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Local Plans and spatial development frameworks across Cheshire
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. For this reason, providing input into Local Plans is a key part of our role.
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.
For information on our input, see recent Local Plan consultation submissions.
Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington
Each of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington councils have their own Local Plan. However, a new Chester and Warrington combined authority is now taking shape, with a Mayor to be elected in May 2027. The new authority will be producing an additional Spatial Development Framework to cover the entire region.
Cheshire East
Cheshire East current Local Plan to 2030
New Cheshire East Local Plan preparation
Cheshire West and Chester
Cheshire West and Chester current Local Plan part one (strategic policies)
Cheshire West and Chester current Local Plan part two (land allocations and detailed policies)
New Cheshire West Local Plan preparation
CPRE Cheshire response to Cheshire West and Chester new Local Plan initial consultation 2024
Warrington
Warrington Local Plan to 2038/39
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) ‘Places for Everyone’ – to 2039
The framework is in addition to individual authorities’ Local Plans and covers all the Greater Manchester authorities except Stockport.
Trafford
Trafford Council’s current local plan dates from 2006, with various elements having been updated since that point.
Trafford new Local Plan preparation
Stockport
Stockport Council withdrew from the GMSF because of concerns over the amount of Green Belt being allocated for development. It does not have a valid current Local Plan.
Stockport Local Plan preparation
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
Liverpool City Region spatial development strategy preparation
Wirral
Although Wirral’s Local Plan was only adopted in 2024, developers will argue that it is out of date because the housing targets it is based on pre-date the latest standard method figures which are much higher.
Halton
Local Plan covering period to 2037 adopted March 2022.
Halton Local Plan to 2037 (documents excluding waste Local Plan)
Halton Local Plan to 2037 (overview and links to waste Local Plan)
More information
Help us fight for the countryside
The countryside is under threat as never before, and we need to step up our efforts to protect it. If the information on this page has been helpful, please consider supporting us in our work.
With increased housing targets and weakened Green Belt protections, we are seeing a huge increase in applications to build on inappropriate green field sites. Putting together strong objections and running campaigns takes both time and a sound knowledge of planning legislation. This means we need money for professional input to supplement our volunteer team’s efforts.
You can help, by joining CPRE or making a donation.
You can also get involved as a volunteer.
