Contact us
Visit CPRE.org
Donate
Local Plans and spatial development frameworks – status and our input
Local Plans and spatial/strategic development frameworks set out how land will be categorised and used. They form the basis on which planning applications are decided.
When we contribute to Local Plan and other spatial planning consultations, sustainability is our top priority. We press for ‘smart growth’ policies: policies that prioritise previously developed areas for development, treat land and nature as scarce resources, and keep climate change in mind (see our approach to planning).
Here is the status of the various Local Plans and spatial development frameworks in the area we cover, with notes on our involvement (as at 4 June 2024 – follow the links for the latest situation):
Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington
Currently, each of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington councils have their own Local Plan. The three councils are talking to central government about forming a combined authority. Should this happen, the new authority would be entitled to also produce an over-arching spatial framework.
Cheshire East
Adopted Plan in place for period to 2030.
Currently consulting on what issues should be included in the next Local Plan. We have responded. This consultation stage closes 1 July 2024.
Current Cheshire East Local Plan to 2030
CPRE Cheshire response to Cheshire East Local Plan to 2030 revised publication draft
Cheshire East new Local Plan development
CPRE Cheshire response to new Cheshire East Local Plan issues initial issues consultation
Cheshire West and Chester
Adopted Plan in place for period to 2030.
Initial evidence base consultation for new Plan early 2024, now closed. We made a submission.
Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan and new Plan development
CPRE Cheshire response to Cheshire West and Chester new Local Plan initial consultation 2024
Warrington
Plan for period to 2038/39 formally adopted December 2023.
We took an active part in the process, including participating in the public examination.
CPRE Cheshire response to Warrington Local Plan proposed submission draft 2021
CPRE responds to Warrington Local Plan Consultation 2019
Greater Manchester
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority has produced an overarching spatial framework, with individual boroughs being responsible for their own Local Plans. In responding to Manchester consultations we work alongside CPRE Lancashire, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)
Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) for period to 2039 adopted March 2024.
We were very engaged with the development of the GMSF throughout its 10 year gestation period, including taking part in the public examination. The framework covers all the Greater Manchester authorities except Stockport.
Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) ‘Places for Everyone’
CPRE response to GMSF publication stage consultation
Trafford
Trafford Council’s current local plan dates from 2006, with various elements having been updated since that point. It is preparing a new Local Plan to sit alongside the GMSF. The Draft Local Plan consultation stage was completed in early 2021. Now that the GMSF has been adopted, it is expected that the council will move to the next stage (issuing a publication draft for consultation). We will monitor progress.
Trafford new Local Plan development
Stockport
Stockport Council withdrew from the GMSF because of concerns over the amount of Green Belt being allocated for development. Work had started on a Local Plan in 2017. The council has said it will be consulting on its own Draft Local Plan in July and August this year (2024). We will monitor progress and input as required.
Stockport Local Plan development
Liverpool
Liverpool City Region is working towards an overarching spatial development strategy to cover the six metropolitan boroughs. Individual boroughs are responsible for their own Local Plans. In responding to Liverpool consultations, we work alongside CPRE Lancashire, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester.
Liverpool City Region
Overarching spatial planning is at a much earlier stage in the Liverpool City Region than in Greater Manchester. Consultation on its ‘Towards a Spatial Development Strategy’ paper closed in February 2024. We made a significant submission to the consultation.
Liverpool City Region spatial development strategy
CPRE Cheshire response to stage 3 consultation early 2024 (PDF, 327KB)
CPRE Cheshire response to initial consultation
Wirral
Local Plan examination held in 2023. Post hearing note published by the inspectors in March 2024. Final report awaited. We made submissions and participated in the examination (working with the Wirral Society and the Wirral Green Space Alliance).
CPRE response to Wirral issues and options consultation
CPRE Cheshire response to evidence base consultation
Halton
Local Plan covering period to 2037 adopted March 2022.
Halton Local Plan (documents excluding waste Local Plan)
Halton Local Plan (overview and links to waste Local Plan)
More information
Help us protect Cheshire’s countryside
At CPRE, we are working for a countryside and urban green spaces that benefit people, nature, and the planet.
Has the information on this page been helpful?
If the information on this page has been helpful, please consider supporting us in our work. The best way is to become a CPRE member. Alternatively, you can make a donation.
Get involved
We’re always looking for people who would like to get involved in what we do.
