Brereton Neighbourhood Plan (modification) Regulation 16 Consultation

I fully support the Brereton Neighbourhood Plan Review. It should proceed to independent examination and be adopted as part of the local development plan for Cheshire East. The revised plan provides a clear and balanced framework for managing future development while protecting the qualities that make Brereton a distinctive rural parish. Brereton is predominantly a rural community and an important Green Gap between surrounding settlements and this remains both relevant and appropriate.

I consider that the Brereton Neighbourhood Plan Review meets the Basic Conditions. The plan has appropriate regard to national planning policy, contributes to the achievement of sustainable development, is in general alignment with the strategic policies of the Cheshire East Development Plan and provides a clear, locally distinctive framework for managing future development while protecting the parish's rural character, landscape and biodiversity.
I welcome the approach taken in Policy HOUS 01, which recognises Brereton Green as the parish's infill village and confirms that land outside recognised settlement and infill boundaries should continue to be treated as countryside. This approach strikes an appropriate balance between supporting sustainable development and protecting the open countryside that is fundamental to the character of Brereton.
I particularly support the recognition given to the Brereton Heath Lane and Moss Lane character area. The plan accurately identifies the importance of its semi-rural character, mature trees and hedgerows, generous plot sizes, wildlife habitats, proximity to Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve and its low-density pattern of development. These features make a significant contribution to the identity of the parish and help maintain the transition between the built environment and the surrounding open countryside.
I also support the plan's wider policies for protecting landscape character, biodiversity, agricultural land and the rural environment. Together, these policies help ensure that future development remains sympathetic to its surroundings and does not erode the qualities valued by residents and visitors alike. Protection of open countryside and green gaps is important in providing some mitigation of climate change.
I therefore support the Brereton Neighbourhood Plan Review and encourage Cheshire East Council and the Independent Examiner to retain the strong policy approach towards protecting open countryside, landscape character and biodiversity throughout the parish. In particular, I would encourage the continued safeguarding of the open countryside character of Brereton Heath area and the retention of the protections afforded to this distinctive and environmentally sensitive part of Brereton.