Residents are being invited to help shape Cheshire East's future.

Cheshire East Council will host its first Local Plan Community Assembly on Tuesday, August 18, in Congleton.

Part of an engagement programme to support the development of a new Local Plan, the assembly offers members of the community the chance to get involved in discussions about the key issues, challenges and opportunities that will help shape the future of Cheshire East into the 2040s.

Topics under the microscope include housing, employment opportunities, transport and climate change, with feedback from the assembly used to help inform future stages of the Local Plan's development.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for planning, housing and regeneration, said: "Once adopted, the new Local Plan will influence where new homes, jobs and infrastructure are delivered while helping to protect the borough's countryside, green spaces and heritage.

"It will play an important role in shaping how Cheshire East grows and develops over the coming decades. The decisions we make through the new plan will have a lasting impact on Cheshire East and future generations, which is why it's so important that local people have the opportunity to be involved from an early stage.

"We have already seen a positive response from residents interested in taking part in the Local Plan Community Assembly. However, we are particularly keen to hear from younger residents aged 18 to 35 to help ensure that the conversations reflect a broad range of views and experiences from across the borough.

"This is the first of a number of opportunities for residents to get involved as work on the new Local Plan progresses, and I would encourage people to join Community Voices to hear about future Local Plan Community Assemblies and other engagement activities."

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Residents interested in taking part in future Local Plan Community Assemblies and other engagement opportunities are encouraged to join the council's Community Voices panel.

Community Voices is a panel of residents who volunteer to share their views on council plans, policies and services through surveys, consultations, focus groups and Community Assemblies.

Community Voices members may be invited to participate in future Local Plan Community Assemblies and other engagement opportunities, helping to ensure a broad range of local voices inform the development of the new Local Plan.

Councillor Rob Vernon, Cheshire East Council's cabinet member for communities and engagement, said: "Community Voices is about turning Cheshire East into a council that really listens - a council that represents your voice and our communities.

"I'm really pleased our first Community Assembly is about the Local Plan because it's an opportunity to shape our communities for years to come, and that should never take place without the community involved within it.

"Anyone who wants their voice heard, wants to shape local decisions in their town or village, whether on planning or any other issue, should sign up to Community Voices and get involved. This is about totally reshaping how our council engages with us, and we need your help to do that."

To find out more about Community Voices and register, click here.