Decision details

To confirm that the Poynton Neighbourhood Plan is made following the successful referendum to ensure that the Plan forms part of the Development Plan for Cheshire East.

That the Portfolio Holder confirms that the Poynton Neighbourhood Plan is made and forms part of the Development Plan for Cheshire East Council.

An independent examination of the Neighbourhood Plan was undertaken and, subject to modifications that have since been implemented, the plan was considered to meet the basic conditions.

A referendum has now been held on the Poynton Neighbourhood Plan.  The question put to the local community was: “Do you want Cheshire East Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Poynton to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”  The referendum was held in October 2019 returning a positive vote.

The Council could choose not to make the Neighbourhood Plan and bring it into force as part of the Development Plan for Cheshire East, however there are very limited circumstances under which this option can be pursued.

Paragraph 38A(4)(a) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 requires that where half or more of those voting in the Plan referendum vote in favour of the Plan, the Council must ‘make’ the Neighbourhood Plan and adopt it as part of the Development Plan.

There are no reasons why the Council should not proceed to ‘make’ the Neighbourhood Plan in accordance with the outcome of the referendum.