Responses to Public Consultations
The planning and advocacy team often responds to planning and policy consultations to advocate for better outcomes for nature. Below are some consultation responses we have submitted, which will give you an idea of some of the advocacy work we do behind the scenes.
Please note that we respond to over 100 planning applications each year. As a charity with limited resources we are not able to respond to every planning application we hear about. We prioritise larger developments and those that could have significant impacts on Cheshire’s wildlife. If you are concerned about a development in your area then take a look at our planning and policy pages. Here you'll find useful advice and fact sheets on tackling planning and development that might affect wildlife in your community.
For more information please email planning@cheshirewt.org.uk
Due to limited capacity, this page is not always updated. However rest assured we are responding to as many of the most urgent planning applications and Local Plans as we are physically able. Here are a few of our most recent responses.
For our responses specific to the HS2 scheme, please see our HS2 page.
Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan 2025 Issues and Options Consultation
Cheshire West and Chester are developing a new Local Plan, a process which will include regular public consultations. The first step is the Issues and Options, which presents the main issues facing the borough and options for addressing them. The document sets out the ways in which the new Local Plan will differ from the old one, proposes new policies and objectives, and identifies potential areas and strategies for development in the borough.
Cheshire and Warrington devolution consultation
The new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority has the potential to support nature if it shows leadership in the implementation of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy. There must be a firm commitment to addressing loss of biodiversity to ensure a future where wildlife thrives. It will be crucial for the new combined authority to support local nature partnerships and coordinate the creation, restoration and protection of habitats across Cheshire.
Mersey Tidal Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report
The North West Wildlife Trusts have issued a joint statement addressing our concerns with the Mersey Tidal Power Project and their EIA Scoping Report. The Mersey Estuary is a very sensitive ecological area, as highlighted by its local, national, and international designations for wildlife. Consequently, reports, design, and decisions must be informed by in-depth surveys, rigorous data collection, and adherence to the highest ecological standards, which has yet to be demonstrated. We call on the Mersey Tidal Power Project developers to provide more evidence to back their approach before pushing the scheme ahead.
Developments on Frodsham Marshes
A number of large infrastructure developments are being proposed on Frodsham Marshes, our largest Local Wildlife Site. These proposals have not demonstrated enough mitigation and compensation for the damage that the site would incur, particularly on sensitive habitats and bird species that use the Mersey Estuary. While these schemes do offer important opportunities for decarbonisation in the area, this cannot and should not be done at the expense of wildlife that relies on the site.