RESIDENTS of Cuddington now have the rare opportunity to shape the future of their village.

That is because the Cuddington Neighbourhood Plan has entered the consultation period.

The initiative is designed to give communities more control over planning developments in their area.

The document is available to the public online now and the consultation period lasts until Wednesday, May 30.

This process will eventually lead to a referendum in which residents will have the opportunity to vote on the plan.

John Kerrigan, the chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, said: "Neighbourhood plans provide a very powerful support to Parish and Borough Councils when planning decisions are being made.

“The policies in the Cuddington Neighbourhood Plan have been developed through extensive consultation with the local residents, who are best placed to understand their needs in terms of future housing requirements and supporting services.”

The document addresses community concerns regarding which developments will be permitted and how to have as little impact as possible on the rural character of Cuddington.

The foreword of the plan states: “The Plan has been put together by a Steering Group, made up of 11 volunteers, including two members of the Parish Council.

“The Plan reflects the comments, observations and concerns raised by the residents of the Parish about its future.

“Opinions were gathered in surveys, roadshows and consultations that have been carried out over the past two and a half years.

“Evidence was also gathered during the development of a Village Plan published in July 2015.”

The plan also looks to secure Cuddington’s wildlife and ensure that the community continues to strive to help the environment.

“Developments which will have a significant negative impact on wildlife habitats, wildlife corridors and green infrastructure in the Parish, through its loss or significant reduction, will not be permitted.”

“The scheme aims to facilitate access to energy saving schemes for all the residents in the Parish through individual property upgrade and/ or through a centralised installation whilst ensuring such schemes do not negatively impact the Neighbourhood Area’s rural character and situation.

“The Parish Council will work closely with the Local Planning Authority and other partners to develop such a strategy or scheme.”

Residents can take part in the consultation by going onto the Cheshire West and Chester website at:

cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning