Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 4470

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: British Salt Limited

Agent: Axis

British Salt Limited (wholly owned by Tata Chemicals Europe Limited) own and operate the Hill Top Farm (Warmingham) Brinefield at Warmingham, Near Sandbach, and the Salt Processing Facility at Cledford Lane, Middlewich, from where brine extracted using controlled solution mining, is transferred by underground pipe for evaporation and purification prior to use in the industrial, manufacturing and food sectors. Please see attached representations with regard to the Scope of the New Local Plan relevant to British Salt Limited

Comment

Representation ID: 5340

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: British Salt Limited

Agent: Axis

The new Local Plan should reflect the August 2026 NPPF, including revised preparation and review timescales, transitional arrangements, a minimum 10-year plan period and the requirement to identify “appropriate sites” for development. It is requested that the Plan recognises the February 2026 devolution arrangements for Cheshire and Warrington, including the Combined Authority and future Mayor, and explains any implications for the preparation, adoption and implementation of the Local Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 5344

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: British Salt Limited

Agent: Axis

The Local Plan’s vision, aims and objectives should support the transition to net zero by 2050 and climate resilience, including necessary infrastructure and green infrastructure. The Plan should ensure a sufficient and sustainable supply of minerals, recognising their finite nature and locational constraints, and support sustainable uses for cavities created through mineral extraction. For industrial minerals, evidence on site capacity and demand should determine the required level of supply, with appropriate sites or preferred areas identified to meet future industrial and manufacturing needs.

Comment

Representation ID: 5345

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: British Salt Limited

Agent: Axis

We concur with the recognition that the local plan should make provision for mineral and associated infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth, through the identification of sufficient land to meet the identified need. This should also include associated development that may fall under separate use class (e.g. renewable and low carbon infrastructure that due to its nature and type may be most appropriately located within mineral or industrial sites).

Comment

Representation ID: 5346

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: British Salt Limited

Agent: Axis

Identifying a range of sites to meet objectively assessed needs is supported, and it is recognised that minerals can only be worked where they occur. Previously submitted mineral sites, including those promoted by British Salt Limited and Tata Chemicals Europe Limited, should be reviewed and assessed. The new minerals and land availability assessment methodology should reflect national guidance and involve direct engagement with site promoters to ensure sites are suitable, available and deliverable. Continued engagement is welcomed as the Council develops its initial site assessments and future mineral allocation options.

Comment

Representation ID: 5347

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: British Salt Limited

Agent: Axis

The approach to Settlement Hierarchy should follow that within the newly published NPPF, with recognition to the new Chapter 4 on achieving sustainable development and the presumption in favour of it.

Comment

Representation ID: 5348

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: British Salt Limited

Agent: Axis

The approach identified should seek to mirror the approach identified at Chapter 4 of the new NPPF.

Comment

Representation ID: 5349

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: British Salt Limited

Agent: Axis

Allocating sites to deliver the Local Plan’s economic vision and providing greater certainty for business investment is supported. The Plan should also recognise the needs of existing industrial and commercial employers to expand, develop and diversify to maintain economic growth. Policies should facilitate sustainable business expansion and adaptation and should not impose unreasonable restrictions on opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Comment

Representation ID: 5350

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: British Salt Limited

Agent: Axis

The proposed minerals strategy is broadly supported, particularly recognition of salt as a nationally important resource requiring a sufficient long-term supply. Policies enabling flexible future uses of former salt caverns, including hydrogen, carbon and compressed-air storage, to support economic growth, self-sufficiency and net-zero objectives are supported. Mineral Safeguarding Areas and the continued identification and allocation of mineral sites is also supported. British Salt Limited welcomes collaborative working with the Council to ensure mineral supply and future development opportunities can be delivered effectively and in a timely manner.

Comment

Representation ID: 5351

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: British Salt Limited

Agent: Axis

climate change adaptation and the transition to net zero should be central to the Local Plan’s aims and objectives. The Warmingham Brinefield is considered as providing opportunities for strategic-scale, long-term energy storage and low-carbon technologies that could contribute to meeting national climate commitments. The Local Plan should recognise this potential and include supportive policies that facilitate the development of appropriate energy storage and low-carbon infrastructure.