A CONSULTATION to determine the future shape of Altrincham town centre has led to a call for fewer pound and charity shops in the town.

The views from the first phase, have been revealed this week, as the second stage of the Neighbourhood Business Plan discussion gets underway tomorrow, running until March 23.

The first phase, which started last October, garnered the views of more than 1,400 people who filled out a combination of questionnaires and gave their opinions on how they would like to see Altrincham develop over the next 15 years.

The most popular feedback called for fewer pound and charity shops and better quality and more independent outlets.

The public also called for fewer derelict units, more residential and other uses, the need to make the town more of a social attraction with more green and community space, to continue to build on the success of the market by further widening its appeal and improving the range and quality of goods on offer, more cheap and accessible short stay parking with better provision for workers and commuters and the provision of more effective use of digital technology across the town, including fast free wifi and charging points.

The draft plan has been put together by a group of more than 90 community volunteers who form the Altrincham Business Neighbourhood Forum(ABNF), the group formally designated by Trafford Council to undertake the task.

The plan, once adopted will create a template in determining the various uses to which land can be allocated as well as influencing the policies as to the size and design of future buildings and spaces.

It is also being used to guide planners as to where private and public sector investment takes place to help chime in with an overall vision to 'evolve into an economically, environmentally, socially attractive and dynamic town centre providing the widest range of high quality services and facilities to meet the needs of its catchment area', that build on its history, charter market status and wide range of existing assets.

The chairman of the ABNF Tony Collier said, “The response to the first stage of the process last year was fantastic and we are so grateful to all of those people who took the time to share their opinions.

"We recognise that this time the information we need from them is more detailed and will involve them reading the draft plan, but we hope once again the passion people have to improve Altrincham will shine through and they will be as keen to share their thoughts.”

He added: “We know some people will be disappointed that issues they raised in the first questionnaire are not covered in the draft plan. In most cases, this is because the issues concerned, such as business rate levels for example, are not within the scope of the plan.

"We would like to reassure people that where issues were raised over which we have no say or responsibility, we will pass all comments on to those organisations who are responsible so they can consider what action can be taken.”

The second stage of the process which runs from tomorrow (February 19) until Monday, March 23.

After the consultation process is completed, residents and businesses will vote whether to approve or to reject the plan.

If they vote in favour, Trafford Council must adopt the plan and use it as the basis for all their town centre planning decisions from 2015 up until 2030.

People can provide their opinions on the draft plan via an online questionnaire at myaltrincham.org.

Copies of the questionnaire, the draft plan and a freepost reply envelope can also be picked up at Altrincham Forward’s offices and Altrincham Library during normal opening times. Completed questionnaires can also be returned to these two locations.

Other events planned include public consultations on: February 21, at Altrincham Waitrose 9.30am to 3.45pm; February 28, at Altrincham Forward’s offices, Shaws Rd, from 9am to 12(noon); February 28, at Altrincham Tesco, from 9am to 4pm; March 1, at Altrincham Market, from11am to 3pm; March 4, Altrincham Town Hall, from 6pm to 8pm. Please note, this is a special ‘design workshop’ meeting. If you wish to attend, email info@myaltrincham.org and provide your contact information as papers will be circulated in advance of the meeting.