Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 6783

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Environment Agency

The respondent welcomes the ability for Local Plans to adopt the optional water-efficiency standard of 110 litres per person per day and recommends its use in Cheshire East. They highlight prolonged dry weather during 2025 and 2026 and argue that reduced water availability affects both human consumption and the aquatic environment through lower river flows and water levels. The respondent notes that some groundwater and surface-water sources are already under abstraction pressure. They consider future housing, industry, emerging technologies and other forms of growth could increase demand further and recommend that water availability and efficiency are appropriately addressed through the Local Plan.

Comment

Representation ID: 6784

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Environment Agency

The local plan could also consider urban cooling measures in any new proposals to combat the increased likelihood of heatwaves. For example, any greenspace planting should consider including more drought resilient species to reduce the need for watering maintenance of these areas.

Comment

Representation ID: 6785

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Environment Agency

We agree with nation policy new peat extraction allocations should not be explored and suggest this applies to the expansion of existing sites beyond existing permissions. Peatland provides terrestrial carbon storage and provides water regulation in the event of flooding and drought, therefore meaning it is important to protect and improve it.

Comment

Representation ID: 6786

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Environment Agency

The respondent identifies priorities for waste management and site allocation, including safeguarding existing facilities and promoting waste prevention, reuse, recycling and circular economy approaches. They support addressing residual waste treatment capacity through an evidence-led strategy and appropriate provision for food waste processing, anaerobic digestion and resource recovery. Brownfield and existing employment sites should be prioritised for new waste facilities. Waste policy should contribute to climate neutrality and environmental protection while maintaining cross-boundary cooperation on strategic infrastructure and treatment capacity. The respondent also recommends updating the Waste Needs Assessment to reflect legislative changes, housing growth and requirements across the Local Plan period to 2045.

Comment

Representation ID: 6787

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Environment Agency

For the avoidance of doubt, we assume ‘blue infrastructure’ is included under the consideration of ‘Green Infrastructure’.

Comment

Representation ID: 6788

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Environment Agency

The respondent seeks greater emphasis on the water environment, including improving water quality and achieving Water Framework Directive objectives. They support updating the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment using current evidence and considering all sources of flooding, climate change, natural flood management, water storage and future defence infrastructure. Further detailed assessment should inform site allocations where necessary. They advocate stronger use of nature-based solutions, integrated water management and catchment-based planning. The respondent also supports measures to increase wetness of peatland to reduce wildfire risk and considers emerging integrated water management work for Crewe should align with the Local Plan and its evidence base.

Comment

Representation ID: 6789

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Environment Agency

We welcome the recognition of green spaces as a key
determinant in supporting healthy, resilient communities. Access to high-quality green spaces in and around settlements should be enhanced, providing greater opportunities for people to experience biodiverse and multifunctional environments such as wildflower meadows and aquatic habitats. Such spaces deliver both physical and psychological health benefits and, when sustainably located close to or integrated within new development, are recognised as making an important contribution to addressing environmental deprivation.

Comment

Representation ID: 6790

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Environment Agency

Water pollution, which can come from numerous sources, causes severe harm to our water environment impacting ecosystems, human health and our economy. Given the principal purpose of the local plan is to guide how land is used and where and how development occurs to facilitate growth, it is imperative the local plan reflects an integrated approach to sustainable water management to coordinate improvements to water quality, ensures a water supply and manages flood risk together.

Comment

Representation ID: 6791

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Environment Agency

For awareness the Cheshire and Warrington Local Nature Recovery Strategy has highlighted areas where ecosystem services gains can provide the climate change resilience required.