THESE pictures offer a glimpse into how Wilmslow could look in the years to come if the town’s neighbourhood plan is adopted.

There are just two weeks left for residents to have their say on the town’s draft plan, which if approved could help to shape future developments over the next 15 years.

The document, which is the result of more than two years’ work from the Wilmslow neighbourhood plan steering group, contains a number of policies and ‘aspirations’ to help ensure the town can continue to thrive.

Cllr Gary Barton, town councillor and Conservative member for Wilmslow West and Chorley on Cheshire East Council, is keen to see as many residents as possible take part in the consultation.

He said: “In both local and national politics, people are always saying they want to be more involved and they want their opinions to matter more.

“I think this is a genuine opportunity for more people to have their say on Wilmslow and its future. This document will have an impact on planning matters for the town, which I know people in Wilmslow are concerned about.

“This will also help to prevent unwanted development in the town as it forms part of CEC planning policy. You can’t stop all development and I think most people understand there is a need for new homes to be built, but the plan helps to say where houses can and can’t be built.”

Plans to ensure future developments are sustainable, improve Wilmslow’s green infrastructure and are easily accessible by public transport are just some of the policies laid out in the draft plan.

Protection of the town’s riverbanks, heritage sites and green gaps are also outlined, as well as an opposition to the loss of garden and amenity space across the town.

Improvements to the town centre play a major role in the draft neighbourhood plan – with improvements to the area outside the old Rex cinema, better long-stay car parking and a ‘community quarter’ where the library is based both supported.

The document also states that Wilmslow Town Council will work with train providers in a bid to protect exiting services – with HS2 set to bypass the town and go through Manchester Airport – while it says that planning applications which ‘significantly increase’ traffic congestion will not be supported.

Designated ‘neighbourhood centres’ are also earmarked for Chapel Lane, Lacey Green and Dean Row – where proposals for retail, leisure, community and health uses will be supported.

Cllr Barton added: “CEC’s planning department might not have the intrinsic knowledge of Wilmslow as residents, so if there is a part of the town that is important to the public the neighbourhood plan helps to identify that – for example, maintaining the green gap between Wilmslow and Alderley Edge.

“It can really help to protect the areas of Wilmslow that people think are important, and it will help me do my job as a ward councillor, so I am looking forward to seeing the data.”

The draft neighbourhood plan will be amended after the consultation ends on August 31, before the document is sent to an independent examiner.

Members of the public will then get the final say on whether the neighbourhood plan is adopted through a referendum.

A drop-in consultation event is set take place at Wilmslow Parish Hall, in Cliff Road, from 3pm to 7pm on Wednesday, August 29.

For more information on the neighbourhood plan or to take part in the consultation visit wilmslownp.org.uk

A hard copy of the draft plan is also available in Wilmslow Library and the parish hall.