Noticestices

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Application from Morris Homes to build 136 houses on Chester Road

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At Preston Brook Parish Council, we’re working hard to ensure our village retains its charm and character, even as new developments are proposed. A recent application from Morris Homes to build 136 houses on Chester Road has raised several concerns, and we’re making our position clear: this development, as it stands, is not good enough for Preston Brook. You can read the full objection here. 

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Here is why we have objected on our residents' behalf:

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Protecting Our Heritage

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Preston Brook is rich in history, from the unique Tarporley Siltstone to the iconic Preston Brook Tunnel on the Bridgewater Canal. These aren’t just features - they’re part of what makes our community special. The developer’s plans fail to properly consider these assets, with proposals that could damage their surroundings.

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For example, wire mesh gabion walls are suggested in the design which are out of place and unsuitable for the area. We’ve called for natural stone alternatives to preserve the heritage feel. Likewise, the Preston Brook Tunnel and other historic landmarks have been overlooked in the developer’s heritage assessments and this simply isn’t acceptable.

 

Roadside and Canal Space must be Preserved

 

We’re also standing firm on protecting key community spaces like the grassy verges by Chester Road and the Canal. These spots attract visitors and provide a peaceful area for residents. The proposed cycle path could see these spaces lost or reduced - something we’re opposing.

We’ve suggested practical alternatives, such as turning the cycle path into a shared space or ensuring it stops short of the most valued areas. Adding benches, bins, and heritage-style streetlights would enhance, not harm, these spaces.

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Fair Contributions for our Community

 

Developers are required to contribute to local improvements, but the proposed funds are earmarked for projects far from Preston Brook, such as Wigg Island. This does nothing for our village, and could take some residents up to an hour to get to if travelling by public transport. We’ve argued that these funds should stay local, improving community facilities, supporting sustainability, and enhancing the Canal.

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For example, we’ve proposed funding for things like:

• Interpretation boards along the Canal to share its history.

• Better seating, bike racks, and lighting to make the area more welcoming.

• Collaborating with the Canal & River Trust, and Heatherfield Heritage, on educational projects like a “canal classroom”. 

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Looking Ahead

 

The Parish Council is not opposed to development, and recognises the area has been earmarked for considerable housing development in the coming years, but it must be done right. The character of Preston Brook needs to be respected, and any new projects should benefit the people who live here. We’ll continue to fight for changes to these plans and to make sure any decisions protect what makes our village unique.

Your support matters. Let’s keep Preston Brook the place we know and love.

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Proposed site layout:​

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Budget + Precept 2024-2025

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The Council is required to set an annual budget to deliver services,

and its income is financed through a combination of the parish precept,

and grants.

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Over the past few years the Council has made efforts to establish a

realistic budget. The Council is now better equipped to respond to

issues as they arise and unforeseen circumstances (such as

detrimental planning applications) without this impacting the delivery

of other services. These increments over recent years would have been

less significant if there had been more reasonable annual increments

applied historically. However, between 2000-2020 the precept increased

by an average annual sum of only £1.16 per annum. While this produced

an overall saving for taxpayers for close to two decades, it effectively

resulted in real-term budget cuts throughout most of the Council’s recent

existence as the precept fell far short of inflation. If the Parish Council

has increased its precept by just £5 per annum per year since 2000,

then the Parish would have been in a much healthier fiscal position and would have enough precept and reserves to accommodate all overheads. 

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Across a similar period the second-tier authority, Halton Borough Council, has experienced funding reductions of £57 million since 2010.

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In reaction to these circumstances, the Parish Council has tried to play a more proactive role and reduce the potential risk of watching a decline of services in the Parish by undertaking additional public realm improvements in the village, whilst trying to protect and safeguard the community against overdevelopment which would involve significant alteration of our landscape and risk a loss of Preston Brook as residents know it today.

 

This year’s precept brings us almost to the level necessary to deliver all of our services, make additional investment in the Parish and the community, and continue making a meaningful difference to the people of Preston Brook. 

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It is important to note that the Council’s costs have increased significantly in recent years, and it is becoming more difficult to maintain lower precept requests, without compromising on service delivery. 

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The new precept delivers a Band D rate of £141.74, which is a year-on-year increase of £1.16 per week. 

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To view the full budget and precept report, please click here.

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