Strategic planning and planning policy

Local Plan

The Cheshire East Local Plan sets out a vision and a framework for the future development of the area. It covers a range of matters including the number and location of new homes; the amount and location of employment land; protection and improvement of important open areas; provision of new infrastructure; and improvement of town centres and community facilities in the borough. A number of key Local Plan documents are part of the statutory development plan, which forms the basis for deciding planning applications. Other supporting Local Plan documents are not part of the statutory development plan, but may be material considerations when deciding planning applications.

Neighbourhood planning

Neighbourhood planning is a way for local communities to shape the development of their area. Once approved through a local referendum, completed neighbourhood plans are part of the statutory development plan, which forms the basis for deciding planning applications.

Supplementary planning documents give more detailed guidance on the implementation of policies; for example on design, heritage or specific sites or locations. Other planning guidance is also available. Whilst planning guidance is not part of the statutory development plan, it may be a material consideration when making planning decisions.

The Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge on the internal floor area of new housing and retail developments in certain areas of the borough.

We have published a body of research and evidence on a number of social, environmental and economic issues affecting Cheshire East. This research is used to help develop new planning policies and documents.

Local Development Orders grant planning permission for specific types of development within defined areas. These can help to streamline the planning process and provide greater certainty for landowners, developers and local people.

The council has made a number of Article 4 Directions to remove permitted development rights to convert dwellings to small HMOs in parts of Crewe.

Local planning authorities are required to publish a brownfield register of previously developed land to provide up-to-date and consistent information on sites that are considered appropriate for residential development.

Information on Manchester Airport's Sustainable Development Plan and community outreach sessions can be found on our airport planning page.

In addition to documents adopted by Cheshire East Council, there are a number of planning policy documents from the previous authorities that are still applicable. The planning policy documents index lists the documents and gives details of how to obtain copies.