Shape of things to come? (From Knutsford Guardian)

Shape of things to come?

8:30am Wednesday 24th October 2012 in News By James Wilson

A KEY estate company in Knutsford has unveiled its own plans for the future of the town.

The Knutsford Local Plan consultation, which ran for four weeks from the end of August, is now being discussed at borough level after residents were given the opportunity to voice their opinion on the plans.

Many residents believed they were not given enough time to respond to the consultation and argued it shoud have gone on for longer.

But Tatton Estate Management, which owns two sites where new development in the town could happen – off Mereheath Lane and near Parkgate Industrial Estate – has revealed its vision for Knutsford in a new brochure.

It includes two different masterplans for the Mereheath Lane site – that would include new sporting facilities, housing, an addition to the existing golf course and a hotel.

The Parkgate site has three different masterplans, with those featuring plans for a new school, a medical centre, housing and a Metrolink stop for Over Ward.

Henry Brooks, from the Tatton Estate, told the Guardian that Knutsford needed to grow and the local plan was key in making sure it happens in the right way.

“Our overall positioning is that the local authority must put in place a sustainable plan that meets local need, or else it won’t be able to refuse some planning applications even if they are inappropriate,” he said.

“Some growth needs to happen, and the Knutsford Local Strategy is the chance to ensure it’s right for the town, in the right place, in the right amount and in the right way.

“We are longstanding passionate advocates of sustainable development and want to work with all stakeholders to make sure we, as a town, get this right.

“We want to make sure that the Knutsford Strategy delivers more than just housing.

“The strategy provides an opportunity to make sure the town gets everything it needs for the next 20 years and beyond and we’re striving to make sure that the final strategy includes much-needed amenities.

“We believe the town would benefit from the long-promised medical centre, better sports and leisure facilities, more employment opportunities to reduce the need to commute, and an extension the Metrolink tram service to Knutsford.”

n What do you think about Tatton Estates plans? Let us know at yourviews@guardian grp.co.uk.