Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 7065

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Litton Buccleuch (Congleton) Limited

Agent: Lichfields

The respondent promotes land west of Viking Way, Congleton, which benefits from an existing employment allocation and outline planning permission for employment development. They emphasise the importance of deliverability and consider that complementary commercial uses, including a foodstore and ancillary facilities, may assist the viability and successful delivery of employment-led development. The submission notes potential future housing growth proposals in northern Congleton and argues that associated commercial, employment and service needs should be considered alongside residential development. The respondent requests a flexible Local Plan policy framework that allows appropriate supporting commercial uses within employment allocations and welcomes continued engagement with the Council on future development proposals.

Comment

Representation ID: 7066

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Litton Buccleuch (Congleton) Limited

Agent: Lichfields

The respondent supports Cheshire East Council’s decision to continue preparing a new Local Plan alongside, rather than waiting for, the emerging Cheshire and Warrington Spatial Development Strategy. They consider this a proactive approach that will help ensure planning policy remains up to date and responsive to current development needs. The submission notes that the adopted Local Plan Strategy is now dated and was prepared within a different policy context. The respondent considers a new Local Plan is necessary to provide an updated framework for growth, investment and development, and to ensure that future planning decisions remain aligned with national policy objectives promoting sustainable economic growth and development.

Comment

Representation ID: 7067

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Litton Buccleuch (Congleton) Limited

Agent: Lichfields

The respondent supports a positive and evidence-led approach to preparing the new Local Plan, consistent with the presumption in favour of sustainable development set out in national policy. They agree that future development requirements should be informed by evidence relating to housing, employment, infrastructure, environmental constraints and regeneration opportunities. While acknowledging changes to national policy regarding plan periods, they support a proactive and long-term approach to growth across Cheshire East. The respondent also emphasises the importance of ensuring that Local Plan policies do not duplicate National Development Management Policies and support the Council’s stated intention to avoid unnecessary repetition of national planning policy requirements.

Comment

Representation ID: 7068

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Litton Buccleuch (Congleton) Limited

Agent: Lichfields

Litton Buccleuch supports the Council’s strategic vision to deliver sustainable economic growth across the Borough and to ensure an appropriate supply of land for employment and commercial uses. Litton Buccleuch also supports the proposed Economic Development Needs Assessment and Employment Land Review, which will provide important evidence on the scale, nature and location of demand within the local economic market.

Comment

Representation ID: 7069

Received: 01/09/2026

Respondent: Litton Buccleuch (Congleton) Limited

Agent: Lichfields

Regarding Point 5.72 of the Consultation Document, it is acknowledged that the Council will seek to apply a “town centre first” approach to new retail development in accordance with national planning policy. However, local planning policies should also recognise that retail impact assessments and sequential site assessments apply to proposals located outside defined centres and provide the appropriate mechanism for assessing such development. In this context, policy should be sufficiently flexible to respond to operational requirements, the availability of suitable and viable floorspace, and the role that complementary retail and commercial uses can play in supporting employment development, investment and the day-to-day needs of local communities.