Neighbourhood Plan finalised for Handbridge
Prepared by local residents
Cheshire West and Chester Council has now formally ‘made’ the Handbridge Neighbourhood Plan, following a successful referendum on 24 July 2025.
Neighbourhood plans are prepared by local residents and give communities the opportunity to have a greater say over the future development in their areas. The Handbridge Neighbourhood Plan has taken several years of hard work and public consultation.
Out of those who voted, 72% agreed that Cheshire West and Chester Council should use the Neighbourhood Plan for Handbridge to help it decide planning applications in the area.
This brings the total number of made neighbourhood plans in the borough to 28.
Councillor Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, said: “I am delighted that this Neighbourhood Plan has now been completed. The Plan will help to protect and enhance the local character of Handbridge and improve the quality of life for residents. The Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared by a dedicated team of local people and members of the Neighbourhood Forum. It has taken lots of hard work and commitment to get to this point and I thank everyone who has been involved in the process for their effort and input.
“With the plan now in place, proposals for development in the Handbridge Neighbourhood Area must take full account of the policies which the community have prepared and voted for.”
The plan contains a detailed vision and objectives for Handbridge and policies relating to five topic areas: the natural environment and open space, sustainable transport and parking, design and key views, the historic environment and landmarks and commerce.