CHESHIRE West and Chester Council is aiming to deliver at least 21,000 new homes across the borough by 2030.
A quarter of that total – 5,250 – would be built in Chester, while rural areas and Ellesmere Port would each be required to provide 20% (4,200) of the properties.
The remaining 35% would be in Northwich and Winsford, which would be a total of 7,350 new homes.
The main locations highlighted for housing development in rural areas and the number of houses expected during the next 18 years are: Farndon (200), Frodsham (260), Helsby (250), Kelsall (200), Malpas (250), Neston (90), Tarporley (400), Tarvin (250) and Tattenhall (300).
The figures form part of the council’s proposed Local Plan blueprint, which sets out the planning policy framework for the whole of the borough up to 2030.
It is proposed land is released from the green belt on edge of the city to accommodate about 2,000 new homes, although exact locations are yet to be decided and would be subject to full consultation.
The level of housing development put forward would be greater than Government household projections but lower than that set out in the Regional Spatial Strategy, which the Government ultimately wants to scrap.
Also contained in the council blueprint is recommendations and priorities for transport, employment and leisure in the borough, as well as health and environmental requirements.
In the proposed Local Plan document, Cllr Herbert Manley, executive member for prosperity (regeneration), said: “This consultation document sets out our current ideas and the kind of policies that we think should guide future planning decisions. We have to tackle issues such as climate change, affordable homes, jobs and infrastructure while safeguarding the environment.”
The draft document will be subject to a 10-week public consultation later in the year.
