9:20am Saturday 28th November 2009
By Frances Kindon
RESIDENTS are being urged to speak up to make sure Cheshire West and Chester council invests in Northwich and Winsford.
Four options for developement across the whole borough are currently on the table and are being thrown out to the public for consultation.
The first option titled ‘regeneration-based redevelopment’ would see priority given to the regeneration of Ellesmere Port, followed by Chester then between 10 per cent for Northwich and Winsford respectively.
The second option of ‘Chester-based redevelopment, would see the city receive between 30 per cent and 40 per cent of the development, followed by Ellesmere Port with between 20 per cent and 30 per cent, while Northwich and Winsford could have between 10 per cent and 30 per cent.
Option three, ‘ Weaver Valley-based redevelopment’ would see Northwich and Winsford brought to the foreground with around 20 to 40 per cent of the development being split evenly between them. The rest would be split between Chester and Ellesmere Port.
Under the final ‘balanced development’ option, small villages would be the focus. Development would be split between the main city, towns and villages throughout the, with Ellesmere Port as the focus with some development in Chester, Northwich and Winsford.
But a significant proportion will be ploughed into the smaller towns and villages including Kingsley and Tarporley. Development in the smaller towns and villages would be appropriate to the size of the settlement.
CWAC Clr Andrew Needham, who represents Northwich and Winsford, said he is pushing for the Weaver Valley option but it may not be the answer to everybody’s prayers just yet.
“I am in favour of that option but even if it is looked upon favourably, there still needs to be builders and developers coming forward. We can’t force the market.
“But I would like to see a lot more made of the Weaver Valley.”
Residents have until 5pm on January 13, 2010 to get their comments to CWAC. The findings will be used to help come up with preferred options which will again be put to the public in May 2010.
For more information, visit cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
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