Ince Neighbourhood Plan adopted
Future developments in the village will be evaluated against the new planning policy prior to securing approval from Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Work on crafting the Ince Neighbourhood Plan began in autumn 2019. It was approved through a public referendum in September, with nearly 90% of voters in favour of its implementation. INP was officially adopted as part of planning policy by the council on Monday.
INP will provide planning guidance for development in Ince through 2030. It does so by outlining heritage policies, biodiversity and green space ambitions, and support for renewable energy sources and the rural economy.
The plan also states that developments that reduce the use of cars and enhance pedestrian, equestrian, and cyclist travel will be supported.
With an aim of preserving the village’s relationship with green spaces, INP includes a mandate that new developments must provide an easy route for those without cars to access the countryside.
In the same vein, INP also includes a list of “significant views” whose preservation should be considered when drawing up a project. There is a list of local green spaces to be taken into account as well.
CWAC cabinet member for homes, planning, and safer communities, Cllr Christine Warner, said she was “delighted” for INP to be complete.
“The plan will help to protect and enhance the character and natural assets of the Ince area and improve quality of life for residents,” she said.
“The neighbourhood plan has been prepared by a dedicated team of local people and members of the parish council,” she continued. “It has taken lots of hard work and commitment to get to this point and I thank everyone who has been involved in the process for their effort and input.”
With the adoption of INP, Cheshire West and Chester Council now has 26 neighbourhood plans.
