Northstone is bringing forward proposals for up to 220 new homes at Rossfield Park, Ellesmere Port.
Our proposals will deliver high-quality new homes that meet the needs of the local community, including two, three and four bedroom properties. In addition to new homes, the proposals will deliver ecological improvements to Jacks Wood with a long-term management plan, improved walkways and signage.
The proposals will enhance walking and cycling routes in the area and we are looking at how we can link in with other Borough wide initiatives to improve local infrastructure. Furthermore, we’ll be creating an ecologically enriched environment through considered planting, management and maintenance of trees, plants and hedgerows to encourage birds, bees and insects.
We are now in the process of preparing a planning application. This application will consider the detailed layout of the site, as well as the design and scale of the new homes and landscaping. We want to hear your views on how this new neighbourhood should look, as well as your thoughts on our plans for ecological improvements at Jacks Wood.
Once we have consulted with the local community and had an opportunity to review all comments and feedback, a planning application will be submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.
About Us
We don’t just build houses. We create homes, exceptional spaces, sustainable environments and new communities where families love, grow and thrive. We’re part of Peel L&P. That means that we’re passionate about our heritage in the North and proud to be a part of a company that has been transforming the region and enhancing people’s lives for over 40 years. At Northstone, we innovate, adapt and regenerate spaces and places. We create sustainable, energy-efficient homes in community-focused spaces that shape the future of living.
Register your interest in a new NORTHSTONE property in Ellesmere Port
Background
Rossfield Park
Over the past few years Rossfield Park, a key gateway into Ellesmere Port, has undergone a transformation from a former industrial site to a new high quality neighbourhood.
In 2002, Rossfield Park was allocated for housing in the Ellesmere Port & Neston Local Plan. Since then, over 300 homes have been been constructed as part of the regeneration spearheaded by Peel L&P.
In 2005, Peel L&P was granted outline planning approval for up to 500 homes at the south east of Rossfield Park. Northstone has since taken control of the site and is now preparing a reserved matters application for up to 220 high quality homes.
The existing planning permission at Rossfield Park makes an important contribution towards meeting the five-year housing land supply in Cheshire West and Chester Council. This is a Government set target, which ensures that local areas deliver enough homes to meet their identified need.
Northstone is committed to delivering new, high quality homes which meet the needs of local people.
Location
Rossfield Park is located to the west of Westminster and to the east of Rossmore Industrial Estate. Ellesmere Port Town Centre is easily accessed from the site. New residents at Rossfield Park will help to increase footfall in the Town Centre, providing an economic boost to the High Street.
The site is also within walking distance of several public transport networks, including Ellesmere Port train station which is within a mile of the site, providing services to Liverpool Central and Chester.
Local nearby primary schools include Westminster Community Primary School, Rivacre Valley Primary School and The Acorns Primary and Nursery School.
The site is also situated within walking distance of Westminster Surgery.
Our Proposals
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Our proposals will deliver:
A bespoke residential development of up to 220 high quality new homes;
A scheme that will stand the test of time by utilising advances in technology, such as electric vehicle charging points and other green technology;
A range of property types to meet the needs of local people, from starter homes to larger family homes as well as homes for those looking to downsize;
Open-plan, uncluttered living featuring clever storage solutions to fully utilise the space;
Homes that can be adapted to respond to residents’ needs and requirements, with flexible room configurations and the option to easily partition rooms in the future;
Properties that will exceed standard energy-efficiency requirements by providing household technology that is proven to lower energy bills;
A pedestrian-led development offering significantly more breathing space between homes than conventional designs, including creating new walkways for local residents;
An ecologically enriched environment through considered planting of trees, plants and hedgerows to encourage birds, bees and insects;
An economic boost for local businesses in Ellesmere Port and the wider area with more people spending locally;
The creation of jobs during the construction phase.
Improvements to Jacks Wood with a long term management plan, improved walkways and signage
Our design principles
We’ve challenged and elevated traditional property development principles in home building. Our exclusive designs have been informed by our vast experience and the ‘wish-list’ knowledge we’ve gained over the years from occupiers and homeowners.
For example, our homes provide open-plan, uncluttered spaces featuring clever storage solutions to maximise living areas. High ceilings and large windows increase natural light for residents, while all properties can be adapted to respond to residents’ needs and requirements.
Northstone homes also exceed standard energy-efficiency requirements by providing household technology that is proven to lower energy bills.
Our design director, Richard O’Brien, can explain a little more about what makes Northstone homes unique:
Site considerations
Landscape and visual impact
Northstone’s mission is to create exceptional spaces, stylish environments and communities where families will thrive. Rossfield Park is no exception and our vision for the site is to provide a high-quality, distinctive development which complements the surrounding area.
Ecology
Our ambition is to deliver a biodiversity enhancement within the local area and we will be retaining and enhancing the well-established Jacks Wood area to the north and east of the site boundaries. We’ll be creating an ecologically enriched environment through considered planting, management and maintenance of trees, plants and hedgerows to encourage birds, bees and insects.
Transport and Highways
The site is accessed via Rossfield Road/Jacks Wood Avenue. Public transport connections are available by train and bus. Ellesmere Port train station is within a mile of the site, providing services to Liverpool Central and Chester, whilst bus stops are located on Rossmore Road East with services into the Town Centre.
Sustainability
We have considered the site’s location and surroundings, its relationship and links to nearby community facilities and, in particular, its connection to transport links to reduce car use, encourage walking, cycling or the use of public transport.
The site benefits from strong links to public transport networks. The nearest bus stops are located on Rossmore Road East, whilst the site is also walking distance from Ellesmere Port station, linking to Chester and Liverpool.
Furthermore, the site is walking distance from several services including Westminster Community Primary School and Westminster Surgery. Taking these factors into consideration, the site can be considered sustainable in terms of location.
Flooding
A Flood Risk Assessment was carried out for the outline planning application that was deemed acceptable by planning officers at the time. Subsequent information is now being prepared for the submission of the new application, however we do not anticipate any issues with regards to flooding on site.
Benefits
Community Benefits
Delivering much needed new homes for local people
Like the rest of the UK, new homes are needed in Ellesmere Port. Our proposals will deliver up to 220 high-quality new homes at Rossfield Park, an area of significant regeneration.
Northstone is committed to delivering a high-quality residential development that responds to the needs of the existing community in Ellesmere Port.
Modern, forward-thinking development
Northstone’s plans for Rossfield Park will be designed for 21st century living. This means that our homes, shared spaces and the site infrastructure will serve the needs of residents today and in future years.
For example, we want to equip our homes with technology that will facilitate low-carbon lifestyles. This is about ensuring our homes are prepared for the demands and needs of future generations, and our proposals will embrace these challenges to deliver a truly sustainable development.
Economic Benefits
Creating new local jobs
The scheme will create new employment opportunities during the construction phase, both directly and indirectly through the supply chain. The housebuilding industry, including its supply chain, is a major contributor to both national and local economies as part of the wider construction sector, both through the employment it creates and the investment it makes in the sites being built.
A boost for local business
Delivery of our new homes in Ellesmere Port will provide an economic boost for the local economy and could act as a catalyst for further investment in the area. Nearby shops and businesses will benefit from an increased spend from new local residents.
Increased Council Funds
Cheshire West and Chester Council will receive a New Homes Bonus payment, which is an incentive payment from the Government to councils to support the building of homes. This money will be available to spend on local facilities to benefit the community.
FAQs
Where is the site?
The site is located at Rossfield Park, to the east of Rossmore Industrial Estate.
What are you proposing?
Northstone is preparing a reserved matters application, in accordance with the outline planning permission granted in 2005. The proposals will deliver up to 220 high quality new homes.
Is the site allocated for residential development?
The site was originally allocated for housing in the Ellesmere Port & Neston Local Plan (2002). Outline planning permission has since been granted, meaning the principle of development is already established.
What types of properties are proposed?
Northstone is proposing around 212 new homes in a range of styles and sizes to suit the needs of local people. Specifically, our proposals will deliver
- Around 20% two bedroom homes suited to first-time buyers, couples and those looking to downsize
- Around 50% three bedroom properties ideal for small families
- Around 25% four bedroom properties for those needing a bit more space
Why are you consulting?
Whilst the principle of residential development at Rossfield Park is already established, Northstone is committed to engaging with local residents and stakeholders about our plans for Ellesmere Port. We strongly believe that only by working with the local community we can help to deliver what your area needs in the right way.
How can I comment on the plans?
There are a number of ways you can have a say on our proposals, such as completing an online feedback form or calling the community information line on 0333 358 0502 (Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 5:30pm). You can email us at ellesmereport@havingyoursay.co.uk or write to us at Having Your Say, PO Box 339, Manchester, M21 3EG.
Your Views
Our public consultation ran between Wednesday 12th August to Wednesday 26th August 2020. We are now reviewing the feedback received ahead of the submission of a planning application.
Contact
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the development team using the following details:
You can speak to a member of the team on 0333 358 0502
(weekdays 9.00am – 5.30pm)