Henbury Parish Council have been notified that Cheshire East is to hold a 12-week consultation on proposals for the governance arrangements for town and parish councils in the borough.The review looks at a range of issues, including town and parish boundaries, numbers of town and parish councillors, grouping of parishes and warding.
The recommendations proposed will affect some Henbury residents in that it is proposed to move approximately 20 properties located on Chelford Road from the Parish of Henbury to Macclesfield Town Council. Henbury Parish Council has already written directly to owners of the affected properties. You can see the area that is proposed to come within Macclesfield boundary, marked on the map above.
Any changes to be made would follow reflection on the responses to this latest public consultation – including with town and parish councils – and a decision by full council.
The purpose of the review, which follows Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Local Government Boundary Commission for England guidance, is to ensure that community governance arrangements 'continue to reflect local identities and facilitate effective and convenient local government'.
Henbury Parish Councillors are not in favour of the proposed changes, but it is important that we seek the view of residents that will be impacted by any changes, together with the wider population of the Parish. Historically the houses on Chelford Road have formed part of the parish long before most other houses were constructed.
Henbury Parish Councillors have campaigned on behalf of residents for many years on several issues, not least the potential development of land off Chelford Road for over 247 houses. We have successfully rolled out the largest ever community-funded fibre broadband scheme that has brought full fibre to Henbury properties. The council is supporting many local groups during these challenging times including the Millennium Green, which has proved to be a welcome attraction for many. We have funded a defibrillator and are fighting to have the drainage issues that affect Chelford Road addressed as a matter of urgency.
You can read the Cheshire East Draft recommendations here.
You can contribute to the consultation directly to Cheshire East Council here. Consultation open until 28th November.Paper copies of the consultation can also be obtained from local libraries.
Alternatively, contact one of your Henbury Parish Councillors to let them know your views. Contact details here.