EFFORTS to draft a new town plan for the regeneration of Winsford will begin in the New Year.

Residents are being given the opportunity to shape the future of the town under new proposals which give local councils the chance to draw up their own ‘Neighbourhood Plans’.

Under the Government’s Localism Act, Winsford Town Council will be leading work on the plan by giving residents the chance to say how they think Winsford should look and feel 15 years from now.

Homes, businesses, shops, open spaces, leisure facilities and the size and design of buildings will all be up for debate.

The town will be one of the first councils in the country to test the new planning powers after it received Government approval as a front-runner’ earlier this year as well as a £20,000 grant to kick-start the project.

London-based consultants Tibbalds have been appointed to develop a draft plan over the next 12 months, following which a local referendum will be held for the people of Winsford to decide whether or not it should be adopted.

Alan Warburton, town clerk, said: “The big difference between the Neighbourhood Plan and previous plans is that it will be a plan for the town developed by the people of the town.

“What impressed us about Tibbalds was their exciting ideas for ensuring everyone in Winsford knows about the Neighbourhood Plan and has the opportunity to influencer it.”

Clr Mike Kennedy added: “People in Winsford have for some time been asking why the town council and themselves do not have more of a say in the plans for Winsford.

“It is a really exciting opportunity for people in Winsford to really have a say in the shaping of their town. As a Winsford resident born and bred I look forward to having an input in this "project for the future".

Work on the plan will start in January.