1 The Local Development Scheme

1.1 The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out Cheshire West and Chester's programme for the preparation of the Local Plan. The scheme comes into effect on 22 May 2025. 

1.2 This LDS contains: 

  • A summary of changes made since the last LDS
  • A brief description of the local development documents the Council will prepare over the next three years
  • A preparation timetable Information on how the Council will monitor progress against the timetable

Background

1.3 The Council’s last LDS was published in December 2017 and covered the period to December 2019. This LDS covers the period from Spring 2025 to Spring/ Summer 2027. 

1.4 In summary, the key changes from the last LDS are: 

  • The addition of a new Local Plan as a Development Plan Document that the Council will prepare over the next three years.
  • The removal of the 'Traveller Development Plan Document' as a Local Plan document that the Council will prepare over the next three years.
  • The removal of the 'Local Plan (Part Two) Land Allocations and Detailed Policies' as a Local Plan document that the Council will prepare over the next two years, as it was adopted in July 2019 

1.5 In January 2025 the Council resolved to prepare a new local plan for the borough. Although the local plan will be prepared by and for Cheshire West and Chester Council, and the coverage will be borough-wide, preparation will be based on effective cooperation with neighbouring authorities, and public, voluntary and private sector organisations. 

1.6 For more information about the Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan please contact the Planning Policy team: 

1.7 Or see the Local Plan web pages on the Council website at: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/localplan