. Limited development will also be facilitated in smaller settlements where it may aid the provision of rural services or provide effective housing to meet local need.
2.49 With the ever changing structure of many agricultural activities further diversification of the rural economy will be encouraged where this would not have unacceptable consequences having regard to environmental and other considerations.
 
  SETTLEMENT CATEGORIES
2.50 The Local Plan groups the settlements of the Borough into a hierarchy of 3 categories:-
 
  • Towns
  • Villages in the Open Countryside and Inset in the Green Belt
  • Settlements in the Open Countryside and Green Belt
2.51 Each category of settlement has a general policy for the control of development. In some cases specific land allocations are also proposed and these are shown on the relevant Inset Map.
2.52 For the towns, principal villages and major development areas in the open countryside a "Settlement Zone Line" (SZL) is shown on the relevant Inset Map to define those areas within which the relevant policies apply. Its purpose is to define the boundary between the built-up area where the settlement policies in the plan apply, and the rural area where more restrictive open countryside or Green Belt policies apply. It therefore excludes land which requires protection from development, either because it contributes to the overall character of the settlement and/or where it is important to retain views of the surrounding countryside.
2.53 Within the SZL, areas without notation are those within which the predominant character is intended to largely remain unchanged. Any proposals for new development within such areas will be examined on their merits with that context in mind. The SZL is not intended as a long term boundary and has, therefore, been reviewed and modified to reflect current circumstances and new allocations for the plan period to 2011.
   
  Boundary of Villages Inset In The Green Belt
2.54 Where development is to be allowed for infilling or rounding off the existing built-up area of settlements situated within the Green Belt, the Local Plan identifies such settlements as "Villages Inset in the Green Belt". The boundary of such settlements is defined on the relevant Inset Map by a Settlement Zone Line. Within the boundary the Green Belt policies do not apply and appropriate limited development may be allowed where it will not conflict with the overall objectives of the Green Belt or harm the local environment. Outside the boundaries the normal Green Belt policies will apply.
   
  Infill Boundary Line
2.55 For those small settlements in the open countryside and the Green Belt where limited infill development may be appropriate, an Infill Boundary Line (IBL) is defined. Within this boundary development is still subject to the open countryside or Green Belt policies, but in addition some controlled housing infill may be permitted.
2.56 Some smaller settlements in the open countryside do not have an IBL because the predominantly open and loose-knit character of the existing development makes the definition of such a line inappropriate. In those settlements infill development would not be permissible in order to maintain their essentially open character.
   
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  PLAN STRATEGY POLICIES
GENERAL SCALE AND LOCATION OF DEVELOPMENT
PS1  
SUFFICIENT LAND WILL BE PROVIDED TO CATER FOR THE FORECAST REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW HOUSING AND INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN THE BOROUGH BETWEEN MID-1996 AND MID-2011.
ALLOCATIONS WILL BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SETTLEMENT HIERARCHY SET OUT IN PS3, THE RESTRAINT POLICIES OF THE PLAN AND THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.
2.57 Strategic and national guidance requires the Local Plan to ensure an adequate supply of land for housing and employment purposes to meet forecast requirements for the plan period. However, the scale of such provision will need to have regard to other strategic policies, in particular those relating to areas of development restraint, in order to safeguard the area's assets and to avoid undermining the urban regeneration strategies of neighbouring authorities.
2.58 The forecast requirements for the Borough are as set out in policies HOU1 and IND1 of the adopted Cheshire 2011 Structure Plan. In order to meet the objectives of the Local Plan, the scale and location of development to meet the forecast requirements shall be governed by the settlement and area strategy policies set out below which reflect government guidance regarding the need for Local Planning Authorities to incorporate the principles of sustainable development within their development plans. Chapters 6, 7 and 10 contain detailed policies and proposals to meet the requirements of this policy.
PS2  
THE PROVISION OF NEW SHOPPING, TRANSPORT, RECREATIONAL, COMMUNITY AND TOURISM FACILITIES AND SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE BOROUGH'S RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND VISITORS DURING THE PLAN PERIOD WILL BE ENCOURAGED AND PROVIDED FOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OTHER POLICIES OF THE LOCAL PLAN AND THE PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.
2.59 A growing range of facilities and services will be needed to serve the Borough's residents, businesses and visitors during the plan period. Whilst the Local Plan cannot accurately forecast the likely scale and nature of future needs, it will, through appropriate policies and proposals, ensure that adequate opportunities are provided for appropriate development and change. Chapters 8, 9 and 10 contain detailed policies and proposals to meet the requirements of this policy.
SETTLEMENT HIERARCHY
PS3  
WITHIN THE FOLLOWING HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENTS, DEVELOPMENT WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED WHICH IS APPROPRIATE TO THEIR STATUS AND ROLE AS SPECIFIED IN THE SUBSEQUENT POLICIES OF THE LOCAL PLAN:
  • TOWNS (PS4)
  • VILLAGES IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE AND INSET IN THE GREEN BELT (PS5)
  • SETTLEMENTS IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE AND GREEN BELT (PS6)
THE BULK OF NEW DEVELOPMENT WILL GENERALLY BE CONCENTRATED WITHIN THE SETTLEMENT ZONE LINE OF THE TOWNS OF THE BOROUGH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY APPROACHES FOR THOSE TOWNS AND SUBJECT TO THE STRATEGIC POLICIES SET OUT IN THE STRUCTURE PLAN. NO NEW SETTLEMENT WILL BE PERMITTED WITHIN THE PLAN AREA.
PRIORITY WILL GENERALLY BE GIVEN TO THE USE OF PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED SITES.
2.60 The above hierarchy and policies PS4 to PS6 identify which settlements are suited to greater or lesser levels of development in accordance with their character and role in order to ensure that the bulk of development takes place in sustainable locations which will minimise the need to travel and support existing services and facilities. The status and role of each type of settlement within the hierarchy is identified below:
  Towns - urban areas which have a wide range of facilities and services and are centres serving their surrounding rural areas where continued growth realising the potential within the urban area and expansion only where necessary to meet identified needs would be appropriate. Within these settlements a balanced provision of housing and employment development will be sought.
  Villages In The Open Countryside and Inset In The Green Belt - villages which have a basic range of facilities and services where limited growth of a scale sufficient to meet locally generated needs and support local services only would be appropriate.
  Settlements In The Open Countryside and In the Green Belt - settlements which have a very limited range or no facilities and services where only very strictly controlled infill would be appropriate. In some cases no development other than in exceptional cases would be appropriate.
2.61 The concentration of development within the towns of the Borough is in accordance with Cheshire 2011 Structure Plan policy GEN1. It is also considered that the requirements of policies PS1 and PS2 of the Local Plan can be met more sustainably through development within or on the edge of existing settlements rather than in any new settlement.
TOWNS
PS4  
THE FOLLOWING SETTLEMENTS ARE IDENTIFIED AS TOWNS AND DEFINED BY A SETTLEMENT ZONE LINE (SZL) ON THE INSET MAPS:
  • CONGLETON
  • SANDBACH (INCLUDING HAYS CHEMICALS COMPLEX)
  • MIDDLEWICH
  • ALSAGER
WITHIN THE SETTLEMENT ZONE LINES OF THESE TOWNS, THERE IS A GENERAL PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF DEVELOPMENT PROVIDED IT IS IN KEEPING WITH THE TOWN'S SCALE AND CHARACTER AND DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH THE OTHER POLICIES OF THE LOCAL PLAN.
ANY DEVELOPMENT WITHIN SETTLEMENT ZONE LINES ON LAND WHICH IS NOT OTHERWISE ALLOCATED FOR A PARTICULAR USE MUST ALSO BE APPROPRIATE TO THE CHARACTER OF ITS LOCALITY IN TERMS OF USE, INTENSITY, SCALE AND APPEARANCE.
2.62 This policy aims to ensure that development is concentrated within or adjoining the existing built-up area of the major settlements of the Borough in accordance with policy PS3, by defining a Settlement Zone Line (SZL). The boundaries of the SZL will allow for sufficient growth to meet future land use needs for the plan period. Development outside the SZL will be subject to the Local Plan's policies in respect of the open countryside or Green Belt as appropriate. More detailed policy guidance in respect of individual land uses within these settlements is set out in the subsequent topic chapters of the Local Plan.
VILLAGES IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE AND INSET IN THE GREEN BELT
PS5  
THE FOLLOWING ARE IDENTIFIED AS VILLAGES IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE OR INSET IN THE GREEN BELT AND ARE DEFINED BY A SETTLEMENT ZONE LINE (SZL) ON THE INSET MAPS:
  • BRERETON GREEN
  • GOOSTREY
  • HASSALL GREEN
  • HOLMES CHAPEL (INCLUDING FORMER CRANAGE HALL HOSPITAL)
  • RODE HEATH
  • SCHOLAR GREEN/KENT GREEN/HALL GREEN
  • MOUNT PLEASANT
  • MOW COP
  • WINTERLEY
WITHIN THE SETTLEMENT ZONE LINE OF THESE VILLAGES, DEVELOPMENT ON LAND WHICH IS NOT OTHERWISE ALLOCATED FOR A PARTICULAR USE WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE IT IS APPROPRIATE TO THE LOCAL CHARACTER IN TERMS OF USE, INTENSITY, SCALE AND APPEARANCE AND DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH THE OTHER POLICIES OF THE LOCAL PLAN.
2.63 These settlements provide a basic level of community services which are used by the local population, including those parishes surrounding them, and are expected to absorb the bulk of the housing and employment requirements for the rural areas. Development in these settlements is considered important to maintaining the viability of existing local services and facilities although the scale of development will be limited to that which is necessary to meet local needs. The boundaries of the Settlement Zone Lines around these villages have been drawn to accommodate future growth and also to protect the surrounding countryside from further encroachment. More detailed policy guidance in respect of individual land uses within these settlements is set out in the subsequent topic chapters of the Local Plan.
SETTLEMENTS IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE AND THE GREEN BELT
PS6  
THE FOLLOWING ARE IDENTIFIED AS SETTLEMENTS IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE OR THE GREEN BELT AND ARE DEFINED BY AN INFILL BOUNDARY LINE (IBL) ON THE INSET MAPS:
  • ARCLID
  • ASTBURY
  • BRERETON HEATH
  • LAWTONGATE & LAWTON HEATH
  • MALKINS BANK
  • RED BULL
  • RUDHEATH WOODS
  • SOMERFORD (CHELFORD ROAD/HOLMES CHAPEL ROAD/BLACK FIRS LANE)
  • THE BANK
  • TWEMLOW
WITHIN THE INFILL BOUNDARY LINE OF THESE SETTLEMENTS, LIMITED DEVELOPMENT ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY H6 WILL BE PERMITTED WHERE IT IS APPROPRIATE TO THE LOCAL CHARACTER IN TERMS OF USE, INTENSITY, SCALE AND APPEARANCE AND DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH THE OTHER POLICIES OF THE LOCAL PLAN.
IN ALL OTHER SETTLEMENTS IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE AND GREEN BELT NOT DEFINED BY AN INFILL BOUNDARY LINE, NO DEVELOPMENT WILL BE PERMITTED OTHER THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES PS7 AND PS8.
2.64 The settlements listed are those which contain established groups of dwellings and may provide limited community services or other facilities for the population living within them or within the surrounding parishes. The policy aims to reflect guidance on the provision of housing in the open countryside or Green Belts as contained in PPGs 2 and 7 (revised) by recognising the settlements listed as being those where there may be limited situations, which are defined in this plan, in which development might be accommodated. This would have to be fully consistent with the predominant pattern of land use and the extent, intensity, scale and appearance of existing development. Those settlements or parts of settlements in the open countryside and Green Belt not listed or lying outside Infill Boundary Lines are considered to be unsuitable for accommodating any infill development because of their loose-knit settlement pattern. More detailed policy guidance in respect of individual land uses within these settlements is set out in the subsequent topic chapters of the Local Plan. Limited development is defined as the building of a single or small group of dwellings.
GREEN BELT
PS7  
WITHIN THE GREEN BELT, DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED UNLESS IT IS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
I) AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY;
II) ESSENTIAL FACILITIES FOR OUTDOOR SPORT AND OUTDOOR RECREATION, FOR CEMETERIES AND FOR OTHER USES OF LAND WHICH PRESERVE THE OPENNESS OF THE GREEN BELT AND WHICH DO NOT CONFLICT WITH THE PURPOSES OF INCLUDING LAND WITHIN IT;
III) NEW DWELLINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY H6 AND EXTENSIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING DWELLINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY H16;
IV) CONTROLLED INFILLING WITHIN THOSE SETTLEMENTS IDENTIFIED IN POLICY PS7 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY H6;
V) LIMITED AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR LOCAL NEEDS WHICH COMPLY WITH POLICY H14;
VI) DEVELOPMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY E6;
VII) THE RE-USE OF EXISTING RURAL BUILDINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES BH15 AND BH16;
SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES IN THE LOCAL PLAN.
2.65 This policy is consistent with policy GEN2 of the Cheshire 2011 Structure Plan. The purpose of the Green Belt is to check the unrestrained growth of the built-up area and to safeguard the countryside against further encroachment. The Green Belt boundaries have been reviewed and it is intended that they shall remain unchanged during the plan period. The Green Belt excludes those settlements defined in policy PS5 which are inset in the Green Belt. Where development permitted by this policy is allowed, it should be located in close proximity to existing buildings or use existing buildings wherever possible to minimise its visual impact and make use of existing services. Specific guidance on the approach to proposals for housing and employment in the Green Belt is set out in Chapters 6 and 7.
OPEN COUNTRYSIDE
PS8  
IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE DEVELOPMENT WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED IF IT IS FOR ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
I) AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY;
II) FACILITIES FOR OUTDOOR SPORT, RECREATION AND TOURISM, CEMETERIES AND FOR OTHER USES OF LAND WHICH PRESERVE THE OPENNESS OF THE COUNTRYSIDE AND MAINTAIN OR ENHANCE ITS LOCAL CHARACTER;
III) NEW DWELLINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY H6 AND EXTENSIONS AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING DWELLINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY H16;
IV) CONTROLLED INFILLING WITHIN THOSE SETTLEMENTS IDENTIFIED IN POLICY PS7 IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY H6;
V) AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR LOCAL NEEDS WHICH COMPLY WITH POLICY H14;
VI) DEVELOPMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY E5;
VII) THE RE-USE OF EXISTING RURAL BUILDINGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICIES BH15 AND BH16;
VIII) THE RE-USE OR REDEVELOPMENT OF EXISTING EMPLOYMENT SITES IN ACCORDANCE WITH POLICY E10;
SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH ALL OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES IN THE LOCAL PLAN.
2.66 This policy accords with those relevant policies contained in the Cheshire 2011 Structure Plan, notably policies HOU5 and IND6. and government guidance on development in the open countryside as set out in PPG7 (revised). The protection of the open countryside from inappropriate development is a principal objective of the Plan. The open countryside comprises that part of the Plan Area outside the Green Belt and outside those settlements defined in policies PS4 and PS5. Development in the open countryside will normally be unacceptable unless it can be shown to be essential to local needs and the rural economy and cannot be accommodated within existing settlements. The boundaries of the open countryside have been reviewed and amended to take account of changes in the boundaries of the Settlement Zone Lines of the towns and villages. Specific guidance on the approach to proposals for housing and employment in the Green Belt is set out in Chapters 6 and 7.
AREAS OF SPECIAL COUNTY VALUE
PS9  
THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF SPECIAL COUNTY VALUE ARE DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP AND INSET MAPS:
  • DANE VALLEY (BETWEEN CONGLETON AND HOLMES CHAPEL).
  • CONGLETON CLOUD/ TIMBERSBROOK/ ROE PARK/ MOW COP.
WITHIN THESE DESIGNATED AREAS, DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD DAMAGE THE CHARACTER OR FEATURES FOR WHICH THE AREA OF SPECIAL COUNTY VALUE HAS BEEN DESIGNATED WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. OTHERWISE ACCEPTABLE OR APPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT MAY BE PERMITTED PROVIDED THAT IT SATISFIES ALL OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA WHICH ARE RELEVANT:
I) NEW BUILDINGS ARE NEEDED FOR THE PURPOSES OF AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY AND ARE SENSITIVELY DESIGNED AND SITED IN RELATION TO LAND FORM AND MEANS OF ACCESS;
II) NEW, CONVERTED OR EXTENDED BUILDINGS RESPECT TRADITIONAL FORMS AND EXTERNAL MATERIALS AND ARE RELATED TO THE NEEDS OF RURAL ENTERPRISE OR TOURISM;
III) DEVELOPMENT RESTORES, PROTECTS OR ENHANCES THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE LOCAL COUNTRYSIDE BY SUITABLE PLANTING, LANDSCAPING OR AFFORESTATION;
IV) PROPOSALS FOR THE EXTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND MAKE SUITABLE PROVISION FOR BETTER PUBLIC ACCESS TO AND ENJOYMENT OF THE DESIGNATED AREAS;
V) PROVISION OF LOCALLY REQUIRED UTILITIES ARE RELATED IN SIZE, POSITION AND DESIGN TO THE EXTENT AND NEEDS OF SETTLEMENTS AND THEIR RESIDENT POPULATION;
VI) PROVISION OF AMENITIES FOR THE LOCALLY RESIDENT POPULATION OR VISITORS IS SITED WITH DUE REGARD TO AVAILABLE MEANS OF ACCESS.
2.67 This Policy accords with Cheshire 2011 Structure Plan Policy R2. The areas of Special County Value are of strategic value to the County because of the quality of their landscape which should be protected from development. These areas also contain features of archaeological, historic or nature conservation importance which in combination with their landscape quality, need to be conserved and managed. The specific exceptions as set out in the Policy criteria I to VI to the general presumption against development in this policy are to allow for essential economic and social needs and opportunities for environmental enhancement.
2.68 The Structure Plan identifies two Areas of Special County Value (ASCV) in the Borough. The Congleton Cloud/ Timbersbrook/Roe Park/Mow Cop area is designated as an upland area characterised by small to medium-scale farmland with large blocks of woodland. It contains a variety of features unusual to Cheshire including moorland heather, dry stone walls, old rocky outcrops and long views out. The Dane Valley area is characterised by wide river meanders and meadows contained by steeply wooded buff slopes along with older river banks and slopes of cleared woodland. Within the context of Cheshire, this part of the River Dane has made more of an impact on the Cheshire Plain than other rivers.
JODRELL BANK RADIO TELESCOPE CONSULTATION ZONE
PS10  
WITHIN THE JODRELL BANK RADIO TELESCOPE CONSULTATION ZONE, AS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP AND INSET MAPS, DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED WHICH CAN BE SHOWN TO IMPAIR THE EFFICIENCY OF THE JODRELL BANK RADIO TELESCOPE.
2.69 The purpose of this policy is to take account of the Town and Country (Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope) Direction 1973 and to accords with Cheshire 2011 Structure Plan policy GEN5. Detailed consultations with the University of Manchester have taken place in order that the Local Plan's major land use allocations, in particular those for housing, take account of the University's requirements in respect of maintaining the efficiency of the Radio Telescope in terms of its ability to receive radio emissions from space with a minimum of interference from electrical equipment.
MAJOR EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT
PS12  
PROVISION WILL BE MADE ON THE EDGE OF THE FOLLOWING SETTLEMENTS FOR MAJOR NEW EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT AREAS TO MEET IDENTIFIED ECONOMIC NEEDS:
REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT SITES:
  SANDBACH
MIDDLEWICH
SITES TO MEET LOCAL NEED:
  CONGLETON
2.70 A major objective of the Local Plan is the development of a strong local economy in order to maintain high levels of employment and reduce out-commuting. The adopted Cheshire 2011 Structure Plan requires the provision of regional employment sites in the Borough at Sandbach and Middlewich to help sustain the economy of the County. These are sites of sub-regional importance and are not Regional Investment Sites as defined in Regional Planning Guidance, nor Strategic Regional Sites as identified within the Regional Economic Strategy.
  In addition a more local need has been identified for a major employment site in Congleton.
2.71 The Borough Council's Urban Potential Study has revealed that there is no suitable land currently available within existing urban areas for major new employment development. Achieving these needs will therefore require identifying land on the edges of these settlements of a scale appropriate to the character of the area and sufficient to meet identified needs. In selecting suitable sites for development the objectives set out in paragraph 10.21 will be used.
STRATEGIC TRANSPORT CORRIDORS
PS13  
THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL SUPPORT AND PROMOTE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FOLLOWING MAJOR TRANSPORT CORRIDORS. DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE PERMITTED WHICH IS LIKELY TO PREJUDICE THE IMPROVEMENT OF THESE CORRIDORS:
  • A34 THROUGH CONGLETON TOWN (INCLUDING WAGGON & HORSES JUNCTION)
  • MIDDLEWICH EASTERN BYPASS (SOUTHERN SECTION) o A54 THROUGH MIDDLEWICH TO JUNCTION 18 OF M6
  • A534 BETWEEN CONGLETON AND JUNCTION 17 OF M6
  • JUNCTION OF A50, A54 AND A535 AT HOLMES CHAPEL
  • B5077 THROUGH ALSAGER o UPGRADING OF SANDBACH-MIDDLEWICH-NORTHWICH RAIL LINE FOR USE BY PASSENGERS
  • M6 MOTORWAY (INCLUDING JUNCTION 17)
2.72 The Borough Council will support improvements to the following transport corridors which are reconcilable with government policy, with the environmental and sustainable principles listed in paragraph 2.33 of this Plan and with the Plan's objectives and targets. These schemes are considered by the Council to be of strategic importance for the reasons detailed below and it will, therefore, seek to support and promote them with the aim of bringing forward in part or in whole suitable schemes for implementation.
  A34 through Congleton Town - the Congleton Transportation Study identified the need for improvements to the A34 corridor, in particular the junction of the A34, A534 and A54 (Waggon & Horses Junction) to facilitate improved traffic flows. A scheme for the provision of a new roundabout at this junction has been approved by the County Council and is identified on the Proposals Map for Congleton. It is anticipated that this scheme will be partly funded by the private sector. Other improvements to the corridor will be investigated and implemented as opportunities arise. The programmed improvements to the Waggon & Horses junction and any other as yet unidentified improvements to the A34 corridor through the town will provide only a partial solution to the problem of traffic congestion and the potential for a more radical solution in the form of a by-pass will need to be explored in conjunction with the County Highway Authority in the event that Central Government funding for such schemes becomes more favourable. The Borough Council will press therefore for regular monitoring of traffic flows on the A34 and the associated road network with a view to the subsequent inclusion of a by-pass proposal in the County's Local Transport Plan.
  Middlewich Eastern Bypass (southern section) - this replaces the former proposed diversion of Lewin Street to Brooks Lane, to remove through traffic from Lewin Street, and provides a much more effective and long term solution to problems of traffic congestion within Middlewich. This road will provide improved access to existing industrial areas and to a number of proposed development areas in Middlewich. This route will link to the existing new highway from Holmes Chapel Road to King Street to form part of a wider eastern bypass for Middlewich. Funding towards this scheme will also come from the private sector. It is identified in the Cheshire 2011 Structure Plan as a major scheme to be implemented. An indicative line for the remaining section of the route is identified on the Proposals Map for Middlewich.
  A54 through Middlewich to Junction 18 of M6 - this route is the principal strategic route between Winsford, Middlewich and the M6 and serves significant areas of employment and housing development. Improvements to this road would help ease traffic congestion, improve road safety and environmental conditions and improve access to development areas. It is identified in the Cheshire 2011 Structure Plan as a major scheme to be investigated.
  A534 between Congleton and Junction 17 of M6 -this road provides access to the motorway from Congleton town and from surrounding districts. It is expected to take increasing traffic volumes during the plan period to serve housing and employment growth in the town, but is of a poor standard in parts and requires upgrading to ease traffic flows and improve road safety.
  Junction of A50, A54 and A535 at Holmes Chapel -there is concern regarding volumes of traffic, in particular heavy goods vehicles, gaining access to and from the motorway through the centre of Holmes Chapel. Whilst a series of traffic management measures have been agreed for the centre, these do not address the fundamental transportation issue and there is long term consideration for a bypass within the County Council's programme.
  B5077 through Alsager - the town suffers form local congestion at peak times due to the volumes of through traffic along the B5077. There is a need to address this issue through appropriate traffic management measures and highway improvements.
  Upgrading of Sandbach-Middlewich-Northwich rail line for passenger use - the upgrading of this line for use as a passenger service would allow the re-introduction of services to Middlewich and the revision of passenger services in the mid-Cheshire line as a whole and also to take greater advantage of rail freight opportunities. It is identified in the Cheshire 2011 Structure Plan as a major scheme to be investigated.
  M6 Junction 16 to 19 - Consultants for the Midman (multi modal study) reported in March 2002, their proposals included a series of integrated transport measures and new infrastructure proposals, namely, the widening of the M6 between junctions 11a and 19. The Secretary of State for Transport approved the report and has instructed the Highways Agency to carry out further work to enable this scheme to be entered into the Government's Targeted Programme of Improvements.
   
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