Congleton Residents Invited to Comment on Draft Neighbourhood Plan

Congleton residents and businesses are being urged to have their say on the Congleton Draft Neighbourhood Plan, as part of a public consultation that will run from Monday 14th October until Monday 9th December 2024.

The town council aims for the Neighbourhood Plan to be adopted as an official planning document to guide future development within the Congleton town parish area. This ‘Regulation 14’ consultation marks a significant milestone for the plan, and the council is encouraging as many local people as possible to review and comment on it.

At the council meeting on Thursday 3 October, councillors approved the launch of the consultation.

The draft plan, which includes 28 policies, focuses on key issues such as:

• Protecting Congleton’s rich heritage
• Enhancing green spaces
• Promoting sustainable building practices
• Creating accessible and attractive public spaces and travel options

Congleton's Chief Officer, David McGifford, expressed the importance of public involvement, stating:

“We believe the policies in this draft Neighbourhood Plan will benefit Congleton, but it is vital that we now engage with as many people as possible. We want to ensure that local people, organisations, and stakeholders agree that this is the right vision for Congleton. The Neighbourhood Plan Working Group will consider all feedback and, where appropriate, make amendments before passing it to Cheshire East Council for further formal stages.”

Councillors also approved a detailed communications plan, to ensure maximum participation with people living, working or interested in the future of Congleton. Consultation activities will include information stalls, face-to-face meetings, articles in the Congleton Chronicle, school assemblies, leaflets, banners, questionnaires, and social media posts.

For more information and to view the draft Neighbourhood Plan, including its policies, justifications, and evidence base, visit:

www.CongletonNeighbourhoodPlan.co.uk

...going live on Monday 14th October.