previous item | news archives | next item
Chester's green belt under threat
CPRE Cheshire is objecting to the complex hybrid planning application, submitted by Chester Zoo to Cheshire West and Chester Council, which combines an outline planning application with a detailed planning application.
The combined applications would allow very substantial new built development outside the existing zoo perimeter on land to the north, northwest and southwest of the Zoo.
All the land lies in the North Cheshire Green Belt in the vulnerable open spaced between the built up area of Chester and the built up area of Ellesmere Port.
Although ‘Very Special Circumstances’ in the Green Belt may be claimed for the Bio Dome ‘Heart of Africa’, part of the detailed planning application which is indeed exceptional, CPRE believes that ‘Very Special Circumstances’ cannot be considered for the Outline proposals.
The Outline proposals would allow very substantial new built development up to the edge of the A41 extending from Flag Lane North to the ‘Backford Dip’, including a garden centre, two (150 bed) hotels, associated additional car parks and service buildings, and a ‘Savannah Trail Building’ (possibly similar in massing and height – height over 30 metres – as the proposed Bio Dome ‘Heart of Africa’ building).
Our detailed objections are as follows:
1. Large scale ‘Inappropriate Development’ in the Green Belt.
2. No ‘Very Special Circumstances’ for Outline Proposals.
3. Contrary to Government PPG2 Chapter 3.
4. Contrary to Chester District Local Plan policies ENV 63, ENV 70 and paragraph 3.51: ‘The Council considers it is vitally important not to release land for development on the northern side of the City since this would lead to an erosion of the open area between Chester and Ellesmere Port’.
5. Breaching Green Belt policy would set an example for others to follow (set a precedent).
6. Likely to trigger a review of Green Belt boundaries on the northern side of the City.
7. Would extend unrestricted urban sprawl of built up area.
8. Would lead to the coalescence of Chester and Ellesmere Port and the merger of settlements.
9. Would encroach into the countryside where at present there are green fields in agricultural use.
10. Loss – Grade 3 agricultural land.
11. Would not contribute to the regeneration of Chester City centre (competing hotels).
12. Would reduce Green Belt setting and would be detrimental to the special character of Chester, an historic city of national and international importance.
13. The extensive increase in car park areas is an indicator of increased numbers of visitors travelling by car, contrary to Sustainability principles.
If you would like more information please contact us. The full planning application can be downloaded in pdf format here: Natural Vision Planning Application.