Cllr Simon Eardley's report to the November 2025 meeting of Saughall & Shotwick Park Parish Council

Saughall report - November 2025

Cllr Simon Eardley submitted the following report ahead of the November 2025 meeting of Saughall & Shotwick Park Parish Council on Monday 17th November 2025. As always, there's been plenty going on in the village since the last meeting - read on to find out more about his work locally.

Licensing application – off licence, Church Road

This licensing application has aroused a lot of comment in the village. I share the many concerns that residents have made in objection to it and have reflected these in a substantive submission to the CWaC Licensing Department (and therefore the Licensing Committee as a result). My submission, which I am happy to supply in full for those interested, comments on the four key criteria for ‘objections’ and follows on from 39 individual representations received by me on behalf of 48 residents. In terms of the four ‘Licensing Objectives’, I have summarised here (in broad terms) what these representations refer to (the total number below will be greater than number of representations sent as some comment on more than one):

  • The prevention of crime and disorder – 23
  • The prevention of public nuisance – 35
  • The prevention of harm to children – 10
  • Public safety – 26

The contacts from residents were supplied in full in addition to my overall submission and covered some 15 pages of comment. I also supplied details of the proposed ‘no waiting at any time restrictions’ on Church Road from CWaC Highways which is directly relevant to this application, particularly in respect of concerns around ‘public safety.’

A date for a hearing to consider the application by the Licensing Committee has been set for Tuesday 18th November 2025. Regrettably a very long-standing prior engagement means I will not be able to address the committee in person. However, this should not make a substantive difference to the process as the detailed representation I have already submitted will be taken fully and properly into account. Cllr Jenny Young has indicated a willingness to offer verbal remarks on my behalf and I will ensure she is supplied with the necessary in advance of the meeting.

Joint surgery outcome – 08 November 2025

I am grateful to Cllrs Jenny Young and Jeanne Storrar for joining me and PCSO Leason for the ‘joint surgery’ which took place on the above date. A summary of the issues raised is given here:

  • An electoral registration matter – successfully resolved following the ‘surgery’.
  • Ongoing concerns expressed by residents in relation to the off licence licensing application (see substantive comments above).
  • Query regarding when the proposed ‘double yellow lines’ on Church Road / Aldersey Close will be progressed. An update is awaited from officers at CWaC.
  • Concerns regarding inconsiderate use of fireworks over an extended period of time in the village, including detritus left behind on the field to the rear of Church Road.

This was the final 2025 joint surgery. I will propose dates for 2026 in due course.

Community speedwatch

I participated in a community speedwatch session on 31 October on Seahill Road. In the hour-long session, no drivers were observed going in excess of the 30mph limit in this location – good news! I am pleased to say we have also resolved an outstanding query from September in relation to permission to erect the ‘SID device’ on a further lighting column on The Ridings.

Thanks once again to all the volunteers for their valuable work on this ongoing activity.

Proposed telephone mast to the rear of ‘The Ridings’ and other roads

I have been advised as follows in respect of this recent application (see decision notice attached also):

25/01983/TEL. Proposal: The installation of 1no. monopole mast (height up to 25m) which includes antennas, dishes, operator cabinets, multi-user electrical cabinet, and ancillary development thereto. This multiuser structure with secure compound and power supply will provide coverage in the wider area.

“The Council, acting in its capacity as the Local Planning Authority, write to inform you that prior approval of the siting and design of the proposed development is required and that such prior approval is hereby approved.”

The planning officer dealing with this application has also advised me as follows: “As you can imagine, I had a couple of emails from residents following the granting of prior approval. I have, however, called each of them to discuss their concerns, explain the decision, and hopefully alleviate some of the dissatisfaction they felt.”

I’ve asked the CWaC digital specialist for his view around ‘next steps’ and his reply as follows:

“We don’t have any information on when or who yet as we are now entering the stage where the mast location and build type will be put in front of providers but I’m happy to keep you in the loop as it progresses. I’d say we’re a few months away and I would anticipate a mast to be built and operational by Summer 2026 but we take a step back now as a Council and leave it to the private sector to negotiate.”

Planning applications – The Woodlands, Church Road, Saughall (25/02361/FUL and 25/02362/FUL)

The above planning applications had a provisional call-in notice on them from me, but following dialogue with CWaC officers (both enforcement and planning) this has now been withdrawn. I have received a full explanation to support this being the most appropriate way to deal with these applications which underlines my decision and further assurances have also been sought.

CWaC officer comments:

“25/02362/FUL - Replacement garage (a rebuild of the existing garage as originally built with a flat roof

25/02361/FUL - Rear Extension to provide additional living accommodation

The Woodlands, Church Road, Saughall, Chester, CH1 6EP

Dear Councillor Eardley

Further to discussions the other week regarding the above site, as promised I am emailing to set out the Council’s position on the current pending planning applications.

As you are aware the Council successfully defended the Enforcement Notice served on the property owner and have subsequently returned previously submitted planning applications under S70C of the Town and Country Planning Act as they were not significantly different from the dismissed Enforcement Appeal.

The options were made very clear to the property owner that he could either comply with the notice or face prosecution or we would allow one last opportunity to submit a planning application for a proposal that would be so significantly different from the Enforcement Notice that the LPA would allow the matter to be assessed.

  • The two storey rear extension has been proposed to be reduced by 10 metres to a depth that would be considered appropriate
  • The garage has removed the pitched roof and may be permitted development now.

In essence these changes are significantly different.

The Enforcement Notice is extant and we can decide to prosecute at any time.

We are considering making a recommendation for these proposed applications to be approved as they would not be considered to result in undue harm to the character of the area or residential amenity. However, these applications will only be on a 1 year permission rather than the standard 3 years, as the LPA are not prepared to allow 3 years for the changes to take place. If the proposed scheme is approved and not implemented, please note this does not remove the Council’s position to prosecute the homeowner for what is already on site due to the works being unauthorised, dismissed at appeal and not complying with the Enforcement Notice.

I note that you have provisionally called in both applications to planning committee and this is your gift to do so, but further to our discussions and explanation above, can you please let Dave Cowell know if you are content subject to our position for the matters to be dealt with by delegated powers rather than by planning committee..

I hope the above provides you with the comfort you may require.”

I then commented as follows:

“Just on this point: “The garage has removed the pitched roof and may be permitted development now.” It says ‘may’ – is it PD under your assessment? The timeframe of 1 year for the changes to occur is important. Please can you assure me that once 12 months have elapsed, officers will attend the site and verify compliance? I don’t want to get into a long and protracted business here if the property owner is not compliant. Fairly immediate action will be needed from my perspective and I would like to be able to state that clearly when I update residents who have been in correspondence with me on this site.”

Further CWaC officer comments as follows:

“In answer to your permitted development question, one of the relevant criteria of permitted development relates to the height not exceeding 2.5 metres in the case of an outbuilding, enclosure or container within 2 metres of the boundary of the curtilage of the dwellinghouse. The building is within two metres of the south-western boundary, so the proposed amendment to a flat roof, scaling to not exceed 2.5 metres in height, would meet this criteria.”

Reminder – please don’t park ‘poorly’ on pavements

I have received correspondence from numerous residents in relation to poor parking on numerous roads around the parish, including Long Lane, which have often impeded full pedestrian use of pavements. A reminder of a Police letter issued in the Aspen Grove area recently to vehicles causing challenges. This contains some sound advice for residents to follow:

“Cheshire Police have received numerous reports regarding poor standard of parking on [Name of road]. Parking such as the blocking of pavements and parking close to the junction.

The pavement needs to be accessible for pedestrians, prams, wheelchairs, etc. Please be mindful to leave a wide enough gap to allow people to use the pathway safely.

Please avoid parking within 10 metres (32 feet) of the junction. This allows motorists to emerge from, turn into the junction a clear view of the road they’re joining, enabling them to see potential hazards. If possible, please use your personal driveway to park vehicle(s). If you could also inform / advise, friends, family and anyone who visits your home.

You will see an increased presence of police to make sure the above is being adhered to.”

Dog fouling in the village

A resident contacted me in October with concerns about inconsiderate dog fouling on Hermitage Road and Church Road, describing it as like having to 'dodge the dog poo' all the way to and from the school each day. This is clearly both unpleasant and unacceptable. Bagged dog waste can, of course, be placed in any council street bin.

In response to other queries on this recently, I was also sent the following by the CWaC Dog Warden Service. As you will see, it is possible to be fined – so it is worth taking a look at the comments below:

  • The Dog Warden Service will continue to patrol the area, instructing persons seen to be in control of dogs to clean up after their dogs.
  • If persons are seen to allow a dog to foul, they will be spoken to first and if appropriate they will be issued with a fixed penalty notice for the offence.
  • As was stated in the communication there are a number of bins in the area, that can be used for depositing dog waste as well as general litter.
  • Whilst on patrol I [the Dog Warden] do challenge people as to having with them a receptacle to remove the waste their dog produce, under the Crime and Policing Act 2014. If the person fails to produce to the officer the means to remove dog fouling, they can be issued with a fixed penalty notice. The full amount is £100 if paid within 14 days of issue with a reduced penalty amount of £75 if paid within 7 working days, with a maximum penalty on conviction in the Magistrates court of £1000.
  • Whilst I am out doing these patrols, I also hand out oxo biodegradable dog waste bags which helps to encourage responsible dog ownership.

You can read more about the council’s approach to ‘dog and animal fouling’ issues here: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/streets-and-open-spaces/dog-and-animal-fouling

Bluebell Wood pond concerns

Within 'Bluebell Wood' there's a pond (basically up from the left if you are on the official 'public right of way' route as you enter the wood itself from the fields near Shotwick House). In the very dry weather this summer, visibility of this pond was reduced and only in recent weeks with the rain has it become more obviously in its natural state. I have been in correspondence with CWaC officers in to see where some modest signage might be erected which gives a warning of the presence of the pond. This is a good reminder though of the sensible approach of sticking to well established and official routes. For those who use 'what three words', the location is: 'earlobe.clinic.creeps.' Some people have commented around the longevity of their residence in the village and that some modest warning signage isn’t necessary as it is ‘widely known’ that this pond exists. Whilst this may be so in some instances, it is not universally so. This pond may well be restored in the coming months/years as part of the wider project works in the area, but in the meantime, I will pursue with officers having this signage placed in the area.

HyNet CO2 pipeline project

I have been advised that the next public engagement / information session will be held as follows: Wednesday 10th December 2025 – Northop Hall | 4pm to 7pm (one was also held on Tuesday 11th November 2025 – Thornton-le-Moors). More information around the whole project is available here: www.hynethub.co.uk

With various works now underway in the area, some residents have been in touch with their current concerns. One such issue was the substantial amount of mud left behind by operations on various roads. This was raised with the project team and assurances given that they would tackle the problem raised. This was actioned at the time.

Miscellaneous

  • Tree (apparently ‘leaning’) on Coalpit Lane (approach to Mollington). This tree was logged as potentially of concern on 07/09/25 - ref. CE747242894. It is a private tree within the curtilage of the land on the left as you approach the bend. A ‘tree officer’ has now advised (20/10/25): “I’ve checked the notes and the tree was checked by one of the team and found not to be an elevated risk at the moment. I’ve also looked back at historic streetviews and it doesn’t look like the lean has increased in the last 16 years. I suspect it just looks worse because ivy has been taken off the tree in the last few years so the stem is more visible against the surrounding vegetation.”
  • Church Road – grid opposite Chapel House, tarmac deterioration around. Reported on 09/10/25 (ref. CE755935950). This has not been actioned and will be reported again.
  • Church Road – grid opposite Rustic Cottage, tarmac deterioration around. Reported on 09/10/25 (ref. CE755938903). This has been resolved.
  • Church Road – grid outside Aldersey House, tarmac deterioration around. Reported on 09/10/25 (ref. CE755940743). This has been resolved.
  • Request for consideration to be given to the introduction of ‘double yellow lines’ at the junction of Aspen Grove /  Hermitage Road. Logged on 23/10/25, ref. CLR759569819.
  • Siding out query in relation to Long Lane (and appropriateness of Highways Volunteer Scheme). Logged on 03/11/25, ref. CLR762109057. Response awaited.
  • Over 40 areas have been marked up for highways repair on Parkgate Road, broadly where it passes through Saughall (but in Mollington also). This is welcome news and I await the works being fulfilled.

CWaC consultation prior to 2026 budget

Each year, Cheshire West and Chester Council undertake a consultation prior to embarking on their budget planning which will culminate in a meeting of the Council in February 2026 to set a budget for the forthcoming year and also decide on whether or not council tax should be raised. CWaC have now launched their latest budget consultation called ‘Fit for the Future’ and they are inviting you to have your say on these issues. The blurb they have issued reads like this:

“Cheshire West and Chester Council is inviting residents, businesses, and community organisations to take part in its annual budget consultation, Fit for the Future. The consultation asks people to share their views on how the Council should plan for the years ahead, making the best use of public money while continuing to protect vital local services.

The Council spends almost one billion pounds each year delivering services that matter most to residents, from social care and schools to waste collection and roads. With rising costs and increasing demand, the Council must make careful choices about how to balance its budget and plan for the future.”

The Fit for the Future consultation runs from Monday 20 October until Sunday 30 November 2025.

There are several ways you can get involved and have your say:

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