WINSFORD Town Council missed out on a ‘prestigious’ planning award in recognition for the Neighbourhood Plan.

The Winsford Neighbourhood plan was shortlisted in for the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence, which took place on July 6.

The Neighbourhood Plan was pipped by Plymouth City Council’s Plymouth Plan for the Excellence in Plan Making Practice award.

Alan Warburton, Winsford Town Council Clerk, said: “It’s disappointing not to win, but the fact that we were even shortlisted for such a prestigious award is absolutely wonderful.

“We were up against some major, major London developments. We were simply delighted to be recognised by the RTPI, which is a fantastic honour in itself.”

The RTPI represents 23,000 planning professionals worldwide and promotes spatial planning, shapes policy and raises professional standards.

The Awards for Planning Excellence have been run by the RTPI for more than 30 years.

This year’s sold-out awards ceremony was held at the Pullman London St Pancras.

Cheshire West and Chester Council were also shortlisted for Local Authority Planning Team of the Year, losing out to Peterborough City Council.

Janet Askew, President of the Royal Town Planning Institute, said: “The finalists highlight exceptional examples of planning that have made an impact and brought considerable benefits.”