BOROUGH chiefs have had their say on a historic decision which saw Middlewich become the first town in the country to reject its neighbourhood plan.
Residents narrowly voted against the plan at last Thursday’s referendum – with 1,085 votes against the plan versus 1,063 for it.
The result saw Middlewich follow in the footsteps of the village of Swanwick, in Derbyshire, and the Thornton estate, in Hull, to become just the third place in the country to vote down its neighbourhood plan.
Cllr Ainsley Arnold, cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration at Cheshire East Council, insists the wishes of the town must be listened to and respected.
“It is a democratic process and it is up to the people to decide whether they adopt the plan or they don’t,” the Conservative member said.
“You have got to take the community with you on these things. If you don’t take the community with you then you won’t be able to get it through.”
The Middlewich neighbourhood plan project began in 2014, with Middlewich Town Council forming a steering group to manage the process, while CEC has offered support and advice.
A draft plan went to public consultation last year before being handed over for examination – but Labour town councillors, who successfully campaigned against the plan, insisted consultation had not been good enough.
If approved, the plan would have given guidance on the types of developments that could be built in Middlewich, and it would have been given weight by CEC and the Planning Inspectorate.
Frank Jordan, executive director for place at CEC, added: “Neighbourhood planning provides a powerful set of tools for local people to shape development in their communities.
“The council continues to be an enthusiastic supporter of plan making in communities across the borough and has resources to advise and support the development of plans by town and parish councils.
“Should Middlewich Town Council wish to pursue the neighbourhood plan project further, resource and advice remain available from the planning authority.”
In Cheshire East to date, 22 neighbourhood plans have been adopted.
READ MORE: Middlewich votes down its neighbourhood plan at referendum
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