CHESHIRE West and Chester Council have confirmed that the referendum for the Winsford Neighbourhood Plan will take place on Thursday, October 23.

All those registered to vote in the Winsford neighbourhood area will be eligible to take part in the referendum, which will be conducted in a similar format to a local election.

Residents will have the opportunity to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to the question: “Do you want Cheshire West and Chester Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for the Winsford Area to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

If more than 50 percent of voters say ‘Yes’, then Cheshire West and Chester Council is required to bring it into force.

The plan outlines where 3,150 new houses and 35 hectares of industrial land will be created in Winsford before 2030.

A ‘Yes’ vote will make the Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan for the town and require Cheshire West and Chester Council to use it when determining planning applications.

While some Winsford residents have been outspoken opponents of the NP’s housing land allocation areas, others have welcomed the protection the document can provide from speculative development outside of ring-fenced development areas.

Councillor Lynda Jones, Executive Member for Growth and Innovation and a Winsford local Member, said: “The Winsford Neighbourhood Plan has been through a rigorous testing process and now is the time for local residents to have their say.

“We believe Winsford is the largest area in England to have the opportunity of a Neighbourhood Plan referendum and I urge local people not to miss their opportunity to vote.”

Anyone not registered to vote should search for ‘Winsford Neighbourhood Plan’ at cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk Applications to be included on the register of electors must be received no later than Wednesday, October 8.