NORTHWICH’S proposed Neighbourhood Plan has been praised by an inspector, who has recommended that it advance to a referendum subject to modification, ahead of being officially adopted.

The plan sets out the town’s development ambitions through to 2030, and will complement the Cheshire West and Chester Council Local Plan when future planning applications are considered.

Independent examiner Bob Yuille, who has looked at the documentation and also paid an unaccompanied visit to the town, said the plan ticked all procedural boxes and was ready to advance to a public vote.

He said: “From reading the supporting evidence it is clear that much hard work over a long period has gone into the preparation of the Plan.

“From the outset, the authors of the Plan have shown a clear grasp of what such a Plan can achieve, and they have produced a thorough, compendious and professionally-presented document which addresses the planning issues of importance to the local community.

“The town council and its professional advisers are to be commended for their work.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, Cllr Brian Clarke, will consider the recommendations of the examiner and decide how to proceed, with a verdict due around April 24.

The inspector has also outlined a number of proposed policy modifications, which – when made – will make the plan ready for a referendum.

Residents, who have been consulted throughout the process, will then be able to vote on whether or not the plan should be adopted.

While Neighbourhood Plans do not themselves have authority to decide planning applications, they have a strong sway in voicing the wishes of the area they serve.