Natural & Built Environment Task Group
Through workshops and extensive consultation activities the following key themes have emerged as priorities for the Natural & Built Environment Task Group. These themes will be developed into policies for inclusion in the Plan.
- We will include policies in the Plan that require developers to deliver developments and architecture that reflects the black and white half-timbered buildings of historical Northwich and its surrounding area, and require them to contribute to the maintenance/retention of existing buildings/sites of local significance. Working with the Northwich Heritage Society the group has established a data base of existing and potential heritage/conservation zones along with buildings and structures worthy of conservation.
- With other Groups we have identified preferred (brownfield) development sites and explored an ambition that seeks to remove all 50’s and 60’s concrete buildings, or to refurbish these buildings for new leisure, community or heritage uses.
- We will seek to require housing developers to provide access to open space/children’s play areas and to provide green access routes between sites and green areas. We have reviewed open space, greenfield, allotment, footpath and cycle routes and connectivity between these, and identified potential sites for the provision of more allotment and community “grow” sites.
- We will encourage developments which face onto, and provide access to, our rivers and waterways, creating links with existing rights of way and cycle ways and develop more open/green spaces and parks.
The following have also emerged as key issues that require consideration in the Plan;
- We will seek to ensure developments adopt Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
- We will develop policies to protect and to enhance key landscape features, both urban and rural.
- We will develop policies to protect and enhance wildlife habitats and protected species and to ensure the protection and enhancement of the urban/rural interface and greenspace.
