2 Policy context

National Planning Policy Framework 

2.1 Cheshire West and Chester will have regard to national policy as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in the preparation of planning policies. 

2.2 NPPF requires that Local Plans should be shaped by early, proportionate and effective engagement between plan-makers and communities, local organisations, businesses, infrastructure providers and operators and statutory consultees. Policies should be clear and unambiguous to guide decision makers on planning applications. Plans should be accessible through the use of digital tools to assist public involvement and policy presentationNPPF, paragraph 16.

Local Development Scheme 

2.3 The Council’s Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out the Council’s timetable for the preparation of local development documents. This allows local communities, stakeholders or interested parties to find out which planning policy documents are being prepared and a timetable for preparation. This outlines the stages of preparation and an indication of when the community can get involved. Development Plans 

2.4 The Cheshire West and Chester development plan is made up of the strategic and non-strategic policies which are in force at a particular time. This currently includes the adopted Local Plan (Part One) Strategic Policies (29 January 2015); the Local Plan (Part Two) Land Allocations and Detailed Policies (18 July 2019) and Neighbourhood Plans that cover specific parts of the borough. 

2.5 Supplementary planning documents (SPDs) or development briefs may be prepared to support the delivery of the Local Plan and provide more detailed advice and guidance on site allocations and development management policies. SPDs are subject to the 2012 Regulations in terms of their preparation and requirements for consultation. 

Neighbourhood Planning 

2.6 Neighbourhood planning allows local communities to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan containing planning policies for their area. When completed Neighbourhood plans, alongside the Local Plan, form part of the development plan for the borough.

2.7 A "qualifying body" (which may be a parish or town council, or if no parish council is in place, a neighbourhood forum) may choose to prepare a neighbourhood plan for their areaLocalism Act 2011, Schedule 9. This qualifying body is responsible for the majority of the community consultation involved with the preparation of the neighbourhood plan, but there are specific stages at which the Council will notify and consult interested parties. Chapter 7 Neighbourhood Planning has more information on these stages for Neighbourhood Plans.

Annual Monitoring Reports 

2.8 The Annual monitoring report (AMR) sets out whether the Council is meeting the key targets of the adopted Local Plan and provides information on whether the adopted policies are being effectively implemented. The AMR provides supporting evidence on the key social, environmental and economic issues that might affect future development in the borough. It is also used to inform the preparation of future planning policies alongside the SA/SEA and or other technical evidence reports as part of the survey stage of plan-making.Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, s13

Community Infrastructure Levy 

2.9 The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge which local authorities can apply on new development in their area. It helps the Council to deliver the infrastructure needed to support development in parts of the borough. 

2.10 The levy only applies in areas where the Council has consulted on, and approved, a charging schedule which sets out its levy rates and has published the schedule on its website. CIL is prepared and consulted on in accordance with the relevant planning regulations. Further information on the Cheshire West and Chester CIL can be found at: Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Council Plan 2020-24 

2.11 Cheshire West and Chester Council, will continue to deliver value for money by engaging with local people and stakeholders, prioritising our resources and through more innovative ways of working. The Council continues to improve the customer experience, the way that we engage with local people, embracing technology to improve efficiency. Effective community and stakeholder involvement is important to produce a relevant and effective Local Plan and to meet our statutory requirements. 

2.12 In preparing the local plan, we will consider the links with other relevant national and local strategies such as the National Waste Strategy, the Council's Local Transport Plan, the Health and well-being strategy/Place Plan 2019-2024, Climate Emergency Plan and other environmental, housing, economic, health and transport strategies. To realise our planning policies, we will consider other initiatives which have included community participation and work with relevant agencies to address issues comprehensively. 

Appraisals and Assessments 

Sustainability appraisal and strategic environmental assessment 

2.13 The Local Plan is informed and accompanied by a Sustainability Appraisal (SA), incorporating the requirements of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of plans and programmes. This considers the likely significant effects of the Local Plan on environmental, economic and social factors. The SA/SEA will be prepared in line with the modified requirements set out in the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes (Amendment) Regulations 2020 and any further changes set out in legislation and accompanies the main stages of Local Plan preparation. The SA/SEA is an important feature of the development plan system which seeks to ensure that policies and proposals reflect sustainable development principles. There are statutory consultees under the SEA regulations, who will be consulted during the SA/SEA as required during the plan making process. Neighbourhood Plans Supplementary Planning Documents will be screened and may require SA/SEA if there likely significant effects identified. 

Habitat regulations assessment 

2.14 The local plan may also require a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) if it is considered likely to have likely significant effects on european designated sites protected by the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. The HRA includes an assessment of the impact of the plan in combination with other plans and programmes on European sites, both within the borough and in neighbouring areas. There are statutory consultees under the Habitats Regulations, who will be consulted on the HRA and plan making process as required under the legislation. Neighbourhood Plans and Supplementary Planning Documents will be screened and may require HRA if there likely significant effects identified.