Following the publication of the Draft Wilmslow Vision document residents groups from across the town have come together to defend Wilmslow's green belt.
The most contentious part of the document, which sets out the potential development of Wilmslow over the next 20 years, is the proposed plan to build 1,500 new homes in the town by 2030.
Soon after the release of the Draft Wilmslow Vision independent resident groups in different parts of the town swung into action to raise awareness of the potential danger of losing green belt land to houses. They leafleted homes, created websites and held public meetings to which councillors were invited.
Following the resident meetings held in Dean Row, Fulshaw Park, Upcast Lane and Cumber Lane there was a concerted call from the 500 or so attendees to mount a Wilmslow-wide campaign that would provide one voice for the whole town rather than small individual areas.
An initial joint meeting was held on Tuesday 1st May when representatives of the four local groups, that have formed so far, got together to prepare the groundwork for a joint approach.
David Lewis, of Chesham Road, said "A group who can speak for all areas of the town will carry more weight in making representations to the council and other parties, we can share information collected from various sources and press for neighbourhood tests across boundaries with surrounding developments."
As a large body of residents they believe they have a far greater claim to be stakeholders than those who contributed to the consultation, can engage in two way discussions with Cheshire East Council planning officers and press for a meaningful input to the plan.
They are also considering pressing the Town Council to collaborate in producing a Neighbourhood Plan for Wilmslow as provided by the Localism Bill.
David Lewis added "As a group we aim to increase awareness of the Draft Wilmslow Vision proposals and the unnecessary loss of greenbelt areas forever. Many Wilmslow residents are still not aware of the consultation. At the same time we urge people to send in questionnaires challenging some of the errors and ambiguities in the Draft and saying a clear 'no' to building on any greenbelt areas around the town.
"We are also encouraging individuals to write to their MPs and other government ministers and urge all Wilmslow residents to get involved by telling friends and neighbours about the consultation and to get in their questionnaires saying 'no' to all the proposed building sites before the deadline at the end of May."
We will keep you informed of future developments over the coming days and weeks.
Readers can download the draft Wilmslow Vision document which is attached here, along with a copy of frequently asked questions and the questionnaire.
The deadline for submitting the questionnaire is now Thursday 31st May.
One questionnaire can be submitted per person, it is not restricted to one per household.
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