Cllr Simon Eardley attends as many meetings of parish councils in the Saughall and Mollington Ward as possible. At each, he is given an opportunity to report back on issues and challenges he has been engaged with over the weeks between meetings. Below are copies of his reports to such meetings in March 2025.
Saughall & Shotwick Park Parish Council - meeting held on Monday 3rd March 2025
Full report available here: https://www.simoneardley.uk/news/report-saughall-shotwick-park-parish-council-march-2025
Capenhurst & Ledsham Parish Council - meeting held on Tuesday 4th March 2025
Rectory Lane battery storage facility – planning application considered at the Planning Committee on 04 February 2025. Robustly debated (thanks to Tom Miller for speaking on behalf of the community) – tight vote (5 yes, 4 no, 2 abstain). SE (and cc’d to Cllr Clowes) has been in touch with Jonny Hill (Firstway Solar), regarding the promised 'Community Benefit Fund'. His reply as follows:
“We’re still working through the Unilateral Undertaking with the Council so we haven’t technically received the planning permission yet as the Decision Notice is still to be issued.
Once the Decision Notice has been issued, we will be contacting the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) to advise them that we have planning permission. They will then in turn re-confirm the grid connection. Due to the grid connection reforms that OFGEM and NESO are currently carrying out we expect the DNO to re-confirm our connection in summer 2025.
Once we have the grid connection re-confirmed we will be in touch to finalise the Community Benefit Fund.”
CWaC agreed its budget for 2025/26 on 20 February 2025.
This meeting resulted in a 4.99% increase in council tax being approved – I voted against. For the typical ‘band D’ property, that means an annual charge now of £1978.09. During the course of the budget debate I, or other members of the political group of which I am a member, proposed the following:
- The introduction of 20 mph zones around schools across the borough which don’t currently have this provision. After much discussion, this was finally agreed, although in the original intended format that I had proposed.
- The introduction of a ‘Safer Routes to Schools’ officer to look at strategic challenges around ‘active travel’ to school and education institutions. The ruling administration rejected this proposal.
- An increase to the gully cleansing budget (£225,000) and thereby an expansion of its scope. The ruling administration rejected this proposal.
- The introduction of a ‘siding out’ budget for pavements experiencing ‘overgrowth’ from vegetation (£200,000). The ruling administration rejected this proposal.
I have arranged a meeting with CWaC Flood Team to review all outstanding issues across the Saughall & Mollington Ward – agreed for 28/03/25 - this includes well known challenges within the parish.
Member Budget application – January 2025. Agreed £300 which has been received (for litter picking equipment).
CWaC will proceed towards a ‘devolution deal’ in the coming months. Agreed that ‘we’ are to be fast-tracked and will elect a Mayor in May 2026. Precise responsibilities and scope to be agreed. Various consultations underway, including with the public in due course.
Various issues reported in recent times:
- Badgers Rake Lane (Parkgate Road end) – sweeper request. Logged 03/03/25.
- Water leak, Ledsham village (outside 1 Holly Bank Farm). Logged 16/02/25.
- Multiple potholes, Capenhurst Lane, village (near Penfold Close). Logged 16/02/25.
- Water leak, Capenhurst Lane (up from Capeles), village. Logged 16/02/25.
Lea-by-Backford Parish Council - meeting held on Monday 10th March 2025
- Drainage matters – comprehensive meeting planned with CWaC officers for 28 March 2025 to review issues in various locations across the Saughall and Mollington Ward, including on Grove Road (in the vicinity of the property, Aerona, and elsewhere).
- 25/00378/AGR | Erection of agricultural building to store machinery, produce and fodder. | Land East of Demage Lane (Between Lee Hall Farm and Lea Hall Cottages) | Lea by Backford, Chester, Cheshire. Views of parish councillors sought, although this application will be dealt with under delegated officer powers (i.e. there is no right of ‘call-in’).
- HyNet CO2 pipeline project update. The outcome and notes for the liaison meeting held on 18th February 2025 were circulated to parish councillors on 24th February and are available at this link: www.simoneardley.uk/news/hynet-co2-pipeline-project-february-2025-update
- CWaC agreed its budget for 2025/26 on 20 February 2025. This meeting resulted in a 4.99% increase in council tax being approved – I voted against. For the typical ‘band D’ property, that means an annual charge now of £1978.09. During the course of the budget debate I, or other members of the political group of which I am a member, proposed the following:
- The introduction of 20 mph zones around schools across the borough which don’t currently have this provision. After much discussion, this was finally agreed, although in the original intended format that I had proposed.
- The introduction of a ‘Safer Routes to Schools’ officer to look at strategic challenges around ‘active travel’ to school and education institutions. The ruling administration rejected this proposal.
- An increase to the gully cleansing budget (£225,000) and thereby an expansion of its scope. The ruling administration rejected this proposal.
- The introduction of a ‘siding out’ budget for pavements experiencing ‘overgrowth’ from vegetation (£200,000). The ruling administration rejected this proposal.
- As requested at the January meeting of the parish council, I asked CWaC officers to issue a ‘cut back’ notice in respect of a hedge on Station Road. This was logged on 16/02/25 (ref. CE688023933). Officer has acknowledged this will be actioned.
- Broadband in the area update – further to recent engagement with parish councils, I have received this frustrating update from the CWaC Digital Officer (10/03/25). I have also emailed the Chester North and Neston MP to ask her to look into the matter at a ‘national level’ as there is stated government ambition to improve broadband provision across the country – this MUST include rural areas.
“The Connecting Cheshire Partnership (Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester, Halton and Warrington Borough Council) have been made aware by Building Digital UK (BDUK) that Freedom Fibre and BDUK have mutually agreed to terminate the contract for Cheshire (lot 17).
Whilst the local authorities do not control or manage this project, we are in constant contact with our representatives at BDUK about this matter. BDUK have assured us that that they are already moving swiftly to put in place alternative solutions for premises that were due to be connected via this contract and remain committed to achieving full gigabit coverage across the UK by 2030. We will work with BDUK in understanding and agreeing the next steps of broadband deployment for Cheshire, Halton and Warrington, ensuring the focus on broadband remains a priority for the many premises who still desperately need better broadband connectivity.
Our latest project information can be found via our Digital Cheshire Programme and the team are contactable via the website: www.digital-cheshire.co.uk”
Backford & District Parish Council - meeting held on Tuesday 11th March 2025
BT have once again initiated a consultation on the potential removal of the telephone kiosk on the village green in Backford as it has been used 16 times in the last 12 months only (i.e. an average of just over once per month). This is an issue that has been discussed before. The Parish Council have previously indicated a willingness to take the kiosk on as an asset and potentially turn it over to an alternative use. The PC have confirmed their willingness to do this again should BT be clear in their wish to stop the use of this kiosk for its originally intended purpose.
Sign on the approach to the Little Rake Lane / Rake Lane ‘difficult bend’ – logged on 16/02/25 (ref. CE688025607). Officer has reviewed, indicated they will monitor and in due course increase the depth of the concrete base.
Concerns regarding the health of a tree on Rake Lane. This was logged on 07/09/24 (Ref. CE644799618). A CWaC Tree Team officer has now been out on site and advised on 10/03/25 as follows: “Thank you for your enquiry. To advise, I have now inspected the Oak tree and no further action is required.”
HyNet CO2 pipeline project update. The outcome and notes for the liaison meeting held on 18th February 2025 were circulated to parish councillors on 24th February and are available at this link: www.simoneardley.uk/news/hynet-co2-pipeline-project-february-2025-update
CWaC agreed its budget for 2025/26 on 20 February 2025. This meeting resulted in a 4.99% increase in council tax being approved – I voted against. For the typical ‘band D’ property, that means an annual charge now of £1978.09. During the course of the budget debate I, or other members of the political group of which I am a member, proposed the following:
- The introduction of 20 mph zones around schools across the borough which don’t currently have this provision. After much discussion, this was finally agreed, although in the original intended format that I had proposed.
- The introduction of a ‘Safer Routes to Schools’ officer to look at strategic challenges around ‘active travel’ to school and education institutions. The ruling administration rejected this proposal.
- An increase to the gully cleansing budget (£225,000) and thereby an expansion of its scope. The ruling administration rejected this proposal.
- The introduction of a ‘siding out’ budget for pavements experiencing ‘overgrowth’ from vegetation (£200,000). The ruling administration rejected this proposal.
Broadband in the area update – further to recent engagement with parish councils, I have received this frustrating update from the CWaC Digital Officer (10/03/25). I have also emailed the Chester North and Neston MP to ask her to look into the matter at a ‘national level’ as there is stated government ambition to improve broadband provision across the country – this MUST include rural areas.
“The Connecting Cheshire Partnership (Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester, Halton and Warrington Borough Council) have been made aware by Building Digital UK (BDUK) that Freedom Fibre and BDUK have mutually agreed to terminate the contract for Cheshire (lot 17).
Whilst the local authorities do not control or manage this project, we are in constant contact with our representatives at BDUK about this matter. BDUK have assured us that that they are already moving swiftly to put in place alternative solutions for premises that were due to be connected via this contract and remain committed to achieving full gigabit coverage across the UK by 2030. We will work with BDUK in understanding and agreeing the next steps of broadband deployment for Cheshire, Halton and Warrington, ensuring the focus on broadband remains a priority for the many premises who still desperately need better broadband connectivity.
Our latest project information can be found via our Digital Cheshire Programme and the team are contactable via the website: www.digital-cheshire.co.uk”
Possibility of a vehicle activated sign on Rake Lane – response to query submitted received from CWaC as follows: “The highway service officers have advised that there is a criteria which they work to for the provision of vehicle activated signs such as you have requested for Rake Lane. They have undertaken an assessment using data they have which shows the speeds are lower than required to meet the justification for a sign. What this would mean is that should a sign be erected; it would rarely flash as although drivers may be approaching at a speed that is not appropriate for the bend, they are not exceeding the speed limit which is the level they [the sign] would be set at, so it is not appropriate for this type of sign to be put up.”
Planning – house building targets. These personal observations may be helpful in the context future planning / green belt issues in the parish:
The full implications of the Labour government’s ambition to build many more homes across the country are now becoming better understood. In simple terms the local house building target has been almost quadrupled. The total for Cheshire West and Chester, each year, is to be 1914 new homes per year - instead of the existing target of just over 500. As a result of this increase, and the speed at which the government wants it done, it may be harder to stand up to developers wanting to build on inappropriate green spaces in our local communities. It is possible that the new planning guidance will give the requirements of Neighbourhood Plans much less weight with the balance in favour of the developer and Cheshire West expects to receive speculative applications from developers. This is not necessarily a reason not to undertake this work though. My view is that a ‘brownfield first’ approach is best as once a green space is gone, it’s gone forever. Housing must also be delivered sustainably - where infrastructure like roads, schools, GP surgeries - are built alongside. CWaC has overachieved on its housing targets EVERY year since 2010, consistently having more houses built than other local authorities in England. It is my intention to survey residents for their views on this subject in the near future.
I have received correspondence (letter and plan attached - not published on this webpage) regarding a proposed upgrade to an existing ‘base radio station [phone mast] installation’ at Backford, Chester, CH1 6PE (NGR E: 339129 N: 372705) – basically next to the M56 where it crosses the A41. It is advised that, ‘The site is needed to provide enhanced 2G and 4G coverage and capacity as well as new 5G service provision to ensure that customers experience access to the latest technologies currently available. The installation will also meet the extra demands on the network in this area as new technologies improve increasing the demand for 4G and 5G technologies.’ If you have any views on this proposal, please let me know ASAP.
Notice has been received regarding a Planning Appeal (attached) which will be determined by means of written representations. This is in respect of ‘Land At Liverpool Road, Backford.’ Description of development: Erection of two 3 block of stables and two 2 block stables with hardstanding. Planning or Enforcement ref: 23/03838/FUL. Planning Inspector ref: APP/A0665/W/25/3360625. Planning Inspector: Appeal reference: 25/00029/REF.
Appeal start date: 6 March 2025. Comment before: 10 April 2025.
If the parish council wish to make comments, or modify/withdraw any previous representation, you can do so online at: https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk. Comments can also be sent to to: Claire Vicary, The Planning Inspectorate Room 3D Temple Quay House 2 The Square Bristol BS1 6PN All representations must be received by 10 April 2025.
Following the January 2025 meeting of the parish council, I logged a query with CWaC Highways around the possibility of the PC using some of its financial resources to supplement (add to) the gully cleansing regime in the parish. This was logged on 11/02/25 and I have chased it further for a reply.
Chorlton Lane resurfacing works:
At the end of January, I received notification of a CWaC Highways order to temporarily prohibit traffic during preparation works for / a surface treatment works programme from the 10th February 2025 for a maximum of 18 months for various sites around the borough. This notice included Chorlton Lane, Chorlton-by-Backford and it is expected that any works will be completed by October 2025. Very welcome news!
I queried the timeframes for Chorlton Lane specifically and was advised further:
“These sites are pre-patching sites – in preparation for preventative treatments during the summer – i.e. surface dressing, micro asphalt etc. The below site you have specifically mentioned is the section in red currently, however I am evaluating the (section I’ve marked in yellow) in regard to cost and warranty liability to continue the scheme extents further – really its borderline to be able to pre-patch and surface dress. The decision I am contemplating is whether to refer it to the resurfacing programme (but it would be so far down the list it could takes years to get to) or do something in terms of preventative treatments rather than leave it to further deteriorate.”
I have received the following further update (14/03) on this which represents progress (more of which will follow):
“I am writing to provide you with an update on the proposed treatment works on Chorlton Lane. Essentially, we are looking at surface treatment options from its junction with Croughton Road to its junction with Little Rake Lane. Having scoped the site, surface dressing is suitable with patching up to the entrance of the fuel depot, but we will need to explore other material options from this point, due to the level of surface deterioration. We will be returning to examine the section highlighted from the entrance of the fuel depot to Little Rake Lane to determine what treatment would be most suitable along this section potentially next week. Once the site has been re-examined, we will provide an additional update on the works being carried out.”
Mollington Parish Council - meeting held on Thursday 20th March 2025
I was away from Cheshire on the day of this meeting, so this report was submitted in writing to the parish council in advance.
Field near Crabwall Manor / Hall
Parish councillors will be aware of the development that has taken place at the field at the entrance to the driveway to Crabwall Manor / Hall. This has been a location of some concern for many months and has clearly escalated in recent weeks. The latest information I have is set out in the note I published on my councillor Facebook page recently (repeated below in italics).
Once the planning application that is mentioned is received, I intend to ask for it to be considered by the CWaC Planning Committee. I would appreciate the parish council giving the matter its close attention also at that point. This will also be the time when residents can ‘have their say’ in a formal way. I am in touch with several people on the matter and will keep them updated. In a communication sent to someone earlier this week, I did say the following: “I will do my best to resist this [application] through the formal mechanisms available to me as a councillor. A word of caution though, even if planning permission is not granted by the Council, there is an appeal process which in recent years has often been favourable to applicants.” This will need to be borne in mind as the issue develops.
Further to previous communications regarding the unauthorised development activity at a field off Parkgate Road to the right of the entrance driveway to Crabwall Hall, I can update as follows:
- Concerns in relation to this site have been consistently logged by me with CWaC Planning Enforcement since late October 2024.
- Further information and concerns were logged again following an intensification of activity on Friday 28th February, over the subsequent weekend and since. I asked Planning Enforcement to undertake urgent enquiries regarding the site. This was actioned on Monday 3rd March with a site visit by two officers.
- Some indication of the intentions of the landowner have been gathered. This included a verbal intention to submit a planning application regarding the site and a timeframe for submission was given. I await further developments in that regard and will review in due course.
- CWaC officers have confirmed to me that they are actively considering what enforcement action they may be in a position to take in relation to what has already been undertaken. I have asked to be kept informed.
- Development without planning permission is unacceptable in my view, although not illegal. A green field, in the green belt, has been almost completely turned into a site with a hardcore surface and living accommodation is on site with no clear waste or sewerage infrastructure present. If development is sought, it should only happen with appropriate permissions is my starting point for these things.
I will continue to keep residents informed as this matter develops.
Drainage matters around the village
I have arranged a comprehensive meeting with CWaC officers for 28 March 2025 to review issues in various locations across the Saughall and Mollington Ward, including on Grove Road (in the vicinity of the property, Aerona) and elsewhere. This meeting was first mooted in early January 2025 and I am very frustrated that it has taken until now to get it firmly in the diary. I will feedback on the outcome / actions that will hopefully follow from this important engagement.
Separate to this, it was suggested some time ago that we (the parish council and me as the borough councillor) put together a newsletter focused on the responsibilities of landowners / homeowners regarding drainage (ditches / riparian responsibilities etc) and other matters (such as hedges). This has not progressed yet owing to the pressure of other work, but it will be actioned in the coming weeks. Advice will be sought at the meeting above in respect of some of the content. I will cover the production costs of this, but would appreciate some support with delivery of the document around the parish in due course.
Townfield Lane matters
As parish councillors will be aware, Parkgate Road, in the vicinity of Long Lane, was closed for a period of time recently and this caused considerable challenges. The works were entirely necessary owing to a fault identified by Scottish Power. However, the traffic challenges locally (especially on Townfield Lane) were intolerable at times, not least owing to drivers acting irresponsibly by not following the well sign-posted diversion routes. I discussed this matter with the CWaC Director of Transport on 28/02/25 and remarked that it is essential for key learnings to be taken away for the future, including the need for more ‘hands on’ traffic management by the instigator of the closure (which wasn’t CWaC in this instance).
You were all sent a note on 14/03/25 as below. Points 1 and 2 relate to the challenges that arose from the Parkgate Road closure. I attach images received today in relation to sweeper works that have been undertaken, further to the comments under ‘street cleansing.’ I await a further update from Highways in respect of the verge issues. Progress is gradually being made; please continue to be patient.
- Surface cleansing
Cllr Great to catch up earlier. As I explained in our call the far side of the road is still sludge with vast amounts of water but is drying and Highways were on site cleaning drains.
I envisaged by Tuesday it will be best condition to have another go hopefully get it back to exceptional standard.
Please reassure villagers this will be resolved ,and I will catch up with you next week
Paul
Customer & Quality Officer
Street Care Services
- Verge assessment for repairs
Note received on 10/03/25 from CWaC Highways: “We will be inspecting for safety defects initially to ensure the safe use of the road and then consider funding for any further cosmetic works.” I have asked to be kept advised as to the outcome.
- Water connection works
A temporary road closure notice, effective on 20th March (maximum of 5 days, expected to last 3 days) for Severn Trent Water connection works has been received as attached. This is in the vicinity of the barn conversions at Warren Farm from what I can tell from the map. See attached for the full notice. [Not supplied here on this webpage].
Freedom Fibre / broadband
Cllr Wells and I met with representatives of Freedom Fibre on 21st February 2025 following concerns raised about the potential location of new green cabinet infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of their ‘Fibre To The Premises’ project as part of Project Gigabit. Positive discussions took place, and we agreed a potential way forward.
Regrettably, circumstances have now somewhat overtaken us, and you will be aware of my update issued on , repeated as below, following notification from the CWaC Digital Officer on 10/03/25. I have also emailed the Chester North and Neston MP to ask her to look into the matter at a ‘national level’ as there is stated government ambition to improve broadband provision across the country – this MUST include rural areas.
“The Connecting Cheshire Partnership (Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester, Halton and Warrington Borough Council) have been made aware by Building Digital UK (BDUK) that Freedom Fibre and BDUK have mutually agreed to terminate the contract for Cheshire (lot 17).
Whilst the local authorities do not control or manage this project, we are in constant contact with our representatives at BDUK about this matter. BDUK have assured us that that they are already moving swiftly to put in place alternative solutions for premises that were due to be connected via this contract and remain committed to achieving full gigabit coverage across the UK by 2030. We will work with BDUK in understanding and agreeing the next steps of broadband deployment for Cheshire, Halton and Warrington, ensuring the focus on broadband remains a priority for the many premises who still desperately need better broadband connectivity.
Our latest project information can be found via our Digital Cheshire Programme and the team are contactable via the website: www.digital-cheshire.co.uk”
CWaC Budget outcome from 20 February 2025
[The same comments on this subject were sent to this parish council as reported elsewhere on this page to others].
Planning - house building targets
[The same comments on this subject were sent to this parish council as reported elsewhere on this page to others].
HyNet CO2 pipeline project update
The outcome and notes for the liaison meeting held on 18th February 2025 were circulated to parish councillors on 24th February and are available at this link: www.simoneardley.uk/news/hynet-co2-pipeline-project-february-2025-update. The next meeting of this group is likely to be held in June 2025 – it would be good if Mollington PC could ensure they are represented as this project is likely to start to gather some pace from mid-year onwards.
Miscellaneous reports / issues
- Parkgate Road – left-hand side footway between the canal bridge and turn for the ‘substation’ houses. Persistent water leak / mud on footway as a result. Logged on 09/03/25 (ref. CE694431631). Will likely need to be referred to a utility company.
- Notification was received on 12 March 2025 of a ‘Provisional Tree Preservation Order’ 12 March 2025 subject to the Town and Country Planning (Tree Preservation) (England) Regulations 2012 Town and Country Planning (Trees) Regulations 2012, in the vicinity of White Hart Lodge, Townfield Lane. This is for a period of 6 months, during which time consideration will be given as to whether this should be made permanent.
- Following an earlier meeting of the parish council, I was asked to make contact with the new headteacher at the primary school to arrange a meeting with Cllr Wells and myself. This email has been sent, and I await a confirmed date in due course.
- Removal of 2x hawthorn trees on the green area at the entrance to Tarrant Court. I was updated recently as follows by the CWaC Tree Team regarding this: “Our contractor, Forest, have got back to me and say it is scheduled for the 17th March.” I have not had an opportunity to look at the location since 17/03 – perhaps you could let me know if these works have been completed.
Query – please advise (the parish council to SE) in due course
- In relation to the removal of the Tarrant Court trees, it was discussed at a previous parish council meeting there might be a wish to plant a new tree to replace the two to be removed by CWaC as noted. Please advise whether discussions on this have progressed. Whilst it might not be suitable to plant an oak tree in this location, you might wish to look at the ‘Oaks at 80’ project being championed by the Mersey Forest: : https://merseyforest.org.uk/our-work/oaks-at-80/
Puddington & District Parish Council - no meeting scheduled
This parish council is currently 'mothballed' and is not meeting, following the resignation of all parish councillors last year.
