The executive committee for Cheshire West and Chester Council has given its support to a proposal which will ensure that stakeholders and residents can can be involved in all prosperity and development projects until the end of 2030.
The draft Local Plan – or dLP – recommends that 4,300 homes are built in Northwich, along with 3,500 properties in Winsford. If enough support is obtained, the demand for loft conversions in Chester is sure to increase.
At the last executive meeting, Councillor Herbert Manley put the recommendation forward. He said:
“This plan affects every citizen in this borough and we want to ensure that our local residents and other interested parties have the best opportunity to engage in the consultation process.
“Consequently, we will be asking our colleagues to scrutinise the existing process and, if necessary, make recommendations on how it can be improved.”
The plan, detailed in 600 pages, may yet be the most crucial document that the Council has produced.
When given government backing, it will be regarded as an official guide to policy on health and wellness, heritage landscaping, transport, the economy, green belt land, the environment, employment and, of course, housing.
Councillor Margaret Parker said that an established plan is required in order to maintain control, otherwise the developers or the government will put their stamp all over it. She realises that there needs to be an element of developer collaboration but insists that it should be on the council’s terms and that the plan is the key to achieving this.
