CHESHIRE West and Chester Council members have adopted the Local Plan, which identifies strategic development land as well as assets to protect.

The CWAC Local Plan (Part Two) was presented at a full council meeting last night, Thursday, and will complement the Local Plan (Part One) adopted in January 2015.

The plan as a whole – a legal requirement – acts as a starting point when deciding on planning applications within the borough. It sets out the council's visions, objectives and policies through to 2030.

The Part One plan identifies the level and distribution of new housing and employment development and established the extent of greenbelt boundaries.

As well as providing additional detail, Part Two identifies land to meet strategic development requirements, and identifies areas and assets that should be safeguarded.

It has undergone public consultation and been reviewed by the Secretary of State, and will now replace former district plans – including the Vale Royal Borough Local Plan.

Cllr Richard Beacham, CWAC cabinet member for housing, regeneration and growth said: “Part Two of the Local Plan will better reflect council priorities, including measures to address climate change, protect the health of our residents and improve wellbeing through access to open spaces and protecting our natural environment.

“A considerable amount of work has been undertaken to reach this point, including three major public consultation exercises and two weeks of public hearing sessions.

"I want to offer my gratitude to everyone who has taken part in this process, including residents, council staff and local councillors from the past and present.

"This is a significant piece of work and it will now replace nearly 300 retained policies from the former local authority.

"The Plan will also provide greater certainty to communities and investors about the planning decisions they can expect from the council.”