Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 6453

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Bellway Homes Limited (Manchester)

Agent: Lichfields

Bellway supports reviewing and updating housing mix policies to reflect current and future housing needs but cautions against overly prescriptive requirements. They consider market housing mix should respond to local demand and be informed by robust evidence, local needs and the characteristics of different development types and locations. Bellway argues that rigid housing mix requirements could restrict market responsiveness and become inflexible as circumstances change over the Plan period. They also consider that any site-specific housing requirements should not constrain development viability or delivery. Bellway would welcome engagement with the Council in developing requirements for any of their land interests allocated for future residential development.

Comment

Representation ID: 6454

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Bellway Homes Limited (Manchester)

Agent: Lichfields

Bellway recognises the importance of protecting Jodrell Bank World Heritage Site but considers the existing consultation buffer zone is extensive and should be reviewed. They argue it should not unnecessarily prevent suitable housing development and that its continued extent should be reconsidered in light of uncertainty regarding telescope funding after 2028. Bellway recommends developing specifications for new homes that could mitigate potential impacts within the buffer zone, reducing constraints on development. They highlight that some settlements are entirely covered by the consultation zone, potentially limiting their ability to meet local housing needs. Bellway considers this may encourage less sustainable development patterns and increased reliance on private cars.

Comment

Representation ID: 6455

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Bellway Homes Limited (Manchester)

Agent: Lichfields

Bellway promotes four sites at Alsager, Holmes Chapel and Goostrey for approximately 415 homes, arguing they could help address housing undersupply and provide market and affordable housing. They consider suitable open countryside and Green Belt sites will be needed alongside other sources of supply. Bellway argues the sites are sustainable, deliverable and well related to existing settlements, services, infrastructure and, particularly at Holmes Chapel and Goostrey, railway stations. They identify no significant constraints preventing early delivery and consider national policy supports their development. For sites within the Jodrell Bank buffer zone, Bellway considers impacts can be addressed through appropriate mitigation and should not prevent allocation.

Comment

Representation ID: 6456

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Bellway Homes Limited (Manchester)

Agent: Lichfields

Bellway requests that the Council considers its representations when preparing the new Local Plan, taking account of the latest national planning policy. They advocate a realistic and proactive response to increased local housing need through the allocation of a range of residential sites. Bellway considers its promoted sites would provide logical and sustainable extensions to existing settlements and could collectively deliver around 400 market and affordable homes, contributing to housing needs in the short term. They seek allocation of these land interests for residential development and welcome further engagement with the Council’s planning policy officers to discuss their representations, promoted sites and potential allocations.