Residents set to vote on their future
RESIDENTS will go to the polls this week to have their say on the whether a local plan drawn up by the council should be adopted.
Bollington Neighbourhood Plan could influence future developments in the area and whether or not they are granted planning approval.
The plan has been developed over the last three years and is based on views expressed by the community in a questionnaire in 2015, which was filled in by around 30 per cent of residents.
According to Bollington Council, two of the biggest concerns highlighted by residents in the questionnaire were over the issues of traffic and parking.
The Referendum Question will ask: “Do you want Cheshire East Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Bollington to help it decide planning applications in the neigh- bourhood area?” Voting will take place on Thursday, May 10.
The plan addresses a number of issues, including housing, employment, retail, the environment, tourism and infrastructure. If it is voted through by residents it will influence any planning decision on future planning applications which could affect Bollington and those who live there.
Town councillor, Ken Edwards, says this is an important moment for the future of the town and hopes as many people as possible will exercise their right to vote. He said: “For the first time this Neighbourhood Plan will give people the opportunity to vote on specific policies for how they want their town to develop up until 2030. A team of 20 volunteers have been working on this for some time in what covers six working parts, including heritage, leisure facilities and green belt land.”
Coun Edwards added: “If the plan is voted through by the town then it will mean the council will have to take what is called ‘material consideration’ when they are looking at planning applications. If they decide to go against the plan they will have to have strong reason based in planning terms.”
Coun Edwards says no matter the outcome of the referendum he believes it is important that residents come out on the day and have their say. He said: “My message to people is to get out there and vote and show that people care about the town.”
More detail can be found on the Bollington Town Council web site https://www.bollingtontc.gov.uk/np and the full Plan document can be examined there or in hard copy at Bollington Library.