Cabinet asked to endorse the Lache Action Plan

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet will be asked to endorse the Lache Action Plan at their meeting on 15 November.

Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation will introduce the Plan to Members.

Councillor Pardoe said: “The Lache Action Plan consists of four brilliant projects that will make Lache even better and support community regeneration in the ward.”

The Plan was produced following initial consultation with over 500 people and a series of public meetings to review and help shape emerging ideas over the last year.

Four Action Plan projects are being recommended, that have strong support from the community:

• Lache Park (Sycamore Drive) – invest in new children’s play equipment, including inclusive play, to support improved facilities for children. Extensive consultation has taken place with residents and children on the options and designs. There is secured funding of £225,000 plus fees for project management from the Council’s capital programme, section 106 developer contributions and several private trusts via a Spacehive campaign. A task and finish group has been established and works are currently being tendered for delivery in 2024.
• Backies/LAPA Field –– proposal to improve 8-hectare former landfill area for wildlife and residents to enjoy as a green space amenity. A biodiversity study has been undertaken, and an initial sketch design has been developed. A task and finish group has been established.
• Lache Community Centre – proposal to refurbish the existing building to improve facilities for residents and help improve its financial and environmental sustainability. An extensive community consultation took place between June and September 2023; an energy and carbon reduction report has been completed and an application submitted to the Council’s Climate change fund. A task and finish group has been established.
• Traffic/road improvements on Hawthorn Road and Poplar Place – Consider options to better manage traffic, making it safer to walk or cycle, and improving the way the area looks and feels. Traffic surveys were undertaken led by the Council’s Transport team, with initial design options now being developed. A task and finish group is being established.

Added Councillor Pardoe:

“Public meetings have allowed Lache residents to share their ideas and comment on the consultant’s suggestions, and there’s a broad consensus for these four fantastic projects. We are not looking to progress any other suggestions as part of the Lache Action Plan, and this includes the site known as ‘The Sidings’ - there is no proposal from the Council to build on or otherwise develop this site.

“I would like to thank all of the residents who have helped to shape these plans and I look forward to seeing these projects move forward.”