Audlem and Sandbach say big ‘yes’ to neighbourhood plans

 

The village of Audlem and the town of Sandbach have voted in favour of asking Cheshire East Council to apply their neighbourhood plans when deciding on future planning applications within the parish and town boundaries.

Voting in two separate referendums  took place on Thursday and the results have now been made public.

There was a 42.86 per cent turn out in Audlem where 654 voted in favour and 22 against.

Sandbach saw a turn out of 28.31 per cent with 3,941 voting in favour and 173 against. 

Voters were asked the question: ‘Do you want Cheshire East Council to use the neighbourhood plan to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?’

Neighbourhood plans are intended to help local people to have greater influence over planning decisions made in their area.

They can help to protect communities from unplanned, unsustainable development.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cabinet member for housing and planning said: “It is very encouraging to see that so many Cheshire East residents have taken advantage of this opportunity and clearly wish to engage in the planning process by having some influence over future decisions that can affect the place where they live.

“We are a ‘residents first’ authority and by promoting the idea of neighbourhood plan consultation and referendum, we are giving our residents a unique opportunity to be a part of a democratic process and have a say in how their town or village could develop.

“There are many more referendums to come in Cheshire East and the results we have had so far demonstrate that people do wish to embrace this process.

“The people of Audlem and Sandbach are to be thanked and congratulated for taking the time to cast their vote and in doing so help to shape their communities.”

More than 30 neighbourhood plans have been drawn up in the Borough by various towns and parish councils, making Cheshire East one of the most proactive in the country for offering this choice to residents.

Referendums take place following a full consultation exercise within the community and after meticulous scrutiny of the plan by a planning examiner.

The parishes of Bunbury and Brereton went to the polls on March 10 and have also voted in favour.