Handforth residents will be given the opportunity to confirm whether they want their Neighbourhood Plan to become part of planning law, alongside the Cheshire East Local Plan.
The Handforth Neighbourhood Plan looks set to go to the polls for a referendum in July and if the majority of those that vote are in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan then it will be used to inform planning decisions in the village.
If approved, anyone making a planning application will have to take these policies into account, as will Cheshire East Council when deciding whether to approve a planning application.
The Handforth Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group has been working on the document since November 2016. They have circulated a questionnaire , consulted with employers, held public exhibitions and regular discussions with Cheshire East Council.
The plan sets out objectives and priorities for the next 15 years, which are divided into six topics: Housing; Community and Well Being; Protecting the Natural and Built Environment; the Local Economy; Traffic and Transport and the North Cheshire Growth Village.
An examination has been undertaken on the submission version of the Plan by independent examiner Andrew Mead who has recommended that, subject to some modifications, the Handforth Neighbourhood Plan is submitted to a referendum
Andrew Mead said "In conducting the examination, I enjoyed reading the Plan and I found the supporting documentation, especially the Basic Conditions Statement, to be well presented and extremely helpful. The Steering Group and the Parish Council are to be commended for their efforts in producing a timely, comprehensive, expertly written and well-illustrated document which, incorporating the modifications I have recommended, will make a positive contribution to the development plan for the area and will assist in creating sustainable development."
Roger Small, Chair Handforth Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said "It has proved very pleasing and we have been advised that our Plan is likely to go to a referendum that will be held on 16th July."
