Chester planning news
Chester planning news, newest first: applications, appeals and committee decisions, each story linked back to the council file.
Top story
Frodsham Solar Farm Approved: 134MW in the Green Belt
The government has approved Frodsham Solar, a 134MW farm with batteries beside the wind farm, despite Green Belt harm. Legal challenges run to about 8 December.
More stories
Guilden Sutton
Guilden Sutton 90 Homes Deferred Over Greenway Cycle Link
Councillors unanimously deferred up to 90 homes at Guilden Sutton on 3 November and sent officers back to talk to the developer about links to the Greenway.
Planning
Hartford 495 Homes Plan: Green Belt Bid, 45% Affordable
Redrow wants up to 495 homes on 34 hectares of Green Belt north of Chester Road, Hartford, with a shop, GP space and maybe a school. Comments are open to 18 November.
Planning
Godstall Lane Bar Plan for Former Aldous Books Unit
The empty Aldous Books unit on Godstall Lane, Chester, could become a small bar open noon to midnight, with three part-time staff. Comments close 20 November.
Regeneration
Chester Northgate Phase 2: Four New Names on the Shortlist
Silver Quarter, Victrix Quarter, Lion Yards or Market Yards: the developer wants a name for Northgate Phase 2, and its revised plan keeps Merchant House.
Planning
Northwich M&S Foodhall Approved: 157 Spaces, 70 Jobs
M&S has planning permission for a foodhall on Leicester Street, Northwich, next to Aldi. Open 7am to 11pm, 157 customer spaces, about 70 jobs, and a new crossing.
Great Sutton
Great Sutton 240 Homes and Kelsall 86 Homes Approved
Councillors approved 240 homes off Dunkirk Way 10 to 0, and up to 86 at Green Lane Farm, Kelsall, 6 to 3. The Lostock Gralam biogas expansion passed unanimously.
Guilden Sutton
Guilden Sutton 90 Homes: Decision Deferred on 3 Nov
Councillors deferred up to 90 homes on Green Belt farmland at School Lane, Guilden Sutton, on 3 November. What officers recommended, and why it went back.
Ellesmere Port
240 Great Sutton Homes Approved After Traffic Deferral
Councillors approved 240 homes off Dunkirk Way on 6 October after September's traffic deferral, plus up to 86 at Kelsall. Updated October 2026.
Chester
Chester Northgate Phase 2: 400+ Homes, Revised Plan Online
The revised plan for 400+ homes on the old Forum site is now online, with four possible names and a planning consultation due summer 2027. How to comment.
Moulton
Moulton Pub, Club and Church Up for Community Asset Listing
Four Moulton buildings went before Cheshire West on 17 September as assets of community value. The council has until 12 November to decide each one.
Elton
Encirc Elton: £98m Warehouse 44m Tall, 16 New Jobs
Encirc wants a 44 metre automated warehouse at Elton, near Ellesmere Port. It puts the build at £98m and the permanent jobs at 16. Comments close 8 October.
Ellesmere Port
Ellesmere Port Sewage Works: £140m Plan, 50 More Lorries
Daily lorry trips at Ellesmere Port sewage works would rise from 22 to 72 under United Utilities' £140m digester plan. Four 29.4m tanks, all in Green Belt.
Environment
Chester Zoo Calls Peak Cluster CO2 Pipeline Unacceptable
Chester Zoo says the Peak Cluster pipeline's regional impact is unacceptable and risks irreplaceable wetland. Its Cheshire leg runs Picton to Backford Cross.
Planning
Chester Business Park: Wellness Centre and Pool Approved
Cheshire West approved a private wellness centre with a hydrotherapy pool and gym at 1 Lakeside on 13 August, beside an approved mental health hospital.
Planning
Chester Business Park Article 4: Office-to-Flats Route Cut
The council made Article 4 Directions for Chester Business Park, Gadbrook Park and Sealand. Comments close 5pm on 18 September; in force 10 August 2027.