‘This is probably most important consultation in the next 10 years’ (From Knutsford Guardian)

‘This is probably most important consultation in the next 10 years’

5:10pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in News By James Wilson

KNUTSFORD’S town councillors have confirmed to the Guardian they will be sending in individual responses to the town strategy instead of a group one.

Clr Barbara Coan, deputy mayor, said: “This is probably the most important consultation Knutsford will see in the next 10 years.

“The public’s views expressed by completing the response either in paper form and returning to Cheshire East or the online version will determine what the town will look like in the future and if the green belt boundary is changed.

“We have had a number of questions from residents on whether Knutsford Town Council agree with the content.

“The answer is we definitely do not agree with everything in the consultation.

“As individuals we will each be sending in our responses, and we will all have our own different opinions. What we do agree on is that the questions in the consultation are sensible ones to ask.”

Clr Michael Jones, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Many people in the borough have seen controversial site allocation outlines.

“Instead of opposing things, I want to hear people say what they support, what they want to see happen in their communities.

“I want their views so that we can get it right and, in order for that to happen, I genuinely need a robust consultation.

“The more people who participate the better our Local Plan will be.”

To have your say on the Local Plan log on to http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan

Consultation documents are available at Knutsford library and it runs until Monday, October 1.