With just over two weeks left until the Draft Handforth Town Strategy consultation closes the level of response so far is paltry.
To date only 10 people have taken the time to comment on this important document which will help determine where housing, jobs, roads, schools, leisure facilities, parks and green spaces will be located in Handforth in the next 18 years.
The leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Michael Jones is urging local residents to "stand up and be counted" as the latest response figures to the Local Plan consultation suggest that only a small proportion of people are interested in how Handforth will look by 2030.
A total of only 145 responses have been received across the six consultations which cover an estimated population of 243,000 people in Crewe, Knutsford, Handforth, Macclesfield, Nantwich and Poynton.
Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones said: "We need your opinions to defend your towns and villages.
"This is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity for this generation to stand up and be counted and really make their mark.
"For all residents of Cheshire East, the Local Plan consultation is your time to decide what your neighbours, your neighbourhood, your roads, schools and countryside will look like over the next 20 years. You must tell us what you want!
"Some say that Cheshire East Council does not listen, but as Leader I can give examples of where residents have spoken up for themselves and have been listened to and have enjoyed a consultation victory.
"In Wilmslow where people were consulted on the Wilmslow Vision, also part of the Local Plan consultation, the community pulled together to make sure their views were heard by submitting around 1,500 completed questionnaires. That's the sort of spirit we want."
Deputy Leader Councillor David Brown added: "I am absolutely astonished. We are a traditional rural area and we have the chance to keep it like that, and to influence where developments can and can't go.
"But the issue is being met with an almost stony silence! This is an opportunity of a lifetime - grab it with both hands!
"145 responses at this stage is woeful and I'm just hoping that it's because people are too busy.
"I can guarantee that if you do make the time to fill out a consultation form, it will be one of the best investments you'll make for you and your family's future."
To have your say on the Local Plan consultation log on to: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan
Consultation documents are also available at Handforth Library.
The consultation runs until October 1st.
What do you think about the Draft Handforth Town Strategy? Share your views via the comment box below.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
In order to get a response from Handforth residents a consultation document and questionnaire needs to be delivered to every household.
My personal view is that Cheshire East Council is 'advertising' this in as low a key way as possible in order to have been seen to have gone through the motions without invoking any real interest.
I am sure the majority of Handforth residents would be horrified and up in arms if they knew that Handforth is providing a "bit of scrub land" to quote a Cheshire East Councilor, on which to build 1,000 houses that are required, and should, be being built in Wilmslow.
Although this might remove the spectre of development within the village I would be wary of such a large chunk of open land beyond the bypass being developed. This location is away from public transport links and would considerably increase traffic on the A34 (which is supposed to be a bypass and not a residential feeder road). In effect it would be a seperate settlement needing its own amenities (a bit like the Garden Village proposals for Woodford). Of course the potential financial payback to CEC for selling the land and developer "incentive" payments to the village (via the Parish Council) may prove irresistible to some.
I do hope that people do take the opportunity to have their say (on paper or online) so that the views of Handforth as a whole are heard and heeded.
The librarian said she would have to "order" more forms but didn't know when the consultation finished and when the forms had to be returned by. She reluctantly photo copied a form for the person wishing to have her say.
Out of interest can someone tell me where the children of these houses are going to attend school? The local school on Spath Lane has been demolished "to allow for the aging population" Basically it is now another granny farm cash cow, Children needing to attend Primary School and live on Spath Lane Estate now have to cross a main road to attend the Grange school instead. At the moment Handforth children are struggling to get into Wilmslow High School as it is over subscribed. Maybe that is the plan - Handforth will be swallowed up into Greater Manchester?
Perhaps our so called local Handforth Councillors should get off the backsides and actually communicate/inform the people who actually elected them in good faith and now seem to be being sold off as a Wilmslow overspill plaything.