Council chiefs will next week be asked to endorse a blueprint to create a platform for the 'comprehensive regeneration of Winsford.'

The Winsford Neighbourhood Plan - described as being 'essential to unlock future investment in the town' – is the subject of two decision papers to Wednesday’s Executive meeting on September 3.

Members will be asked to accept the recommendation of the independent examiner to proceed to a local referendum to determine whether to adopt the plan.

They will also be asked to endorse an implementation strategy to support the delivery of the goals and objectives of the plan – subject to a ‘yes’ vote in the referendum.

The executive report states that the strategy aims to provide a “sound basis to secure funding and future investment to enable the continued regeneration of the town”.

It focuses on five key themes - town centre renewal, culture, recreation and leisure, employment and business, transport and housing.

Councillor Lynda Jones, Executive Member for Growth and Innovation and a Winsford Member, said: “Although it has seen considerable investment in recent years, Winsford is in need of transformation and the Neighbourhood Plan provides the platform to enable this to be achieved.

“The strategy enables the Council, Winsford Town Council and our partners to translate our shared ambitions into a focussed investment programme.

“These are exciting times for Winsford and the local community will have a crucial role to play as we move forward.

“A full engagement strategy will give local people, businesses and partner agencies the opportunity to shape the regeneration programme and its individual projects.”

The Executive report lists recent major investments in the town including the £20m Winsford Academy, the £9.6m Mid Cheshire College campus, the £10.8m Winsford Lifestyle Centre and the £2.5m upgrade of Dene Drive junction.

But it acknowledges “there still remains much to be done to secure a prosperous future."

Potential areas identified for regeneration include the Winsford Cross shopping centre and surrounding area, Town Park, the Verdin Exchange and the old High Street.

Creating a stronger evening economy is highlighted as an ambition, with a focus on the town centre and the waterfront for new food, drink and leisure facilities.

A targeted investment campaign is proposed to strengthen the town’s position as a key business location in the heart of Cheshire.

Meanwhile, a transport strategy is outlined to support Winsford’s growth, including improved public transport and parking provision.

For housing, a local programme would complement the Local Plan, providing the overall basis for the construction of at least 3,500 homes up to 2030.

Funding for the projects could be accessed from a variety of sources including the Council’s budget, the Local Transport Plan Integrated Transport Block, the Local Enterprise Partnership and partnership and developer contributions.

The programme would be overseen by a working group comprising the chair of the Weaver Valley Partnership Board, the Council’s Executive Member for Growth and Innovation, a representative of the Town Council and other partners.

Local Councillor Brian Clarke, who is also a Town Councillor, said: “I warmly welcome the publication of the implementation strategy to support the objectives of the Winsford Neighbourhood Plan.

“The plan is the product of two years of working with the community to create a vision of how we want our town to look 20 years from today.

“I look forward to local residents having their say on whether to adopt the plan as a formal document to guide the development of our town.”

The referendum is expected to take place in October, subject to executive approval. It would have a similar format to an election and all those registered to vote within the neighbourhood area would have the opportunity to have their say.

Residents would have the opportunity to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’. If more than 50 percent of people vote ‘yes’ then the Council is required to bring the Neighbourhood Plan into force and use it to help to determine planning applications in the area.

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