MIDDLEWICH folk have the chance to ‘shape the destiny of their town’, as the Draft Neighbourhood Plan has entered its consultation period.

The document is in open consultation until Wednesday, September 19.

The draft vision for the NDP states: “A new, vibrant and attractive town centre will be created through development opportunities and improved public realm and creating a quality environment to encourage a larger and better range of shops, with a mix of independent and national retailers.

“In addition, the retail core will be supported by investment in existing and new restaurants, pubs and takeaway food facilities, encouraging more lunchtime spend and a new evening and night-time economy for the town.”

Cllr Bernice Walmsley, chair of the steering group, said: “The plan is a chance for Middlewich to shape its own destiny.

“Some people do not want there to be any new houses but there will have to be new development for growth.

“This is not a wish list, it’s a planning document that has to comply with planning law and the local plan.”

The NDP sets out objectives for the future development of Middlewich, one of them being a new rail station.

Proposals for a new Middlewich Railway station in a suitable location within the area identified in the Local Plan Strategy proposals map will be supported.

Any proposals regarding a new station should include: sufficient car parking and cycle storage facilities, integrated links to the special green and blue Routes and legible access to routes linking to the town centre, Ma6nitude and tourist facilities, a high-quality public realm and landscaping scheme and buildings which can incorporate business units.

To view and comment on the plan visit the website middlewich.org.uk/middlewich-neighbourhood-plan/.

The steering group will be hosting drop in sessions during the consultation period, the first of which will be in Victoria Hall on Thursday, September 6, from 6pm to 8pm. The following session will be Saturday, September 15, from 10am to 12pm at the Mexon Market in Wheelock Street.