The Local Plan

Introduction

The Chester District Local Plan (external link) forms part of the wider "Development Plan", which also consists of the Structure Plan and the Waste and Minerals Local Plans, produced by Cheshire County Council. This statutory development plan is important as it provides the primary basis for considering applications for planning permission.

Chester District Local Plan

The Chester District Local Plan (external link) was adopted on 12 May 2006. It covers the period 1996 - 2011 and replaces the following plans:

• The Greater Chester Local Plan, which was formally adopted by the Council in 1983
• The Draft Revised Greater Chester Local Plan (1988). This has not been formally adopted by the Council but is being used for development control purposes.
• The Chester Rural Area Local Plan, which was adopted by the Council in 1985.
• Part of the Mersey Marshes Local Plan within Chester District. This Plan was prepared and adopted by the County Council in 1986.

Background

• Oct 1997 - The draft Chester District Local Plan is placed on deposit
• Between Oct 1999 and Dec 2001 - Public inquiry into unresolved issues was held
• May 2002 - Inspector's report received
• April 2003 - In response to the recommendations made by the Inspector the Council published Proposed Modifications for consultation
• April 2004 - A further public inquiry is held, in accordance with legal advice received, in order to fully debate issues relating to potential housing sites in Farndon and a site at The Moorings, Christleton.
• June 2004 - A limited number of Further Proposed Modifications to the Plan are published for consultation
• 22 - 25 Feb 2005 and 5, 14 July 2005 - A public inquiry is held to consider unresolved objections to Proposed Modifications (2003) and Further Proposed Modifications (2004)
• 31 Aug 2005 - The City Council formally publish the Inspector's report
• Oct 2005 -  A response to recommendations made in the Inspector's report was prepared along with Further Proposed Modifications for consultation
• 29 March 2006 - The Council approved the statement of responses made to representations received, and a resolution to adopt the Plan as modified by Proposed Modifications (2003), Further Proposed Modifications (2004 and 2005)
• 12 May 2006 - Chester District Local Plan formally adopted

Ways to view the Plan

The Adopted Chester District Local Plan (external link) is available to view online, including the Proposals Maps.

The Local Plan and Proposals Maps are also available to view at  the 2nd Floor Reception of the Council’s Forum Offices (Mon-Fri 8.30am to 4.45pm) and at all Public Libraries throughout the District during normal opening hours.

The document can be purchased from the Council Offices at a cost of £100.00 (add £4.50 Postage and Packaging). Local residents can purchase the Local Plan at a reduced price of £75.00 (add £4.50 Postage and Packaging) upon proof of residency.

It is also possible to purchase the Plans only for £40.00 (£30.00 Local Residents) add £2.50 postage and packaging.

Please note if ordering a copy of this document or the plans that payment by cheque or credit card is required before any documents can be sent (cheques payable to Chester City Council ). To request a copy please contact us using the details at the bottom of the page.

Using the Plan

The Chester District Local Plan, as amended by the Proposed Modifications(2003), and Further Proposed Modifications (2004 / 2005) was adopted by the Council on 12 May 2006. This means that the policies and site allocations contained in the Plan must be taken into account when a planning application is being considered by the Council.

When thinking about submitting a planning application, developers and others are advised to check whether any policies in the Plan are relevant to their proposals. Proposals which are in line with the plan are much more likely to be successful than those which are not.

The Plan consists of a Written Statement and a set of Proposals Maps. The Written Statement is organised in a number of chapters, relating to a broad range of topics including Environment, Transport, Economy, Retail, Housing and Sport and Recreation. The Written Statement contains policies and explanatory text.

The Proposals Maps are produced on an OS base and define the areas to which each of the policies and proposals in the Written Statement apply.

If you have any queries or wish to speak to a planning officer involved in the Plan's preparation please contact the Forward Planning section.

Contact Details 

Development - Forward Planning

Email: forwardplanning@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours: 8.30am - 4.45pm

Phone numbers: 01244 402286, 402287 or 402479

Address: Forward Planning, Development Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH2 1HS