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Chapter 7
Recreation and Tourism
Introduction
7.1 Vale Royal is an area of Cheshire with beautiful countryside, pretty villages and a vast resource of tourist and recreation related facilities.
7.2 The planning policies included in this chapter deal with sports facilities; tourist accommodation; caravanning and camping; golf; war games; the tourism and recreation resources of the Borough and the protection of important areas of open space.
7.3 The future development of recreation and tourism activities in the Borough is important for the generation of employment and economic growth and to satisfy the needs of residents and visitors; therefore Vale Royal Borough Council aims to ensure the provision of suitable recreation, leisure and cultural facilities and services. The major objectives include:
- the provision of open space and amenity land within housing development accessible to the community;
- the protection of important open spaces and amenity land from development;
- the promotion of Vale Royal as a tourist destination;
- the development of the full tourism potential of the Borough's towns;
- the expansion of appropriate tourism activity in suitable areas of the countryside;
- to improve and expand the range of accommodation stock to meet the needs of visitors to the Borough;
- the promotion of the Lion Salt Works as a major heritage centre;
- the promotion of the Anderton Boat Lift as a leisure and tourism centre.
7.4 Vale Royal Borough Council would like to see tourism and recreation activities in the Borough grow and recognises the benefits of proximity to key national transport links such as the M6, the West Coast Railway Line and Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon airports, whilst at the same time promoting sustainable development and avoiding conflict with nature conservation interests.
7.5 The policies within this Chapter will help to address the priorities the Community has identified in the Community Plan. In particular:
- Improve Health and Well-being - through improving access to leisure and recreation facilities; and
- Provide opportunities for Lifelong Learning and Cultural Activities - through enabling a range of activities for young people to be developed.
7.6 In addition to the policies included within this Chapter, reference should also be made to the Cheshire 2016 Structure Plan Alteration.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATION/TOURISM DEVELOPMENTS Policy RT1 NEW RECREATION/TOURISM DEVELOPMENTS OR THE EXPANSION OF EXISTING DEVELOPMENTS WILL BE ALLOWED PROVIDED THE BOROUGH COUNCIL ARE SATISFIED THAT: (i) TRAFFIC FLOWS LIABLE TO RESULT CAN BE ACCOMMODATED WITHOUT ROADWORKS AT PUBLIC EXPENSE; (ii) PROPOSALS WILL NOT HAVE AN UNDULY DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE AMENITIES OF THE PEOPLE LIVING NEARBY; (iii) PROPOSALS WILL NOT RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANT PERMANENT LOSS OF THE BEST AND MOST VERSATILE AGRICULTURAL LAND, NOR DISRUPT VIABLE AGRICULTURAL HOLDINGS; (iv) PROPOSALS WILL NOT CONFLICT WITH POLICIES FOR THE GREEN BELT OR OPEN COUNTRYSIDE; (v) THE SITING OF ANY NEW RECREATIONAL FACILITY, APART FROM WHERE THE ACTIVITY IS DEPENDENT ON A SPECIAL NATURAL RESOURCE, SHOULD GIVE PRIORITY TO A LOCATION WHICH IS OR COULD BE ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT OR BY FOOT OR BICYCLE, FROM ITS MAIN CATCHMENT AREA; (vi) PROPOSALS MUST NOT RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN AMBIENT NOISE LEVELS, WITH REFERENCE TO POLICY P3; (vii) WHERE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS INCLUDE FLOOD-LIGHTING IT SHOULD NOT BE OF A VISUALLY INTRUSIVE NATURE, PARTICULARLY IN RURAL AREAS; (viii) PROPOSALS WOULD NOT RESULT IN DEVELOPMENTS WHICH ARE NOT APPROPRIATE TO THE EXISTING FORM AND CHARACTER OF A SETTLEMENT; (ix) IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD THESE CONSIDERATIONS, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL DETERMINE PLANNING APPLICATIONS BY REFERENCE TO FULL SCOPE OF THE POLICIES OF THIS LOCAL PLAN AND IN PARTICULAR, THOSE CONTAINED IN THE CHAPTERS ON THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) The Borough Council wishes to ensure that proposals for recreational uses are primarily an appropriate response to the leisure needs of the local population. However, facilities which are primarily aimed at tourists can also be used by, and therefore benefit, the local people.
(ii) Any recreational proposal, whether for local people or for visitors from outside the area, should not create additional traffic or environmental problems which would in turn require additional public expense to facilitate development.
(iii) The development of land for recreation/tourism facilities could, without proper planning control, detract from the physical quality and amenity of an area.
(iv) To protect the rural areas of the Borough from visually intrusive development.
(v) There is a general need to diversify the activities of the farming sector and of the rural economy. Additionally, there are increases in demand for the quantity and variety of outdoor recreational facilities. These factors will mean that some agricultural land will be the subject of development. The land which is best and most versatile for agriculture should, however, be safeguarded for agricultural use in the longer term.
(vi) New recreational facilities should be accessible to as many users as possible, whilst limiting the number of journeys by private transport to reach an area. Exceptions may have to be made for those activities which depend on a particular resource or set of conditions.
Policy Derivation
"Sustainable Development in Rural Areas
PPG13 "Transport"
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
Cheshire 2016: Structure Plan Alteration TR1 and TR2
SPORTS FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACES Policy RT2 PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO IMPROVING LOCAL SPORTS FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE PROVISION IN AREAS WHERE CURRENT PROVISION FALLS BELOW THE BOROUGH COUNCIL'S REQUIREMENTS (WITH REFERENCE TO THE BOROUGH COUNCIL'S OPEN SPACE SURVEY, WHERE APPROPRIATE) AND WHERE POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS WILL PRODUCE ADDITIONAL DEMAND. IN SUCH AREAS ESPECIALLY, PRIVATE INVESTMENT WILL BE ENCOURAGED. IN PARTICULAR THE FOLLOWING SITES ARE ALLOCATED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP FOR RECREATIONAL USE: RT2.01 SITE OF FORMER ST.LUKE'S SCHOOL, FRODSHAM RT2.02 LAND AT CHESTER ROAD/HEYESWOOD LANE, HARTFORD (FOR PUBLIC OPEN SPACE) 0.6HA; RT2.03 ADJACENT PROPOSED SOCIAL SERVICES DAY CENTRE, FIRDALE ROAD, NORTHWICH RT2.04 LAVENDER DRIVE, RUDHEATH RT2.05 LAKEHOUSE FIELD, WEAVERHAM RT2.06 OFF BUTTERMERE ROAD, WINSFORD RT2.07 OFF OAKHOUSE LANE, WINSFORD RT2.08 OFF MOUNT PLEASANT DRIVE, WINSFORD RT2.09 OFF WAYS GREEN, WINSFORD RT2.10 LAND NORTH OF WADES LANE, WINSFORD RT2.11 VERDIN PLAYING FIELD, WINSFORD RT2.12 THE FORMER HELSBY/MOULDSWORTH RAILWAY LINE RT2.13 LAND EAST OF WINNINGTON AVENUE, NORTHWICH RT2.14 OFF MANCHESTER ROAD, LOSTOCK GRALAM RT2.15 OFF MAIN ROAD, MOULTON ON LARGE DEVELOPMENTS, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL ENCOURAGE THE PROVISION OF WOODLAND PLANTING. WHEN DETERMINING PLANNING APPLICATIONS ON SUCH SITES, REGARD WILL BE MADE TO THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE PLANTING TO THE APPEARANCE OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND TO THE QUALITY OF THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) The Borough Council has limited resources to provide new facilities. It is important to make it possible for private investment to play a positive role in improving the provision of recreational facilities.
(ii) The Borough Council will work with the Parish Councils, where appropriate, to overcome shortfalls in the provision of facilities required by local communities.
(iii) The Borough Council will have regard to currently accepted national or other standards in determining the requirements for recreational space and facilities.
(iv) The Borough Council has undertaken an Open Space Audit and Assessment in line with PPG17 which will be used to inform the implementation and future revisions to the policy on the provision of recreation, sport and open space.
(v) To assist in the achievement of the aims of the Mersey Community Forest Plan.
(vi) Reference should also be made to Policy T8 in the Transport Chapter, regarding the recreational use of former railway lines.
Policy Derivation
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
Cheshire 2016 Structure Plan Alteration Policy TR2
RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE IN NEW DEVELOPMENTS Policy RT3 PROPOSALS FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE NEW OR IMPROVED PROVISION FOR RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE WHERE A NEED ARISES AS A RESULT OF THAT DEVELOPMENT AND WHERE THE CAPACITY OF EXISTING FACILITIES WOULD BE EXCEEDED. PROVISION SHOULD BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS: RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF 1 OR MORE DWELLINGS:
WHERE THE PROVISION OF RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE IS NOT FEASIBLE WITHIN THE SITE, A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION WILL BE SOUGHT FROM THE DEVELOPERS THROUGH A SECTION 106 AGREEMENT TO SECURE RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PROVISION OR THE ENHANCEMENT OF EXISTING FACILITIES ELSEWHERE. THIS PROVISION OR ENHANCEMENT WILL BE FAIRLY AND REASONABLY RELATED IN SCALE AND KIND TO THE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL AND BE IN A LOCATION WHERE IT WOULD BE OF DIRECT BENEFIT TO THE OCCUPIERS OF THE NEW DEVELOPMENT. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Developers will be required to make provision for recreation and open space associated with new housing normally as part of the scheme or alternatively where this is not feasible, through a financial contribution (by way of a Section 106 Agreement) towards new provision or to the improvement of existing provision elsewhere in the locality. The basis for any contribution is that there is an identified impact arising from the development in the local and surrounding area, and that the contribution is a measure designed to mitigate that impact.
(ii) The Council has undertaken an Open Space Audit and Assessment in line with PPG17 which will be used to inform the implementation and future revisions to the policy on the provision of recreation, sport and open space.
(iii) In order to avoid conflict between users of open space and residents, it is important that the location, size, type and use of such space is taken into account from the first stages of layout design, especially where play areas with equipment are to be provided. Open space should be well integrated within the development and not simply identified over left-over or hard to develop areas (see also BE1).
(iv) Open space, particularly children's play space, should be designed and located, to optimise passive surveillance from surrounding houses to minimise the incidence and fear of crime (see also BE1).
(v) Proposals will be assessed in relation to the Borough Council's Supplementary Planning Guidance on Planning Gain.
(vi) Family dwellings do not include 1 bedroom dwellings or sheltered accommodation.
Policy Derivation
PPG3 "Housing"
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
EXISTING FORMAL AND INFORMAL OPEN SPACES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES Policy RT4 EXISTING FORMAL AND INFORMAL OPEN SPACES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES SHALL BE RETAINED IN RECREATIONAL OR AMENITY USE. EXCEPTIONS WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED WHERE: (i) THERE IS, NOW AND LIKELY TO CONTINUE TO BE, A SURPLUS OF THAT TYPE OF OPEN SPACE IN THE AREA, COMPARED WITH COUNCIL STANDARDS, AND THERE IS NO DEMAND, NOW OR LIKELY IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, IN THE AREA FOR OPEN SPACE OR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES THAT COULD BE MET BY THE USE OF THE SITE; AND (ii) THE LOSS OF OPEN SPACE WOULD NOT RESULT IN A MATERIAL REDUCTION IN THE QUALITY OF OPEN SPACE PROVISION IN THE AREA; OR (iii) AN EQUIVALENT AND SUITABLY LOCATED FACILITY OR IMPROVED EXISTING FACILITY WHICH WOULD SATISFY THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY, IS PROVIDED WITHOUT DISRUPTING THE AVAILABILITY OF THE SERVICE PROVIDED. THE COUNCIL WILL SEEK TO SECURE THE TERMS OF THIS POLICY THROUGH THE IMPOSITION OF PLANNING CONDITIONS OR, WHERE THIS IS NOT FEASIBLE, BY NEGOTIATING A PLANNING AGREEMENT UNDER SECTION 106 OF THE PLANNING ACT. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Existing areas of recreational land and open space are an important resource which must be retained for the future benefit of the community.
(ii) The areas form a range of recreational functions and are accessible to all sectors of the community.
(iii) Some open spaces are an important feature of the town/village in which they are located; their retention will assist in the preservation of the area's character.
(iv) The areas which this policy aims to protect include school playing fields, parks, informal and formal open space provision within housing areas and other formal sports provision (Formal and informal open space are defined in the Glossary).
(v) The loss of recreational land, in housing estates, to garden land will be resisted because the Borough Council wishes to preserve amenity spaces and the access to them.
(vi) The Council has undertaken an Open Space Audit and Assessment in line with PPG17 which will be used to inform the implementation and future revisions to the policy on the provision of recreation, sport and open Space.
Policy Derivation
PPG3 "Housing "
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
Cheshire 2016 Structure Plan Alteration Policy TR1 and TR2
ALLOTMENTS Policy RT5 PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ALLOTMENT SITES AS IDENTIFIED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE WHERE THE EXISTING ALLOTMENTS CAN BE ADEQUATELY REPLACED NEARBY. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Allotments should be protected from redevelopment, wherever possible, due to their very important local value, fulfilling a unique amenity and recreation role.
(ii) Allotments make an important contribution to the character of the natural and built environment of an area.
(iii) If allotments become disused, they could continue to fulfil an amenity role by reverting to open space, where their visual and wildlife value would increase.
Policy Derivation
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
VILLAGE FACILITIES Policy RT6 PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF VILLAGE FACILITIES, E.G. VILLAGE HALLS, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND RECREATIONAL CLUBS, WHERE THEY SERVE TO IMPROVE PROVISION AND SATISFY THE NEEDS OF LOCAL PEOPLE WILL BE ALLOWED. WHERE POSSIBLE, SUCH FACILITIES SHOULD BE LOCATED WITHIN SETTLEMENT POLICY BOUNDARIES. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) To improve the range of services and facilities for local people.
(ii) To concentrate facilities near to centres of existing population.
(iii) To encourage people to travel to these facilities without using private transport.
Policy Derivation
PPG13 "Transport"
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
Cheshire 2016 Structure Plan Alteration: Policy TR2
TOURIST ACCOMMODATION WITHIN THE TOWNS OF NORTHWICH AND WINSFORD AND THE VILLAGES OF ANDERTON, BARNTON, CUDDINGTON, DAVENHAM, HARTFORD, LOSTOCK GRALAM, LOWER MARSTON, LOWER WINCHAM, MOULTON, RUDHEATH AND TARPORLEY AND THE INSET VILLAGES OF FRODSHAM, HELSBY, HIGHER WINCHAM AND WEAVERHAM. Policy RT7 WITHIN THE SETTLEMENT POLICY BOUNDARIES AT NORTHWICH, WINSFORD, ANDERTON, BARNTON, CUDDINGTON, DAVENHAM, HARFORD, LOSTOCK GRALAM, LOWER MARSTON, LOWER WINCHAM, MOULTON, RUDHEATH, TARPORLEY, FRODSHAM, HESLBY, HIGHER WINCHAM AND WEAVERHAM PROPOSALS FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT OR THE CHANGE OF USE OF AN EXISTING BUILDING FOR A HOTEL, GUEST HOUSE OR OTHER VISITOR ACCOMMODATION WILL BE ALLOWED PROVIDED THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT: (i) DOES NOT REQUIRE SIGNIFICANT ALTERATION TO THE BUILDING; (ii) DOES NOT HAVE AN UNDULY DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE AMENITIES OF THE PEOPLE LIVING NEARBY; (iii) DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH THE RELEVANT POLICIES CONTAINED IN THE BUILT AND ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT CHAPTERS; (iv) FITS IN WITH THE SURROUNDINGS, WITH REGARD TO SITING, SCALE, DESIGN, MATERIALS AND LANDSCAPING; (v) SATISFIES THE HIGHWAY AUTHORITY'S REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS AND PARKING. PROPOSALS FOR NEW BUILD HOTELS AND GUEST HOUSES OUTSIDE THE POLICY BOUNDARIES OF THESE SETTLEMENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) To assist the provision of tourist accommodation to enable visitors to the area to stay longer.
(ii) To preserve the character of the individual buildings and the town or villages in which they are located.
(iii) To protect the amenity of nearby residents.
(iv) To ensure that any new development is of a good standard and design.
(v) In the interests of highway safety.
Policy Derivation
PPG21 "Tourism"
Cheshire 2016 Structure Plan Alteration: Policy TR1
TOURIST ACCOMMODATION WITHIN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE AND THE GREEN BELT Policy RT8 WITHIN ALL PARTS OF THE BOROUGH WHICH LIE WITHIN THE GREEN BELT OR OPEN COUNTRYSIDE PROPOSALS FOR NEW BUILDINGS FOR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Isolated development often detracts from the appearance of the countryside and it is expensive to provide with services.
(ii) New development should be concentrated in the town and villages of the Borough.
(iii) Much of the northern part of the Borough falls within the north Cheshire Green Belt, where development is carefully controlled.
(iv) Development such as this would not preserve the openness of the Green Belt and would conflict with purposes of including land within it.
Policy Derivation
PPG2 "Green belts"
PPG21 "Tourism"
Cheshire 2016 : Structure Plan Alteration (2001) GEN2
CHALET TYPE DEVELOPMENT Policy RT9 CHALET TYPE DEVELOPMENT WOULD AMOUNT TO INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT IN THE GREEN BELT AND WOULD ONLY BE PERMISSIBLE IN CASES WHERE OTHER MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS AMOUNTED TO VERY SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES SUFFICIENT TO OUTWEIGH THE HARM TO THE GREEN BELT AND ANY OTHER HARM ARISING FROM THE DEVELOPMENT. WITHIN ALL PARTS OF THE BOROUGH WHICH LIE WITHIN OPEN COUNTRYSIDE, PROPOSALS FOR CHALET TYPE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE ALLOWED PROVIDED THAT THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET: (i) THE PROPOSED SITE SHOULD HAVE GOOD ACCESSIBILITY VIA MAJOR ROADS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT; (ii) THE PROPOSAL IS CENTRED ON A MAJOR NATURAL RESOURCE; (iii) THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT INVOLVE THE LOSS OF THE BEST AND MOST VERSATILE AGRICULTURAL LAND; (iv) THE LAYOUT OF THE SITE SHOULD PROVIDE LARGE OPEN AREAS AND LANDSCAPING BUFFERS BETWEEN THE CHALETS AND OPEN AREAS AND ALONG THE EDGES OF THE SITE; (v) THE LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE VISUALLY UNOBSTRUCTIVE; (vi) THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SHOULD DISPLAY A HIGH STANDARD OF DESIGN; (vii) THE PROPOSAL SHOULD GIVE PRIORITY TO USING LAND IDENTIFIED FOR SUCH DEVELOPMENT IN POLICY RT19, WHERE THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE THE PROPOSAL SHOULD MAKE USE OF UNDER USED/VACANT LAND AND WHERE POSSIBLE AREAS OF DERELICT COUNTRYSIDE; (viii) A LEGAL AGREEMENT WOULD BE ENTERED INTO TO ENSURE THAT AN ECOLOGICAL SITE SURVEY IS CARRIED OUT AND THAT THE CHALETS ARE USED AS HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION ONLY, NOT AS PERMANENT RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION; (ix) PROPOSALS SHOULD INCORPORATE THE RETENTION OF EXISTING FEATURES, SUCH AS TREES, HEDGEROWS AND PONDS. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) To prevent areas of the Borough of high landscape/ecological value from inappropriate development.
(ii) To protect the rural areas of the Borough from visually intrusive development.
(iii) To protect the amenity of nearby residents.
(iv) To ensure that less pressure is placed on local services than would be the case with permanent accommodation.
(v) The provision of chalet type development would not preserve the openness of the Green Belt and would constitute inappropriate development.
Policy Derivation
PPG2 "Green Belts"
PPG9 "Nature Conservation"
PPG13 "Transport"
PPG21 "Tourism"
Cheshire 2016 Structure Plan Alteration Policy GEN2
THE USE OF FARMHOUSES FOR BED AND BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION WITHIN THE GREENBELT AND OPEN COUNTRYSIDE Policy RT10 WITHIN ALL PARTS OF THE BOROUGH WHICH LIE WITHIN THE GREEN BELT AND THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE, PROPOSALS FOR THE USE OF FARMHOUSES FOR BED AND BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION WILL BE ALLOWED PROVIDED THAT: (i) THE PROPOSAL WOULD NOT RESULT IN THE LOSS OF A DWELLING USED AS PART OF A WORKING FARM UNIT; (ii) THE FARMHOUSE IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE USE PROPOSED WITHOUT THE NEED FOR EXTENSIONS OR CHANGING THE BUILDING'S CHARACTER; (iii) PROPOSALS MUST SATISFY THE HIGHWAY AUTHORITY'S REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS AND PARKING. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) The introduction of some bed and breakfast accommodation may not require planning permission; this policy applies where it does.
(ii) To assist in the provision of a range of tourist accommodation to enable visitors to the area to stay longer, and to satisfy the demand for cheaper accommodation.
(iii) To ensure that the use of the building remains principally a farm house associated with a farm unit.
(iv) In the interest of highway safety.
(v) To preserve the character of the individual buildings, and the area in which they are located.
(vi) To support such development policies GS6 and RE12 provide for the conversion of other farm buildings to tourist accommodation.
Policy Derivation
PPG2 "Green Belts"
PPG21 "Tourism"
Cheshire 2016 Structure Plan Alteration Policy TR2 & 3
EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING FACILITIES Policy RT11 IN THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF THE BOROUGH LISTED IN POLICIES RT7 THE EXTENSION OF EXISTING HOTEL, GUEST HOUSE OR OTHER TOURIST ACCOMMODATION WILL BE ALLOWED, PROVIDED THAT THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET: (i) THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH THE RELEVANT POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT CHAPTERS; (ii) THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IS OF AN APPROPRIATE SCALE WHICH DOES NOT DOMINATE THE EXISTING BUILDING; (iii) THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT BLENDS IN WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS, IN TERMS OF SCALE, DESIGN, MATERIALS AND LANDSCAPING; (iv) CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THOSE USERS WITH MOBILITY PROBLEMS (REF POLICY T15); (v) PROPOSALS MUST SATISFY THE HIGHWAY AUTHORITY'S REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS AND PARKING. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Extensions of an appropriate scale can often ensure the future viability of such businesses.
(ii) Extensions can provide additional bedroom accommodation and attract tourists to an area.
(iii) Extensions can utilise a site to its full potential without resulting in a disproportionate increase in scale.
(iv) To ensure that extensions do not detract from a building's setting.
Policy Derivation
PPS7 "Sustainable Development in Rural Areas""
PPG21 "Tourism"
SMALL EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING HOTELS, GUEST HOUSES AND OTHER TOURIST ACCOMMODATION WITHIN THE GREEN BELT AND OPEN COUNTRYSIDE Policy RT12 WITHIN ALL PARTS OF THE BOROUGH WHICH LIE WITHIN THE GREEN BELT AND THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE, SMALL EXTENSIONS TO EXISTING HOTELS, GUEST HOUSES AND OTHER TOURIST ACCOMMODATION WILL BE ALLOWED, PROVIDED THAT THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET: (i) THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT MEETS THE CRITERIA CONTAINED WITHIN POLICY RT11; (ii) WHERE A PROPOSED EXTENSION WOULD BE TO A CONVERTED RURAL BUILDING, THE CHARACTER OF THE ORIGINAL BUILDING MUST NOT BE LOST. SUCH A PROPOSAL SHOULD ALSO BE OF AN APPROPRIATE SCALE AND NOT DOMINATE THE EXISTING BUILDING. (REF POLICY GS6); (iii) PROPOSALS MUST HAVE NO GREATER IMPACT ON THE OPEN NATURE OF THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE OF GREEN BELT THAN THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) To ensure that developments in rural areas do not detract from the building's character and the setting.
(ii) To ensure that development is of a good standard and design.
(iii) To minimise visual impact and protect the amenity of nearby residents.
(iv) To preserve the openness of the open countryside and the Green Belt.
(v) A small extension is considered to be that which would result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building.
Policy Derivation
PPG2 "Green Belts"
PPS7 "Sustainable Development in Rural Areas""
PPG21 "Tourism"
TOURING RECREATIONAL CARAVAN AND CAMPING SITES Policy RT13 TOURING RECREATIONAL CARAVAN AND CAMPING SITES MAY BE ALLOWED PROVIDED THEY SATISFY THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: (i) THEY ARE SITUATED ADJACENT OR CLOSE TO THE MAJOR ROUTES THROUGH THE BOROUGH; (ii) SITES SHOULD NOT BE VISUALLY INTRUSIVE AND MUST SATISFY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WITH REGARD TO ACCESS, LAYOUT AND LANDSCAPING (INCLUDING SCREENING). IN ADDITION ANY PERMANENT BUILDINGS REQUIRED SHOULD BE OF A SMALL SCALE AND SHOULD BLEND INTO THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE IN TERMS OF THEIR SITING, DESIGN AND THE MATERIALS USED; (iii) THE SITE SHOULD NOT DETRACT FROM THE SURROUNDING AMENITIES OF THE AREA NOR ANY NEARBY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY; (iv) THE SITE SHOULD BE CAPABLE OF BEING CONNECTED TO EXISTING SERVICES; (v) THE SITE SHOULD PROVIDE APPROPRIATE FACILITIES. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) To continue the environmental impact of recreational caravans to areas close to the major routes through the Borough, and to try to limit the numbers of cars with caravans which may travel on minor rural roads.
(ii) In the interests of highway safety and visual impact.
(iii) To protect the amenity of nearby residents.
(iv) To ensure that such developments do not lead to the need for extra public services.
(v) Additional to obtaining a planning permission any new caravan sites must be licensed under Part 1 of the Caravan Sites and development Act 1960.
(vi) Appropriate facilities can be defined as a utility block (toilets, showers and drinking water supply).
Policy Derivation
PPG21 "Tourism"
Cheshire 2016: Structure Plan Alteration Policy TR3
STATIC RECREATIONAL CARAVAN SITES Policy RT14 PROPOSALS FOR NEW SITES OR THE EXTENSION OF EXISTING SITES OR THE INCREASE IN DENSITY FOR STATIC RECREATIONAL CARAVANS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. THE EXTENSION OF PERIODS OF OCCUPATION WILL BE ALLOWED PROVIDED THAT THE SITES REMAIN UNOCCUPIED FOR THE PERIOD 2 JANUARY TO 28 FEBRUARY EACH YEAR AND THAT THE EXTENDED OCCUPATION RESULTS IN NO UNACCEPTABLE INCREASE IN NUISANCE TO NEARBY RESIDENTS. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) A considerable number of static recreational caravan sites already exist within the Borough; it is not considered necessary to develop further sites or to extend the period of occupation of current sites.
(ii) To restrict further intensification of use of existing sites.
(iii) To protect the amenity of nearby residents.
(iv) Proposals for static caravan sites will be considered as the creation of permanent residences.
Policy Derivation
PPG21 "Tourism"
GOLF COURSES Policy RT15 PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND FOR GOLF COURSES, WILL BE ALLOWED, PROVIDED THAT THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET: (i) ANY ADDITIONAL BUILT DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE ESSENTIAL FOR THE OPERATION OF THE COURSE. THIS MAY INCLUDE A CLUBHOUSE AND THE MAINTENANCE BUILDING (WHICH SHOULD BE CAREFULLY DESIGNED REGARDING SCALE, DESIGN AND MATERIALS USED). PROPOSALS FOR OTHER BUILDINGS, IN OPEN COUNTRYSIDE AND GREEN BELT WHICH ARE NOT ESSENTIAL TO THE OPERATION OF THE GOLF COURSE, SUCH AS HOTELS, CONFERENCE CENTRES, SORTS HALLS, RESTAURANTS AND RESIDENTIAL HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION WILL NOT BE ALLOWED; (ii) PROPOSED BUILDINGS AND CAR PARKING SHALL BE PROVIDED IN AREAS WELL SCREENED FROM THE ADJACENT COUNTRYSIDE BY EXISTING OR PROPOSED LANDSCAPING. CAR PARKING AREAS SHOULD ALSO BE APPROPRIATELY SURFACED, USING FOR EXAMPLE GRASSCRETE; (iii) THE PROPOSED SITE SHOULD HAVE GOOD ACCESSIBILITY VIA MAJOR ROADS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT; (iv) WHERE PUBLIC FOOTPATHS ARE PRESENT, THEY SHOULD BE RETAINED AND INCORPORATED WITHIN THE LAYOUT OF THE GOLF COURSE (THIS MAY INVOLVE DIVERSION OF FOOTPATHS BUT NOT FOR CLOSURE): (v) A LANDSCAPE AND NATURE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN, SETTING OUT DETAILED PROPOSALS FOR LAND MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE APPROVED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL. THIS SHOULD INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF AREAS OF 'ROUGH' TO PROVIDE WILDLIFE OPPORTUNITIES AND REDUCE THE NEED FOR GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT WHEREVER POSSIBLE; (vi) PROPOSALS SHOULD INCORPORATE, THE RETENTION OF EXISTING FEATURES SUCH AS ISOLATED TREES, SMALL GROUPS OF TREES, HEDGEROWS, PONDS AND SEMI-NATURAL OR WILDLIFE RICH HABITATS. NEW NATIVE WOODLAND PLANTING SHOULD FORM APPROXIMATELY 15% OF THE COURSE AREA, AS PART OF THE MERSEY COMMUNITY FOREST PLAN PROGRAMME, WHERE RELEVANT; (vii) WITHIN THE AREAS LISTED IN POLICIES NE2, NE3 AND NE11, SUCH DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED WHERE THERE WOULD BE A DAMAGING EFFECT ON WILDLIFE HABITATS OR IMPORTANT PHYSICAL FEATURES OR THE OVERALL CHARACTER OF THE LANDSCAPE; (viii) DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SYMPATHETIC TO THE HISTORIC LANDSCAPE CHARACTER AND FEATURES OF THE AREA (REFERENCE POLICY BE15); (ix) WHERE PRESENT, ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES SHOULD BE PRESERVED. WHERE THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, APPROVAL WILL ONLY BE GIVEN WHERE PROVISION IS MADE FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION AND RECORDING, THE FUNDING OF WHICH WOULD BE MET BY THE DEVELOPER; REFERENCE SHOULD ALSO BE MADE TO POLICIES BE13 AND BE14; (x) PROPOSALS WILL BE ENCOURAGED IN AREAS OF DERELICT COUNTRYSIDE AND DERELICT/DESPOILED LAND WHICH WOULD RESULT IN A SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE LANDSCAPE. HOWEVER PROPOSALS SHOULD NOT COMPROMISE THE NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE OF A DERELICT SITE. (xi) PROPOSALS SHOULD INCORPORATE THE RETENTION OF EXISTING WATERCOURSES AND SHOULD HAVE NO ADVERSE IMPACT ON GROUNDWATER SUPPLIES THROUGH THE EFFECTS OF PROVIDING ADDITIONAL WATER FEATURES (REF. POLICY P5). |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Substantial earth movement; the creation of water features; the importation of materials such as hardcore or the loss of topsoil on high quality agricultural land could prevent it reverting back to agriculture if required, due to the potential damage to soil quality.
(ii) The scale of development of a golf course can have a significant impact on the landscape character, whilst built development can introduce an 'urban feel' into the countryside.
(iii) Proper management of a golf course will ensure the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitats.
(iv) Public access to the countryside can be improved by golf development.
(v) To protect areas of the Borough of high landscape/ecological value from inappropriate development.
(vi) To ensure that the openness of the Green Belt is preserved and that any development that takes place within it does not conflict with the purpose of including land within it.
(vii) Areas of derelict/despoiled land are often of great nature conservation value; it is important therefore that any proposals reflect this by providing for the retention/incorporation of features of importance within the golf course layout.
(viii) To avoid risk to the quantity/quality and availability of groundwater resources due to the effects of additional water features.
Policy Derivation
PPG2 " "Green Belts"
PPG9 "Nature Conservation"
PPG13 "Transportation"
PPG16 "Archaeology and Planning "
PPGG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
Cheshire 2016: Structure Plan Alteration Policy TR4
"Golf Course Proposals in Historic Landscapes" English Heritage 1991
"Golf Course in the Countryside" Countryside Commission 1993
"On Course Conservation" Nature Conservancy Council 1990
Environment Agency Guidance Notes for Development Plans.
DRIVING RANGES Policy RT16 PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND FOR GOLF DRIVING RANGES WILL BE ALLOWED, PROVIDING THAT THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET: (i) THE PROPOSAL DOES NOT CONFLICT WITH POLICY RT15; (ii) DEVELOPMENTS INVOLVING VISUAL OBTRUSIVE FENCING, IN RURAL AREAS, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED; (iii) DUE TO THE VISUALLY INTRUSIVE NATURE OF FLOODLIGHTING, DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN WHICH IT IS INCLUDED IN RURAL AREAS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED; (iv) PROPOSALS FOR NEW BUILT DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE ESSENTIAL FOR THE OPERATION OF THE DRIVING RANGE AND BE OF A SMALL SCALE. ANY PROPOSALS WHICH INCLUDE SIGNIFICANT BUILT DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED; (v) PROPOSALS WITHIN THE GREEN BELT MUST PRESERVE ITS OPEN CHARACTER; (vi) PARTICULAR ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO LANDSCAPE AND NATURE CONSERVATION ISSUES, SPECIALLY IN RELATION TO CLAUSE (v) OF POLICY RT15. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) To protect the rural areas of the Borough from visually intrusive development.
(ii) To protect areas of the Borough of high landscape/ecological value from inappropriate development.
(iii) To preserve the openness of the Green Belt.
(iv) To protect the amenity of nearby residents.
Policy Derivation
PPG2 "Green Belts"
PPG9 "Nature Conservation"
PPG13 "Transport"
PPG16 "Archaeology and Planning"
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
Cheshire 2016: Structure Plan Alteration Policy TR4
"Golf Course Proposals in Historic Landscapes" English Heritage 1991
"Golf Courses in the Countryside" Countryside Commission 1993
"On Course Conservation" Nature Conservancy Council 1990
NOISY SPORTS Policy RT17 PROPOSALS FOR THE PERMANENT USE OF LAND FOR NOISY SPORTS WILL BE ALLOWED PROVIDED THAT THEY SATISFY THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: (i) PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WILL BE ASSESSED IN RESPECT OF ITS NOISE IMPACT ON NOISE SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT OR AREAS VALUED FOR THEIR TRANQUILLITY. ACCOUNT WILL BE TAKEN OF ALL APPLICABLE STATUTORY STANDARDS, BRITISH STANDARDS, AND RULES OF GOVERNING BODIES AND OTHER APPROPRIATE GUIDES, WITH REFERENCE TO THE COUNCIL'S ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION; (ii) THAT THE PROPOSAL INCORPORATES A SCHEME INDICATING NOISE MITIGATION MEASURES TO BE INCORPORATED AT THE SITE. THIS SCHEME WILL BE REVIEWED AT INTERVALS TO ALLOW A PROGRESSIVE IMPROVEMENT OF THE NOISE ENVIRONMENT AS CHANGES IN TECHNOLOGY AND REGULATION TAKE PLACE. CONDITIONS WILL ALSO BE IMPOSED LIMITING THE HOURS AND/OR DAYS OF USE WHERE APPROPRIATE; (iii) IN THE CASE OF GUN SPORTS, THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT RESULT IN EXCESSIVE NOISE LEVELS AT THE BOUNDARIES OF NOISE SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT; (iv) WITHIN THE AREAS LISTED IN POLICIES NE2, NE3, NE11 AND WOODLAND AREAS OF NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE, SUCH DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED WHERE THERE WOULD BE A DAMAGING EFFECT ON WILDLIFE HABITATS OR IMPORTANT PHYSICAL FEATURES; (v) THAT THE PROPOSAL INCORPORATES A PLAN TO SHOW HOW THE SITE WILL BE MANAGED, TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF ACTIVITY ON AREAS OF WILDLIFE IMPORTANCE AND TO ENSURE ADEQUATE WOODLAND/COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT; (vi) THE PROPOSAL SHOULD NOT DISRUPT OR LEAD TO THE LOSS OF PUBLIC ACCESS SUCH AS FOOTPATHS, BRIDLEWAYS AND CYCLE ROUTES OR PLACE THEIR USERS IN ANY DANGER; (vii) THE PROPOSAL SHOULD NOT CAUSE UNACCEPTABLE TRAFFIC CONGESTION, OR GENERATE TRAFFIC FLOWS WHICH WOULD BE HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS HEAVY TRAFFIC FLOWS ON A MINOR ROAD THROUGH A VILLAGE OR RURAL AREA. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Provision of a management plan can help to identify areas of wildlife importance and ensure that they are protected from damage.
(ii) To protect the environmental character of the area.
(iii) To protect the amenity of nearby residents.
(iv) In the interests of highway safety.
(v) Woodland of nature conservation value includes SSSIs, ancient semi-natural woodlands (the Borough Council and English Nature hold inventories of these), ASCVs and areas identified by the Borough Council for their importance to wildlife in a local context.
Policy Derivation
PPG2 "Green Belts"
PPG9 "Nature Conservation"
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
PPG24 "Planning and Noise"
Cheshire 2016: Structure Plan Alteration Policy TR2
MOTOR SPORTS Policy RT18 PROPOSALS FOR THE PERMANENT USE OF LAND FOR MOTOR SPORTS WILL BE ALLOWED PROVIDED THAT THEY SATISFY THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA; (i) WITHIN THE AREAS LISTED IN POLICIES NE2, NE3, NE11 AND WOODLAND AREAS OF NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE SUCH DEVELOPMENT WILL NOT BE ALLOWED WHERE THERE WOULD BE DAMAGING EFFECTS ON WILDLIFE HABITATS OR IMPORTANT SPECIAL FEATURES; (ii) THE SITE SHOULD BE WELL SCREENED FROM ADJACENT COUNTRYSIDE BY EXISTING OR PROPOSED LANDSCAPING; (iii) THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SHOULD NOT BE WITHIN 400M OF A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF DWELLINGS, NOISE SENSITIVE DEVELOPMENT OR AREAS VALUED FOR THEIR TRANQUILLITY; (iv) PROPOSALS FOR BUILT DEVELOPMENT (SUCH AS CHANGING ROOM AND TOILETS) AND CAR PARKING AREAS SHOULD BE OF A SMALL SCALE; INVOLVE MINIMAL TREE LOSS AND BE SYMPATHETIC, IN TERMS OF DESIGN AND MATERIALS USED, TO THE SURROUNDING AREA; (v) PROPOSALS WITHIN THE GREEN BELT MUST PRESERVE ITS OPEN CHARACTER; (vi) PROPOSALS SHOULD NOT DISRUPT OR LEAD TO THE LOSS OF PUBLIC ACCESS, SUCH AS FOOTPATHS, BRIDLEWAYS AND CYCLE ROUTES; (vii) WHERE THE ACTIVITY IS LIKELY TO GENERATE HIGH NOISE LEVELS, CONDITIONS WOULD BE ATTACHED TO A PLANNING APPLICATION, LIMITING HOURS OF USE AND CONTROLLING NOISE EMISSIONS DURING UNSOCIABLE HOURS; (viii) THE DEVELOPMENT SHOULD NOT CAUSE UNACCEPTABLE TRAFFIC CONGESTION OR GENERATE TRAFFIC FLOWS WHICH WOULD BE HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT, SUCH AS HEAVY TRAFFIC FLOWS ON A MINOR ROAD THROUGH A VILLAGE OR RURAL AREA; (ix) THE DEVELOPMENT SATISFIES THE HIGHWAY AUTHORITY'S ACCESS AND PARKING REQUIREMENTS; (x) THAT THE PROPOSAL INCORPORATES A PLAN TO SHOW HOW THE SITE WILL BE MANAGED TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF ACTIVITY ON AREAS OF WILDLIFE IMPORTANCE AND TO ENSURE ADEQUATE WOODLAND/COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Motor sports can cause damage and disturbance to the countryside.
(ii) To protect the environmental character of the area.
(iii) To protect the amenity of nearby residents and to preserve the character of noise sensitive areas.
(iv) To protect areas of the Borough of high landscape/ecological value from inappropriate development.
(v) To preserve the openness of the Green Belt.
(vi) Woodland of nature conservation value includes SSSIs, ancient semi-natural woodlands (the Borough Council and English Nature hold inventories of these); ASCVs, areas identified by the Borough Council for their importance to wildlife in a local context.
Policy Derivation
PPG9 "Nature Conservation"
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
PPG24 "Planning and Noise"
Cheshire 2016: Structure Plan Alteration: TR2
TOURIST/RECREATION RELATED FACILITIES Policy RT19 THE FOLLOWING SITES ARE IDENTIFIED FOR TOURIST/RECREATION RELATED FACILITIES AND ARE SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP RT19.1 THE LION SALT WORKS, MARSTON (1.94HA) RT19.2 FOURWAYS' QUARRY, OAKMERE (92.20HA) RT19.3 NUNSMERE, SANDIWAY (28.25HA) RT19.4 BRITISH WATERWAYS SITE, NORTHWICH (1.26HA) RT19.5 MARINA DEVELOPMENT SITE, NORTHWICH (1.98 ha) ANY PROPOSALS FOR THESE SITES MUST: (i) NOT CONFLICT WITH THE RELEVANT POLICIES CONTAINED IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT CHAPTER AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT CHAPTER; (ii) SATISFY THE HIGHWAY AUTHORITY'S REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS AND PARKING. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) To assist in the reopening of the Lion Salt Works as an important visitor attraction.
(ii) To ensure that any development is of a good standard and design.
(iii) In the interests of highway safety.
(iv) Public access to the river banks in Northwich and Winsford is an essential element of the River Weaver Valley Initiative and, in Northwich also, the Northwich Environmental Strategy.
(v) Fourways' Quarry is identified for non-engine powered water sports (sailing, sailboarding, canoeing and fishing) and strictly ancillary development (water sports club with changing facilities and a fishing club) and timber chalets (the number and location to be agreed with the Borough Council) to be used only in conjunction with the recreational uses, not as permanent dwellings. Any proposal should be accompanied by an Ecological Management Plan for the site.
(vi) Nunsmere, Sandiway, is identified for water skiing use, along with the development of timber chalets (the number and location to be agreed with the Borough Council) to be used only in conjunction with the recreation uses, not as permanent dwellings. Any proposal should be accompanied by an Ecological Management Plan for the site.
Policy Derivation
PPG9 "Nature Conservation"
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
PPG21 "Tourism"
Cheshire 2016 Structure Plan Alteration Policy TR1 and Policy TR2
MOORING FACILITIES Policy RT20 MOORING FACILITIES WILL BE PERMITTED AS FOLLOWS: (i) PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHESHIRE CANALS TO EXPLOIT THEIR RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL FOR BOATING, CRUISING, WALKING, CYCLING OR ANGLING WILL BE ALLOWED IN AREAS WHERE CANALS ARE UNDERUSED AND NOT ALLOWED WHERE THEY ARE OVERUSED; (ii) FURTHER LINEAR MOORINGS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. (EXCEPTIONS MAY BE MADE WHERE THE PROPOSALS ARE FOR THE EXTENSION OF LINEAR OR LAYBY MOORING FACILITIES AT EXISTING LOCATIONS WHERE PRESSURE FROM BOAT NUMBERS IS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED AND THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD NOT RESULT IN THE OBSTRUCTION OF THE WATERWAY FOR OTHER USERS). INSTEAD MOORINGS WILL BE ALLOWED ONLY AT SEPARATE MOORINGS BASINS FOR 50-100 BOATS AND EXCEPTIONALLY FOR UP TO 200 BOATS, OR ALTERNATIVELY AT SMALL SCALE TRANSIT MOORING FACILITIES FOR UP TO APPROXIMATELY 50 BOATS; (iii) MAJOR BOATING CENTRES FOR ACCOMMODATING 200-250 BOATS MUST BE SPACED AT INTERVALS OF ABOUT ONE DAY'S CRUISING; (iv) PROPOSALS FOR THE SMALL SCALE EXPANSION OF EXISTING MARINAS WILL BE ALLOWED; (v) PROPOSALS FOR MOORING FACILITIES IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE/GREEN BELT WHICH INCLUDE BUILT DEVELOPMENT WHICH IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE NECESSARY (SUCH AS A HOTEL, RESTAURANT ETC) WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. PROPOSALS MUST SATISFY THE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATION/TOURIST DEVELOPMENT SET OUT IN POLICY RT1 |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) The provision of mooring facilities alongside the canal should be encouraged, whilst avoiding boat traffic congestion and the uneconomic duplication of facilities.
(ii) Linear moorings can restrict the use of the canal for other activities. Mooring basins and transit facilities provide limited facilities for mooring without causing obstruction to the use of the canal.
(iii) Boating centres provide a wide range of facilities and services. These should be located sensibly in relation to each other and the need s of the travelling public on the canals.
(iv) Alternative uses of the canal towpaths for recreation, such as walking and cycling, will ensure that the canal routes continue to be used.
(v) The waterways in Vale Royal have a wide variety of mooring facilities available, however demand may result in pressure for the expansion of existing facilities and the creation of new ones. This policy aims to accommodate such demand, whilst not compromising the quality and attractiveness of the areas through which these waterways pass.
Policy Derivation
PPG2 "Green Belts"
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
Cheshire 2016: Structure Plan Alteration Policies TR7 and TR2
THE WEAVER AND DANE VALLEYS Policy RT21 REFER TO POLICIES NE13 AND NE14 IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT CHAPTER ALL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR LAND ADJACENT TO THE RIVERS WEAVER AND DANE SHOULD INCORPORATE THE FOLLOWING POINTS: (i) SAFEGUARD EXISTING ACCESS ROUTES TO THE RIVERSIDE AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, ESTABLISH ADDITIONAL ACCESS POINTS; (ii) PROVIDED FOR PUBLIC ACCESS ALONG THE WHOLE LENGTH OF BOTH BANKS OF THE RIVERS WEAVER AND DANE IN NORTHWICH. PROPOSALS WHICH ARE PREJUDICIAL TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE ABOVE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Improved access to the river valleys is important if they are to be used as a recreational facility for both water and non-water based activities.
(ii) Public access to the riverbanks in Northwich is an essential ingredient of the Northwich Environment Strategy.
(iii) Improving public access to the River Weaver is a key element of the Weaver River Valley Initiative.
Policy Derivation
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
Cheshire 2016 Structure Plan Alteration TR1 and TR2
THE WINSFORD FLASHES Policy RT22 THE BOROUGH COUNCIL WILL RESIST ANY DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS AROUND THE WINSFORD FLASHES WHICH CONFLICT WITH THEIR USE AS A RECREATIONAL AND AMENITY RESOURCE, ESPECIALLY IN TERMS OF PUBLIC ACCESS. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) The Bottom Flash is a valuable recreation and amenity resource in the heart of Winsford, and continued efforts will be made to retain and enhance this feature as a recreational facility by improving access to it.
(ii) The recreational potential of the Flash is further enhanced through its connection to the River Weaver and the national canal network via a restored Anderton Lift.
Policy Derivation
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
Cheshire 2016: Structure Plan Alteration Policy TR1 and TR2
THE WHITEGATE WAY Policy RT23 ANY DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR LAND BETWEEN HIGH STREET AND ROEHURST LANE, WINSFORD, SHOULD MAKE PROVISION FOR AN EXTENSION TO THE WHITEGATE WAY, INCLUDING A LANDSCAPE SCHEME, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH BRADFORD ROAD SOUTHWARDS TO THE HIGH STREET, WINSFORD AS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Such a proposal could make beneficial use of an area of derelict land, improve the environment and make a countryside recreation facility more accessible to the local population, specifically those on foot, bicycle and on horse.
Policy Derivation
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
DELAMERE FOREST Policy RT24 FURTHER LOW INTENSITY RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WILL BE ALLOWED WITHIN DELAMERE FOREST, IN AN AREA IDENTIFIED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, IF IT IS CLEAR THAT IT WOULD NOT RESULT IN UNACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF CONGESTION ON ROADS AND WOULD NOT RESULT IN A DETERIORATION OF THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) To protect the environment. This area already experiences considerable pressures from existing recreational uses. Development of any additional uses may result in long-term damage to the environment.
(ii) In the interests of highway safety.
(iii) Low intensity recreation includes walking, cycling and horse riding.
Policy Derivation
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
Cheshire 2016: Structure Plan Alteration - Policy TR2
THE AFTER-USE OF WET MINERAL WORKINGS FOR WATER SPORTS
REFER TO POLICIES MW1 TO MW4 IN THE AFTER USE OF MINERAL WORKINGS AND WASTE DISPOSAL (LANDFILL) SITES CHAPTER.
OULTON PARK MOTOR RACING VENUE Policy RT25 PROPOSALS FOR NEW MOTOR SPORTS RELATED DEVELOPMENT WITHIN OULTON PARK RACING VENUE, AS DEFINED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP, WILL BE ALLOWED PROVIDED THAT THEY SATISFY THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: (i) NEW BUILT DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE ANCILLARY TO THE USE OF THE SITE FOR MOTOR RACING PURPOSES; (ii) NEW BUILT DEVELOPMENT SHOULD BE SITED EITHER IN ASSOCIATION WITH EXISTING BUILDINGS ON THE SITE OR IN LOCATIONS WHERE ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT WOULD BE REDUCED. DEVELOPMENT SHOULD NOT DETRACT FROM THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE LOCALITY; (iii) SO FAR AS IS POSSIBLE, PROPOSALS SHOULD RETAIN EXISTING TREES ON THE SITE. WHERE BUILT DEVELOPMENT WOULD INVOLVE THE LOSS OF EXISTING TREES OR WOULD BE VISIBLE FROM OUTSIDE THE SITE, PROPOSALS SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY A SUITABLE LANDSCAPING SCHEME; (iv) WHERE PROPOSALS ARE LIKELY TO LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OR DURATION OF NOISE, CONDITIONS WOULD BE ATTACHED TO A PLANNING PERMISSION, LIMITING HOURS OF USE AND CONTROLLING NOISE EMISSIONS; (v) PROPOSALS SHOULD NOT RESULT IN AN UNACCEPTABLE INCREASE IN LEVELS OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION, ANY PROPOSAL RESULTING IN INCREASED TRAFFIC FLOW SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY DETAILS OF THE EFFECTS ON THE HIGHWAY NETWORK, POINTS OF ACCESS AND AVAILABILITY OF ON-SITE PARKING. A TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT MAY BE REQUIRED. |
Reasons and Explanations
(i) Oulton Park Motor racing Circuit is an important nation leisure and tourist attraction which has existed for over 50 years. It is unique to the area, and is the only RACMSA licensed motor racing facility in the County. It is important that the site is reserved for motor racing related uses, and that any new built development in the open countryside is necessary to the efficient operation of the racetrack.
(ii) To protect the environmental character of the area.
(iii) To protect the amenities of nearby residents, in particular the village of Little Budworth.
Policy Derivation
PPG9 "Nature Conservation"
PPG17 "Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation"
PPG24 "Planning and Noise"
Adopted Vale Royal Borough Local Plan First Review Alteration June 2006
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