THE Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan has been approved at a referendum held yesterday, March 14.

The culmination ofmore than four years of work by the town council and volunteer residents, the Neighbourhood Plan now forms part of the development plan for Knutsford, meaning it must be used by Cheshire East Council to make planning decisions.

A 19.97 per cent turnout saw 2,100 voters cast their ballots at the referendum, with 1,744 votes cast in favour with 349 against and seven ballot papers rejected.

Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green said “I am delighted that the community has given the Neighbourhood Plan the seal of approval. The plan injects Knutsford’s voice into the planning system and gives more influence to community in shaping how Knutsford will develop over the coming years.”

Developing the plan was a key strategic aim of the council and saw hundreds of hours of volunteer, councillor and officer time dedicated to its creation since 2014.

Adam added: “On behalf of the whole council, I would like to thank all the volunteers who have been involved in the working groups which helped create the policies in the plan and all the residents who have taken part in the consultations, attended meetings or asked questions that have helped shape this plan.”