Local plan scoping consultation

Introduction
Stantec is instructed on behalf of its Client, Russell Homes UK Limited (hereafter referred to as our “Client” / “Russell Homes”) to undertake a Call for Sites submission to Cheshire East Council (the “Council”) in relation to its land interest at Crewe Road, Nantwich (the “Site”). Russell Homes are currently in discussions with the landowner of the Site and are the preferred developer at this stage. Both the land owner, and Russell Homes, are committed to the promotion of the Site through the emerging Local Plan.
The Site extends to approximately 12 hectares in total, and comprises a number of conjoined land parcels currently serving as agricultural grassland, dissected by a series of hedgerows and sporadic trees. The Site is formed of two distinct areas, divided by the Nantwich Bypass (A51). The largest parcel extends to approximately 9.3 hectares and lies to the west of the Nantwich Bypass and benefitting from road access from Crewe Road at the southernmost extent of the Site (in addition to a secondary farm access from the aforementioned bypass at the north-eastern extent of this parcel).
A smaller parcel, extending to approximately 2.2 hectares lies to east of Nantwich Bypass. An existing farm access exists providing a means for vehicular access into this parcel from the Nantwich Bypass.
The landowners are seeking to work alongside Russell Homes whom, are a well-established, active and highly regarded residential developer with active sites across the North-West. As such, they welcome the opportunity to make submissions as part of the Council’s latest Call for Sites exercise and consider their land interest at Crewe Road would represent a suitable, highly sustainable candidate for allocation within the Council’s emerging Local Plan.
In order to assist the Council in its consideration of the Site, and to highlight its potential, this letter is accompanied by the following, which comprise the extent of the Call for Sites submission:
•
Call for Sites Form (completed via online form); and
•
Framework Masterplan (prepared by Stantec).

The Site and Opportunities
As indicated above, the Site in total extends to approximately 12 hectares. The land in question is currently designated within the adopted Local Plan as part of the Strategic Green Gap. That said, the larger of the two parcels lies within an enclosed settlement envelope created by the A51 and Crewe Road.
There are a number of established properties surrounding the site, including residential properties to the south and west, as well as the Crewe Road Nursery (Garden Centre), the Peacock Public House, Premier Inn, Roundabouts Day Nursery, Peacock Miniature Railway and playing fields all to the immediate east of the Site within the same settlement envelope outlined above.
To the west and north of the Site are areas of undeveloped grassland, though it is noted from the Council’s online mapping systems which document previous Call for Sites submissions, that much of this land is also being promoted through the local plan process, both for residential purposes for mixed-use development. Whilst the Council’s intentions in respect of this land are not clear at the time of writing, our Client considers there to be an opportunity by virtue of their land parcel complimenting the potential allocation of the land to the west and north, maximising the wider potential of the area afforded by the defensible boundary created by the A51.
Importantly, our Client’s land interest benefits from multiple, established vehicular access points, as indicated on the accompanying masterplan, meaning that it would not be reliant on third part land in order to gain vehicular access. This is a key component in considering the deliverability of the Site.
From a technical standpoint, the Site is largely clear from known technical constraints. The Site lies predominantly within Flood Zone 1, and whilst there are some isolated areas of increased flood risk immediately surrounding Cheney Brook, which runs through the Site, this is not considered to be an impediment on the future development of the Site and can be suitably accommodated into any future designs. Moreover, there are no designated heritage assets within close proximity to the Site. Nor are there any sensitive adjoining users which may otherwise preclude the residential development of the Site.
Accordingly, our Client considers that the Site represents an excellent opportunity to deliver a significant quantum of family homes to meet Cheshire East’s growing needs. Furthermore, the Site is positioned within a highly sustainable and accessible location with excellent access to community facilities and services including schools, shops, pubs, restaurants places of worship and public transport. The accompanying masterplan, whilst illustrative, provides an indication of how a high-quality residential development could be accommodated within the Site, it indicates that approximately 200 homes.
The Framework Masterplan document which accompanies this letter demonstrates how a development of approximately 200 dwellings could be accommodated on the Site whilst also providing extensive public open spaces and areas for biodiversity improvements, whilst also allowing for a potential interface between the development and the adjoining sports facility It also demonstrates how vehicular and pedestrian access could be secured into the Site and how movement through the Site would take place.
The size of the Site, and anticipated development yield means that this would be a single developer site with an estimated construction timeframe of 4-5 years. Russell Homes (and/or another respected developer) as experienced housebuilders and are poised to deliver the Site, and the much needed family homes therein when the time comes. It is anticipated that the Site would be developed within the early years of the emerging Plan period, and so could be considered an achievable aspect of the Plan’s five year housing supply.
Summary and Conclusions
Alongside the commitment from the Landowners, and the intended commitment from the developer Russell Homes, the land at Crewe Road, Nantwich is considered to represent a suitable, sustainable, accessible and deliverable contribution to the Council’s housing requirements in the years ahead. The Site is free of technical constraints and, in the hands of an established, experienced housebuilder such as Russell Homes will deliver high quality family homes appropriate for the area at pace.
The Government’s stated objective to significantly boost housing supply, including its ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes, will only be realised if suitable, sustainable and implementable sites capable of meeting a wide range of housing needs are able to come forward. Set against this context, the Site represents an excellent opportunity to support both local and regional housing targets, and deliver the high quality homes which Cheshire East’s residents require.
Our Client is grateful for the opportunity to engage with the Call for Sites process, and looks forward to working with the Council in the years ahead to ensure that the vision for this Site can be realised. Our Client reserves the right to make further submission to the Council in relation to this Site, as the emerging Local Plan progresses.
If, however, there is anything further we can do to assist the Council in its consideration at this stage, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Stantec is instructed on behalf of its Client, Russell Homes UK Limited (hereafter referred to as our “Client” / “Russell Homes”) to undertake a Call for Sites submission to Cheshire East Council (the “Council”) in relation to its land interest at Crewe Road, Nantwich (the “Site”). Russell Homes are currently in discussions with the landowner of the Site and are the preferred developer at this stage. Both the land owner, and Russell Homes, are committed to the promotion of the Site through the emerging Local Plan.
The Site extends to approximately 12 hectares in total, and comprises a number of conjoined land parcels currently serving as agricultural grassland, dissected by a series of hedgerows and sporadic trees. The Site is formed of two distinct areas, divided by the Nantwich Bypass (A51). The largest parcel extends to approximately 9.3 hectares and lies to the west of the Nantwich Bypass and benefitting from road access from Crewe Road at the southernmost extent of the Site (in addition to a secondary farm access from the aforementioned bypass at the north-eastern extent of this parcel).
A smaller parcel, extending to approximately 2.2 hectares lies to east of Nantwich Bypass. An existing farm access exists providing a means for vehicular access into this parcel from the Nantwich Bypass.
The landowners are seeking to work alongside Russell Homes whom, are a well-established, active and highly regarded residential developer with active sites across the North-West. As such, they welcome the opportunity to make submissions as part of the Council’s latest Call for Sites exercise and consider their land interest at Crewe Road would represent a suitable, highly sustainable candidate for allocation within the Council’s emerging Local Plan.
In order to assist the Council in its consideration of the Site, and to highlight its potential, this letter is accompanied by the following, which comprise the extent of the Call for Sites submission:
•
Call for Sites Form (completed via online form); and
•
Framework Masterplan (prepared by Stantec).

The Site and Opportunities
As indicated above, the Site in total extends to approximately 12 hectares. The land in question is currently designated within the adopted Local Plan as part of the Strategic Green Gap. That said, the larger of the two parcels lies within an enclosed settlement envelope created by the A51 and Crewe Road.
There are a number of established properties surrounding the site, including residential properties to the south and west, as well as the Crewe Road Nursery (Garden Centre), the Peacock Public House, Premier Inn, Roundabouts Day Nursery, Peacock Miniature Railway and playing fields all to the immediate east of the Site within the same settlement envelope outlined above.
To the west and north of the Site are areas of undeveloped grassland, though it is noted from the Council’s online mapping systems which document previous Call for Sites submissions, that much of this land is also being promoted through the local plan process, both for residential purposes for mixed-use development. Whilst the Council’s intentions in respect of this land are not clear at the time of writing, our Client considers there to be an opportunity by virtue of their land parcel complimenting the potential allocation of the land to the west and north, maximising the wider potential of the area afforded by the defensible boundary created by the A51.
Importantly, our Client’s land interest benefits from multiple, established vehicular access points, as indicated on the accompanying masterplan, meaning that it would not be reliant on third part land in order to gain vehicular access. This is a key component in considering the deliverability of the Site.
From a technical standpoint, the Site is largely clear from known technical constraints. The Site lies predominantly within Flood Zone 1, and whilst there are some isolated areas of increased flood risk immediately surrounding Cheney Brook, which runs through the Site, this is not considered to be an impediment on the future development of the Site and can be suitably accommodated into any future designs. Moreover, there are no designated heritage assets within close proximity to the Site. Nor are there any sensitive adjoining users which may otherwise preclude the residential development of the Site.
Accordingly, our Client considers that the Site represents an excellent opportunity to deliver a significant quantum of family homes to meet Cheshire East’s growing needs. Furthermore, the Site is positioned within a highly sustainable and accessible location with excellent access to community facilities and services including schools, shops, pubs, restaurants places of worship and public transport. The accompanying masterplan, whilst illustrative, provides an indication of how a high-quality residential development could be accommodated within the Site, it indicates that approximately 200 homes.
The Framework Masterplan document which accompanies this letter demonstrates how a development of approximately 200 dwellings could be accommodated on the Site whilst also providing extensive public open spaces and areas for biodiversity improvements, whilst also allowing for a potential interface between the development and the adjoining sports facility It also demonstrates how vehicular and pedestrian access could be secured into the Site and how movement through the Site would take place.
The size of the Site, and anticipated development yield means that this would be a single developer site with an estimated construction timeframe of 4-5 years. Russell Homes (and/or another respected developer) as experienced housebuilders and are poised to deliver the Site, and the much needed family homes therein when the time comes. It is anticipated that the Site would be developed within the early years of the emerging Plan period, and so could be considered an achievable aspect of the Plan’s five year housing supply.
Summary and Conclusions
Alongside the commitment from the Landowners, and the intended commitment from the developer Russell Homes, the land at Crewe Road, Nantwich is considered to represent a suitable, sustainable, accessible and deliverable contribution to the Council’s housing requirements in the years ahead. The Site is free of technical constraints and, in the hands of an established, experienced housebuilder such as Russell Homes will deliver high quality family homes appropriate for the area at pace.
The Government’s stated objective to significantly boost housing supply, including its ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes, will only be realised if suitable, sustainable and implementable sites capable of meeting a wide range of housing needs are able to come forward. Set against this context, the Site represents an excellent opportunity to support both local and regional housing targets, and deliver the high quality homes which Cheshire East’s residents require.
Our Client is grateful for the opportunity to engage with the Call for Sites process, and looks forward to working with the Council in the years ahead to ensure that the vision for this Site can be realised. Our Client reserves the right to make further submission to the Council in relation to this Site, as the emerging Local Plan progresses.
If, however, there is anything further we can do to assist the Council in its consideration at this stage, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Stantec is instructed on behalf of its Client, Russell Homes UK Limited (hereafter referred to as our “Client” / “Russell Homes”) to undertake a Call for Sites submission to Cheshire East Council (the “Council”) in relation to its land interest at Crewe Road, Nantwich (the “Site”). Russell Homes are currently in discussions with the landowner of the Site and are the preferred developer at this stage. Both the land owner, and Russell Homes, are committed to the promotion of the Site through the emerging Local Plan.
The Site extends to approximately 12 hectares in total, and comprises a number of conjoined land parcels currently serving as agricultural grassland, dissected by a series of hedgerows and sporadic trees. The Site is formed of two distinct areas, divided by the Nantwich Bypass (A51). The largest parcel extends to approximately 9.3 hectares and lies to the west of the Nantwich Bypass and benefitting from road access from Crewe Road at the southernmost extent of the Site (in addition to a secondary farm access from the aforementioned bypass at the north-eastern extent of this parcel).
A smaller parcel, extending to approximately 2.2 hectares lies to east of Nantwich Bypass. An existing farm access exists providing a means for vehicular access into this parcel from the Nantwich Bypass.
The landowners are seeking to work alongside Russell Homes whom, are a well-established, active and highly regarded residential developer with active sites across the North-West. As such, they welcome the opportunity to make submissions as part of the Council’s latest Call for Sites exercise and consider their land interest at Crewe Road would represent a suitable, highly sustainable candidate for allocation within the Council’s emerging Local Plan.
In order to assist the Council in its consideration of the Site, and to highlight its potential, this letter is accompanied by the following, which comprise the extent of the Call for Sites submission:
•
Call for Sites Form (completed via online form); and
•
Framework Masterplan (prepared by Stantec).

The Site and Opportunities
As indicated above, the Site in total extends to approximately 12 hectares. The land in question is currently designated within the adopted Local Plan as part of the Strategic Green Gap. That said, the larger of the two parcels lies within an enclosed settlement envelope created by the A51 and Crewe Road.
There are a number of established properties surrounding the site, including residential properties to the south and west, as well as the Crewe Road Nursery (Garden Centre), the Peacock Public House, Premier Inn, Roundabouts Day Nursery, Peacock Miniature Railway and playing fields all to the immediate east of the Site within the same settlement envelope outlined above.
To the west and north of the Site are areas of undeveloped grassland, though it is noted from the Council’s online mapping systems which document previous Call for Sites submissions, that much of this land is also being promoted through the local plan process, both for residential purposes for mixed-use development. Whilst the Council’s intentions in respect of this land are not clear at the time of writing, our Client considers there to be an opportunity by virtue of their land parcel complimenting the potential allocation of the land to the west and north, maximising the wider potential of the area afforded by the defensible boundary created by the A51.
Importantly, our Client’s land interest benefits from multiple, established vehicular access points, as indicated on the accompanying masterplan, meaning that it would not be reliant on third part land in order to gain vehicular access. This is a key component in considering the deliverability of the Site.
From a technical standpoint, the Site is largely clear from known technical constraints. The Site lies predominantly within Flood Zone 1, and whilst there are some isolated areas of increased flood risk immediately surrounding Cheney Brook, which runs through the Site, this is not considered to be an impediment on the future development of the Site and can be suitably accommodated into any future designs. Moreover, there are no designated heritage assets within close proximity to the Site. Nor are there any sensitive adjoining users which may otherwise preclude the residential development of the Site.
Accordingly, our Client considers that the Site represents an excellent opportunity to deliver a significant quantum of family homes to meet Cheshire East’s growing needs. Furthermore, the Site is positioned within a highly sustainable and accessible location with excellent access to community facilities and services including schools, shops, pubs, restaurants places of worship and public transport. The accompanying masterplan, whilst illustrative, provides an indication of how a high-quality residential development could be accommodated within the Site, it indicates that approximately 200 homes.
The Framework Masterplan document which accompanies this letter demonstrates how a development of approximately 200 dwellings could be accommodated on the Site whilst also providing extensive public open spaces and areas for biodiversity improvements, whilst also allowing for a potential interface between the development and the adjoining sports facility It also demonstrates how vehicular and pedestrian access could be secured into the Site and how movement through the Site would take place.
The size of the Site, and anticipated development yield means that this would be a single developer site with an estimated construction timeframe of 4-5 years. Russell Homes (and/or another respected developer) as experienced housebuilders and are poised to deliver the Site, and the much needed family homes therein when the time comes. It is anticipated that the Site would be developed within the early years of the emerging Plan period, and so could be considered an achievable aspect of the Plan’s five year housing supply.
Summary and Conclusions
Alongside the commitment from the Landowners, and the intended commitment from the developer Russell Homes, the land at Crewe Road, Nantwich is considered to represent a suitable, sustainable, accessible and deliverable contribution to the Council’s housing requirements in the years ahead. The Site is free of technical constraints and, in the hands of an established, experienced housebuilder such as Russell Homes will deliver high quality family homes appropriate for the area at pace.
The Government’s stated objective to significantly boost housing supply, including its ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes, will only be realised if suitable, sustainable and implementable sites capable of meeting a wide range of housing needs are able to come forward. Set against this context, the Site represents an excellent opportunity to support both local and regional housing targets, and deliver the high quality homes which Cheshire East’s residents require.
Our Client is grateful for the opportunity to engage with the Call for Sites process, and looks forward to working with the Council in the years ahead to ensure that the vision for this Site can be realised. Our Client reserves the right to make further submission to the Council in relation to this Site, as the emerging Local Plan progresses.
If, however, there is anything further we can do to assist the Council in its consideration at this stage, please do not hesitate to get in touch.