As usual, I attended the latest meeting of Saughall & Shotwick Park Parish Council on Monday 2nd December 2024 at the Vernon Institute. In advance, I submitted a comprehensive report for their consideration which is repeated below. It is a long read!
Worsley Avenue footpath repairs
Notification was received from CWaC that they would be undertaking footway patching works on Worsley Avenue from 29th November 2024. Parish councillors will recall this location was logged as being of serious concern where the footpath had deteriorated and lifted extensively in several large sections. These works have now been completed (see images attached) but they are not as comprehensive as I had imagined. The area where there is a ‘line’ within the footpath has been repaired but it remains deeply rutted and uneven. I have raised this further with officers.
Member Budget 2024/25
I have funded spring bulbs in a number of parishes from my Member Budget this year (Mollington and Lea-by-Backford) and would be pleased to do similar for Saughall & Shotwick Park should you wish. Cllr Hallows remarked on this on a recent social media post. Please consider the matter and we can then proceed accordingly if this is of interest.
Kingswood Avenue – development at a property (The Nook)
I have received several approaches from concerned residents of Kingswood Avenue / Kingswood Lane in relation to development activities at the following property: The Nook, Kingswood Avenue and I’ve met with some already. The matter has been logged with CWaC Planning Enforcement who have confirmed they have opened an active case which I will pursue further. A meeting has been held between the ‘developer’ and some residents, but this has not allayed concerns. The principal issues relate to what appears to be a change of use from residential to a ‘care type’ facility setting for a limited number of people. Associated development (car parking area and other buildings) are also causing concern.
HyNet project – future liaison with parish councils
HM Government recently confirmed further funding regarding the HyNet project at Stanlow which will have an impact on the parish (and the parishes of Backford, Lea-by-Backford and Mollington) as the construction of the CO2 pipeline progresses in the coming years. I have suggested to the company who are the main point of contact on this, that we have a regular project update meeting which will involve each parish council, when there is something substantive and meaningful to relay information on. This may be expanded to include anyone with an interest from a resident point of view should the need arise. At present my suggestion is that this meeting should consist of the following:
- 2x Saughall & Shotwick Park parish councillors; 2x Backford parish councillors; 2x Lea-by-Backford parish councillors; 2x Mollington parish councillors; Clerks; Me (SE) and representatives of the ‘HyNet Team.’
I believe these meetings should sit outside a regular PC meeting and be HyNet focused entirely. Accordingly, I have asked the Clerk to Backford and Lea-by-Backford Parish Councils to co-ordinate on securing a date for the first meeting (ideally in late January 2025/early February).
Please consider this matter at your meeting and indicate who will be the Saughall & Shotwick Park representatives.
Update on flooding and drainage matters in various locations across the parish
In addition to these updates below, I would wish to place on record thanks to Parish Cllr Lynda Rutter for establishing her ‘Facebook Flooding Page’ which is a helpful initiative to assist in keeping the community updated around these important challenges. The only location missing from this report is Seahill Road about which I will get clarification from officers around any ‘next steps’ there in due course and relay to parish councillors accordingly.
The Ridings / Thornberry Close
There are longstanding challenges in this location around which I have been involved now for a number of years. Multiple reports have been logged with Cheshire West and Chester Council, including images of the impact of moderate / heavy rain, each time it occurs. I am well acquainted with the concerns that residents have and it has been somewhat frustrating that more progress hasn’t been possible, albeit that we are now taking small steps forward. Several properties in both locations are impacted but the responsibility to address the problems sits outside of the Council itself. On 22nd November 2024 I arranged a site meeting with multiple residents, relevant local landowners and representatives of CWaC as ‘Lead Local Flood Authority.’ There are two outcomes:
- The Ridings. CWaC officers will contact Welsh Water regarding their drainage in the area as there appear to be anomalies which need to be investigated further. Officers will also try to attend the location during any future flood events to understand what is happening in more detail.
- Thornberry Close. This is a private matter to be resolved between homeowners and the landowner which might be remedied by the clearance of ditches and potentially the reinstatement of any drainage that has been filled in. I have asked that CWaC provide me with any additional helpful advice which I can relay to affected parties in order that they might move this forward.
Long Lane
CWaC have works scheduled for w/c 02/12/24 as there are two systems in this location. CWaC have tracked the flow of these waters into ditches that then progress into the culverted line by the property called Oakwood. Extensive clearance of the ditch course downstream has been carried out by landowners in addition to the works CWaC have carried out on de-silting pipework at the location. It is hoped – and this will be monitored – that this will solve the issues affecting a wide area at this end of Saughall village. The ditch clearance work here, by farmers, is excellent and to be welcomed. What is astonishing is the irresponsible behaviour of some people in dumping multiple items that shouldn’t be in ditches – full Christmas trees, bags of nappies etc. This contributes to the challenges the village faces, without question.
Hermitage Road
Extensive works were undertaken on Hermitage Road, in the dip prior to the intersection with Saughall Road, Blacon towards the end of w/c 18 November 2024. These works cleared a silt buildup in the outlet pipe across the field to the south of the carriageway. The system is now running well so hopefully that will have resolved the issue. Operatives also carried out further investigation into a culvert by 139 Hermitage Road which was running, but being fed a large flow of water that limited the work they could do during this visit. A return visit will be scheduled at some time in the future.
Kingswood Lane / Fiddlers Lane
CWaC have done extensive work in this location and have made contact with various landowners. A meeting was held recently and the length of the old ditch course was walked. Some issues were found, and advice given to the landowners to carry out works to ensure the flow of the ditch from the junction of Kingswood Lane through the land to the connection point with CWaC’s drainage line on the A540 Parkgate Road.
Joint ‘Surgery’ dates for 2025 (SE, Parish Council, Cheshire Police)
I have proposed the following dates for these engagement opportunities in 2025, all of which would take place at the Co-op between 10am and 11am.
- Saturday 25th January
- Saturday 10th May
- Saturday 30th August
- Saturday 25th October or Saturday 22nd November
Diversion of traffic through Saughall from Flintshire (Sealand Road) – Elms Hotel fire
Parish Councillor, Mike Johnson, raised concern regarding the diversion of traffic through Saughall which was the result of the fire at the former Elms Hotel, Sealand Road, Flintshire on 26/11/24. I know this also caused considerable concern in the village, not least owing to the volume of traffic and nature of the vehicles concerned through the village as a result. I have logged concerns with CWaC Highways and asked them to liaise with their colleagues in advance of any future incidents of this nature to ensure that all appropriate planning is in place. I have summarised below the response from colleagues in Flintshire (including my equivalent county councillor who is always keen to help and responds promptly around such things). It should, of course, be borne in mind that this was an emergency and decisions are made in that context.
- Flintshire Streetscene officers were called by the emergency services at circa. 9pm on 26/11 to close the A548 Sealand Road, to enable the Fire Service to deal with the incident.
- Junctions at the point of closure were initially manned to prevent vehicles travelling into the closed area.
- A diversion route was note signed into Saughall. The ‘Saughall junction’ was manned throughout the period of the closure. HGVs were flagged and asked to travel on alternative routes.
- Road closure signs were placed on the Sealand Road roundabout and communications issue which stated the road was closed from that point.
- 27/11 – additional highways resources were allocated to manage traffic with a continual presence until the road was reopened.
- Alternative diversion routes would require external traffic management. This was an emergency and time did not allow this.
- In instances where there are planned road closures, traffic is NOT diverted through Saughall. The A494, A5117 and A540 are the routes identified.
Various street lighting faults in the area
Recent reports submitted:
- Hermitage Road – columns 15 and 16 have been ‘out’ for some time (raised several times by a resident in the vicinity). I also raised a report on 03/11/24 (ref. CE659500125). See additional comments below. These have now been fixed.
- Little Saughall – Hermitage Road (approach to Blacon). Reported on 03/11/24 (columns 41, 42, 43). These are now operational. Ref. CE659499549.
- Long Lane, near the driveway to the property Brookhurst. Reported on 04/11/24 (on during the day). Ref. CE659797730.
- Church Road (junction with Saughall Hey). Column not working. Reported on 05/11/24. Ref. CE659855289.
Specifically in relation to columns 15 and 16 on Hermitage Road, I was updated by an officer at CWaC as follows on 05/11/24:
“Thank you for your email below and for reporting the faults via the portal.
Apologies for the delay in response to your previous email and to the updates provided to the resident.
The Highway Term Maintenance Provider has been struggling to complete all the raised Street Lighting works within the agreed timescales. This has been mainly due to the Adaptive Lighting project which requires a large amount of staff resource to re-program the Street Lighting Lanterns to dim on principal roads. This has had a knock-on effect on day-to-day repairs.
As the Adaptive lighting project is nearing completion, I have requested a detailed programme from Colas/Equans which will enable my team to respond to enquiries providing an estimated completion date. Once I have scheduled repair dates which I’m confident Colas/Equans will achieve, we will endeavour to provide updates ASAP.”
Pear Tree Farm Development update
I have received the following update (14/11/24) from the CWaC Planning Enforcement officer dealing with this site. LPA as referenced below means Local Planning Authority, i.e. CWaC:
“The developers have not met the requirements of the breach of condition notice.
Myself and the Planning Officer, had a Teams meeting with Martin and Louise Thompson (Thompson Developments) at the end of September. They informed us that they have severed all ties with the builder that had been originally overseeing the site. They gave the impression that they wished to complete the works now that they are fully responsible and to maybe establish a management company. They proposed that they would submit a timetable to the LPA for the remainder of the works. So far, the LPA has not had any further correspondence from the developers regarding the timetable of works.
Given the amount of time, and the lack of progress from their part, the LPA has begun instructions to the legal team for prosecution proceedings. I would like to highlight that this process can take a substantial period of time, due to the legal proceedings.
I would recommend that the owner(s) of the properties seek their own legal advice regarding the purchase of their property and any outstanding issues.
Thompson Developers are the correct contact regarding on-going site issues, to ensure that any concerns are highlighted.
I hope this information is of use.”
Hedge / concern ref. potential drug use – to the rear of Darlington Crescent
Following the remarks from a member of the public at the November 2024 meeting of the parish council, I have repeated below the last email I received on the matter from CWaC on 12/09/24. This relates to their position and I also asked Cheshire Police officers to maintain vigilance regarding this location on an ongoing basis, which they agreed to do.
I visited the site again myself on 07/11/24 and observed litter, alcohol bottles and a small clear packet which may have been from use of drugs. I have drawn this to the attention of Cheshire Police (PC and PCSO) and CWaC.
Dear Councillor Eardley
Thank you for your Councillor Portal Enquiry regarding Anti Social Behaviour concerns in a hedge to the rear of Darlington Crescent / Anvil Close.
The Senior Manager within the Community Safety team has provided the below information.
This matter has been investigated by officers and discussed at our local multiagency Problem-Solving Group (PSG) on a number of occasions. Community Safety Wardens (CSWs) and Police have deployed resources to monitor the area on several occasions following reports and PSG discussion but have not found any persons responsible or engaging in ASB in the area.
Litter within the hedge has been removed, which will enable us to monitor for further incidents.
The hedge is on Council land and Streetcare have reviewed the hedge, they have advised that any hard pruning would cause the hedge to die, other measures suggested by the ASB unit such as anti-vandal paint within the hedge have also been considered but would be impractical to apply.
Reports of ASB in this area are very low in number, only from one customer, and our last report of ASB was in January 2024.
There is no ongoing ASB that has been reported, but we should continue to encourage reporting concerns from the community as these reports enable partners to prioritise resources and the data is also essential when considering justification for longer term solutions to ASB.
More information on reporting can be found within our online Residents Guide to Reporting Issues.
We hope that this information is useful.
Shotwick Park Estate – post-Cabinet news release
I have repeated below the news release issued by CWaC which followed the Cabinet meeting where this matter was decided.
Plans for woodland and habitat creation at Shotwick Park
Date: 13 November 2024 Reference Number: 6743
Shotwick Park in Saughall will remain in public ownership, following a decision at Cheshire West and Chester’s Cabinet meeting today. The proposed project will establish woodland and habitat creation and will deliver the Council’s aspirations within the Borough Plan to provide Greener Communities.
Plans will be developed to transform the site into a mosaic of native woodland, wildflower meadows, and wetland habitats, with public access incorporated.
The project will support the Council’s ambition to become a carbon neutral borough by 2045, alongside its nature recovery objectives. It will also contribute to the Council’s target of establishing 150ha of new woodland a year, helping to grow the Mersey Forest and the wider Northern Forest.
Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Legal said: “As part of our wider approach to the Council’s land management we’re considering a range of options for our land assets, including this site at Shotwick, which will benefit both nature and our communities, whilst helping us meet our climate targets. The Council will engage with local residents and the parish council and cocreate proposals for the project as it develops. This includes making sure that plans will not affect public access to the footpath network on this site or the ancient scheduled monument of Shotwick Castle, ensuring the relevant requirements for funding and habitat creation are met. Further details will be shared with the local community as plans progress.”
Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the Council, said: “This is a positive step in the future direction of how the Council uses its land, prioritising projects that will improve biodiversity, boost habitat creation and create a carbon store through the establishment and management of woodland. We’re seeing more instances of extreme weather and issues such as localised flooding due to our changing climate, so it is vital that decisions such as this are made with our climate commitments as a top priority. Creating more opportunities for people to access nature provides our residents with so many health and wellbeing benefits and I’m looking forward to seeing this project develop and the community continuing to access this site for recreation purposes.”
Plans are in place to secure funding through the national Trees for Climate programme for the project and to use this as a basis for further work to develop habitat by the Council or by working with other public bodies. The site also provides the opportunity for the Council whilst enhancing ecological resilience and restoring habitat for local wildlife.
The site's archaeological features will be considered when developing plans and Chester Archaeological Society will be engaged throughout the design process.
ENDS
Attachments:
A vision of what could be achieved at Shotwick Park - village view A vision of what could be achieved at Shotwick Park - village view
Current view of Shotwick Park - village view Current view of Shotwick Park - village view
A vision of what could be achieved at Shotwick Park - view over Shotwick Castle A vision of what could be achieved at Shotwick Park - view over Shotwick Castle
Current view of Shotwick Park looking over Shotwick Castle Current view of Shotwick Park looking over Shotwick Castle
Cabinet papers for this item can be found on the Council website.
Trees for Climate
Trees for Climate represents one of the most significant programmes of delivery across the Community Forest network since the first Forests were launched three decades ago.
Funded by Defra, Trees for Climate plays a significant part in the national Government’s commitment to address climate change and carbon mitigation through the planting of millions of trees. What’s more, Trees for Climate is also bringing about much wider social, economic, and environmental transformation across the country.
Find out more at: www.englandscommunityforests.org.uk/trees-for-climate
Land adjacent to Ness Cottage, Coalpit Lane, Saughall, Chester, CH1 6LJ
There is an open and active CWaC Planning Enforcement case in relation to this land. I have now also logged it with Natural England following advice received. I was informed they are the body who have designated this small area as being of special conservation interest and would be the organisation to take enforcement action ultimately if that were to be necessary.
Their response (of 26/11/24) is repeated below.
Our reference – 494850
Dear Cllr Eardley,
Many thanks for your email. I hope that the following information will be helpful.
Natural England’s planning remit
Natural England is a statutory consultee for applications that impact on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or internationally designated sites (Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites); please see further information here. How we respond to Development Management consultations is set out in the Natural England Standard: ‘Responding to Development Management Consultations’ (NESTND037). It sets out what we will consider in relation to biodiversity, geodiversity, landscape, seascape, access, green infrastructure and soils for the development proposals and any associated environmental assessments.
When assessing a site for its suitability for development, we advise local planning authorities (LPAs) and developers to consult our published set of mapped Impact Risk Zones (IRZs). These are available for viewing on MAGIC (defra.gov.uk). MAGiC is a mapping tool which holds geographic information about the natural environment. For guidance on how to access and use the IRZs, see SSSI IRZ User Guidance MAGIC.pdf (defra.gov.uk). IRZs are specifically tailored to each SSSI (which can either be notified for geological or biological reasons) and highlight the types of development that would have the most impact.
MAGiC also includes datasets on Ancient Woodland, Priority Habitat, Local Nature Reserves, National Landscapes (formerly known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)), designated nature conservation sites and Agricultural Land Classification; please see the attached instructions for using MAGiC.
Site designation
As far as I can ascertain from our records, the specific strip of land shown in green on the map below is not itself a designated SAC. It appears that the map screenshot has been taken from the Natural England SAC dataset, however the designated SACs on that particular dataset are shown in dark blue. Nor have I been able to find any record that this land has any specific designation (e.g. SSSI, local nature reserve, or area of priority habitat). The nearest SACs to this site are the Dee Estuary SAC (3.06km away) and the River Dee & Bala Lake SAC (5.39km away).
Wildlife Crime and Enforcement
In the meantime, however, the safeguarding of any protected species on that land remains the owner’s responsibility, and if they commence any activity which may potentially endanger the protected species (e.g. site clearance, demolition), a wildlife crime may be committed. Please note that the Police are the enforcement body for wildlife crime, as opposed to Natural England. Most forces have Wildlife Crime Officers (WCOs) who lead on the investigation of such offences. If you have reasonable grounds to suspect the demolition works could lead to the damage or destruction of any protected species, I suggest contacting your local police force (either online or via 101), to report this matter to them for further investigation as a potential wildlife crime.
Unfortunately Natural England have limited enforcement powers with regards to wildlife (the enforcement page of the our website can be found here - Enforcement laws: advice on protecting the natural environment in England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)). We can only consider a license when planning permission has been granted and all wildlife related conditions have been satisfied. At present we only have enforcement powers relating to protected species where a licence has been issued, and that licence has gone on to be breached. If there is no licence in place for this site it falls outside of our jurisdiction and therefore, unfortunately, we have no powers to investigate this matter at present.
In cases where there are issues with unconsented development/breach of planning regulations and/or a developer has started site/habitat clearance without full planning permission, we would usually advise you to direct your concerns to the LPA as soon as possible, and I see from your email that you have already done. The LPA’s Planning Enforcement Team should then assess whether there has been a breach of planning control and whether further investigations are needed, or any enforcement powers should be used.
Miscellaneous reports / issues
- Carriageway edge deterioration, Fiddlers Lane (left hand side from Parkgate Road before Kingswood Lane). As raised by Cllr Storrar. Reported to CWaC on 06/11/24: ref. CE660470863. Although it was indicated that this area would be given almost immediate attention, this has not happen. I have chased.
- Nitrous oxide canisters (‘catering size’) dumped off the PRoW, Saughall FP7 (Seahill Road). Raised with me by parish councillor Mike Johnson. Reported to CWaC on 07/11/24, ref. CE660774851. I also posted on this subject on my Cllr Facebook page for wider community interest on 08/11/24. This area is on CWaC Farm Estate land and will need to be resolved by them / the tenant farmer. At the time of writing (01/12), I have not checked whether this has now been actioned further.
- Weeds (some long term) around various hardware around the green space of Saughall Hey. Heavy cut back requested. Reported on 07/11/24 with ref. CE660777835. Some of these areas (at the Greenway end) have now been strimmed but it hasn’t been possible to do around the concrete bollards along Saughall Hey which is presumably because of the presence of parked cars (and concern that they might be damaged by such works).
- I have once again (16/11/24) raised concern with CWaC regarding the substantial ‘puddle’ at the church end of Parkway which is persistent and needs addressing. When I observed it again on 15/11 there was running water here, so there may well be some form of leak which need to be attended to by the relevant organisation. I was previously advised as follows – I’ve asked that United Utilities be chased again: “I can confirm that the location has been inspected and that a report has been raised with United Utilities concerning the standing water as I suspect it is associated with their asset, colleagues who live locally have informed me that the water is present during dry periods and can be sometimes seen to be trickling along the footway area.”
- I have agreed to fund Community Speedwatch hi-vis vests from my Member Budget and suggested this is done via the parish council for ease in terms of the application process.
