Neighbourhood Plans published - Clotton Hoofield, Darnhall & Utkinton and Cotebrook

Neighbourhood plans give communities the opportunity to have a greater say over the future development in their areas.

They are led by local residents and often take several years of work and consultation to be prepared. Once completed they can be used for making decisions on planning applications in the area.   

Cheshire West and Chester Council has now formally ‘made’ the Plans following a successful referendum on 6 May 2021. 

Residents voting yes for the plan 

• Clotton Hoofield 82 per cent
• Darnhall 93 per cent
• Utkinton and Cotebrook 90 per cent

This brings the total number of made neighbourhood plans in the borough to 24. 

Councillor Matt Bryan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Climate Emergency, said: “I am delighted that these Neighbourhood Plans have been completed and congratulate all those involved.  

“Preparing a Neighbourhood Plan involves a significant amount of hard work, commitment and dedication by members of the local community.  These plans will help protect the character of each Parish and improve the quality of life for residents in the future”. 

The plans each contain a range of policies to inform future growth, development and protection of areas within these Parishes. Policies cover a range of topics identified by the local community including housing, employment, the built and natural environment, design, the historic environment, community facilities, transport, and open space. 

With the plans now in place, proposals for development in the three neighbourhood areas must take full account of the policies which have been prepared and voted for by the local community.