WINSFORD’s Neighbourhood Plan has scooped the top award at a national awards ceremony.

The plan was awarded 'Neighbourhood Plan of the Year' at the Planning Awards 2014 held in London.

The Winsford plan beat three other neighbourhood plans from around the UK to win the honour at the ceremony, which was organised by ‘Planning’ magazine.

In receiving the award, chair of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, Clr Brian Clarke, said: “It was an honour to receive the award on behalf of the people of Winsford and for our work to be recognised by planning consultants, planning professionals and fellow towns.”

Judges praised Winsford Town Council for dealing with difficult housing allocation requirements and said the plan ‘grasped a golden opportunity to effect changes the community needed’.

Winsford Town Clerk, Alan Warburton, said: ‘National recognition for our efforts in addressing housing requirements and working with the local community to develop such an exciting vision for the future of our town is a tremendous achievement.

“And although the proof of the plan's success will of course be in its ability to deliver the vision, perhaps we can allow ourselves a little pat on the back."