Appendix A Strategic Context

CWaC’s development plan comprises the Local Plan (Part One) Strategic Policies (2015) and the Local Part (Part Two) Land Allocations and Detailed Policies (2019).¹ These two documents work together to set the overall vision, strategic objectives, spatial strategy, planning policies, and allocate land for development.

As set out in CWaC’s Local Plan (Part One), Chester is the key economic driver for the borough, acting as sub-regional centre for employment, shopping, leisure, culture, tourism, and other facilities. Development will enhance the city’s role as a sub-regional centre whilst being compatible with the conservation or enhancement of the city centre and the character and setting of the city (Local Plan Policy STRAT 3). Chester is set to accommodate a high proportion of its housing need and 44,000 m2 of high-quality office floorspace adjacent to Chester Railway Station as part of the Chester Business Quarter (see below).

Located within the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Chester is part of an ambitious sub-region seeking to grow into a £50 billion economy by 2040. The LEP have produced a Strategic Economic Plan to drive the economy forward, capitalising on the sub-region’s unique strengths and opportunities. It is a strategy to support growth and economic development over the next 20+ years, doubling the size of the economy and setting out the key economic, environmental, and social strengths on which that growth will be founded.

In relation to Chester, the Strategic Economic Plan acknowledges that creating an excellent ‘Quality of Place’ is an essential component underpinning economic growth. High quality places, housing, leisure and retail offer and visitor economy are key to attracting and retaining the skilled workers and their families needed to support the sub-region’s businesses. The success of Chester City Centre has therefore wideranging implications for Chester and the wider sub-region.