Congleton residents are being invited to have their say on the future planning of the town.

The Congleton Neighbourhood Plan Referendum takes place later this month, marking the final stage in the development of a plan that has been prepared by Congleton Town Council with consultation from the local community.

The referendum will ask one simple question, 'do you want Cheshire East Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Congleton to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?'.

Mayor of Congleton, councillor Suzy Firkin, said: "This referendum gives everyone who is registered to vote in Congleton the opportunity to have their say on the future of our town.

"The Neighbourhood Plan has been developed with the community and for the community, and it is an important tool that will help influence future planning decisions in Congleton.

"If approved, it will give Congleton a stronger local voice in the planning process and help ensure that the views and priorities of local residents are fully represented when planning applications are considered.

"Whatever your view, I encourage everyone who is eligible to take a little time to find out more about the Neighbourhood Plan and make sure your voice is heard by voting on Thursday, August 27."

The referendum is not about approving or rejecting individual planning applications. Instead, it asks whether the Congleton Neighbourhood Plan should become part of the planning framework used by Cheshire East Council when making decisions on future development within the Congleton Town Council area.

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A Neighbourhood Plan gives local communities the opportunity to influence how their area develops. It sets out a long-term vision for the town and includes planning policies covering matters such as housing, green spaces, the town centre, transport, heritage, community facilities and the environment. These policies must work alongside national planning policy and the Cheshire East Local Plan and cannot contradict them.

The Congleton Neighbourhood Plan also recognises the impact that significant housing growth in neighbouring parishes has on Congleton's roads, services, facilities and green spaces, helping to guide future development in a way that reflects local priorities.

Anyone who is registered to vote in local government elections and whose qualifying address is within the Congleton Neighbourhood Plan area will be eligible to vote in the referendum.

Poll cards have began arriving with eligible voters, and polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm on Thursday, August 27.

Residents who would like to learn more before voting can visit Congleton Town Council's dedicated Neighbourhood Plan website: www.congletonneighbourhoodplan.co.uk, where they can read the full Neighbourhood Plan, supporting documents and information about the referendum.

Printed reference copies are also available to view at Congleton Town Hall, Macclesfield Town Hall and Delamere House in Crewe by prior arrangement.