VILLAGERS have given their overwhelming support to the Whitegate and Marton Neighbourhood Plan.

The plan will play an important role in future development in the community, and was prepared by a group of Whitegate and Marton residents, who worked on it for more than four years.

“As part of the process residents were consulted about their wishes by questionnaires, planning events and open days,” said Keith Rayner, chairman of Whitegate and Marton Neighbourhood Plan Working Group.

“Residents were asked what they liked and didn’t like about Whitegate and Marton, and more importantly what they wanted to see changed and improved.

“Those comments were developed into a vision and objectives. These were turned into a set of policies and action plans supported by data collected from a number of local and national sources.

“The plan then passed a series of independent tests and was given the green light to go to a referendum last month.

“One key area mentioned in the plan is the desire to maintain access to the countryside and in particular protect Whitegate Way as a regional tourist attraction alongside the successful Whitegate Station House community cafe.”

The referendum relating to the adoption of the Whitegate and Marton Neighbourhood Plan took place on March 30.

The question asked was: “Do you want Cheshire West and Chester Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for the Whitegate and Marton area to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

A total of 376 votes were cast, with 354 voting ‘yes’, 20 voting ‘no’ and two votes being spoiled.

The turnout was 40 per cent, and the Whitegate Station House Café served as the polling station.

Mr Rayner added: “The referendum produced an overwhelming vote of approval from residents.

“It will now be considered for adoption by Cheshire West and Chester Council and will then become a key document for guiding planning development alongside the Council’s Local Plan.”