Helsby is a village with a strong identity, a valued Green Belt countryside setting, and a close-knit community. The village has already seen significant recent housing growth, and now further large developments either under construction, approved, or proposed. These include:

 

 

 

 

Taken together, this represents 988 new homes in and around Helsby.

Many residents are already seeing the impact of the recent growth and are concerned about what this level of further growth could mean for the village’s character, countryside setting, wildlife, infrastructure and sense of community, as well as safety for residents.

To protect our village both for us and for future generations, we want Cheshire West & Chester Council to pause the determination of further large housing proposals in Helsby and consider the cumulative impact of recent and proposed housing development on the village, so that any growth is:

• necessary to meet local demand;
• actually deliverable;
• proportionate;
• well-planned;
• balanced; and
• in the long-term interests of the community.

 This can be achieved by:

• taking a plan-led, joined-up approach to growth in Helsby;
• ensuring that decisions reflect the combined impact of multiple large developments;
• considering that over-development is a certainty if these new proposals and permissions are granted; and
• working with the local community to protect what makes Helsby a distinct and valued village while planning for its future.

Without such a pause and cumulative assessment, there is a real risk that individual decisions will collectively result in irreversible harm to Helsby’s character and sustainability. We recognise the Council’s role in balancing housing need, policy obligations and community wellbeing is not always easy.

Our request is that the Council uses its powers positively and strategically for the benefit of Helsby and its residents.

If you share these concerns and would like to support a measured, constructive and proportionate approach to planning in Helsby please sign this petition.

Signing the petition is a way to show that you care about Helsby’s future.

This petition was created by: Helsby Planning Action Group (HPAG is a volunteer led, non-politically aligned resident group)