BUSINESSES have only days to register to take part in a poll that will play a crucial role in the development of Altrincham.

Two referendums take place on October 19 when businesses and residents within Altrincham town centre will get the chance to vote for whether the Business Neighbourhood Plan for Altrincham Town Centre should be adopted by Trafford Council. 

 The plan defines the various uses to which land can be allocated and will influence the policies that will determine the size and design of future buildings and spaces.

It also guides where private and public sector investment takes place.

It has been developed by the Neighbourhood Forum, made up of over 100 members of the local community, and involved a public consultation process with thousands of responses received. 

All businesses within the town centre (plan boundary) are eligible to vote in the referendum and have been sent information about how they must register to take part before October 4.

The 1300 residents within the plan boundary are also eligible to vote and will receive polling details prior to the vote on October 19.

If the majority of those who take part vote ‘yes’ on the day, Trafford Council must adopt the plan. It will then form the legal framework of all planning decisions which take place in the town centre up to 2030. 

Tony Collier, chairman of the Neighbourhood Forum, said: “Securing a ‘yes’ vote for this plan so it can be adopted by the council and used as the basis for all planning decisions up to 2030 is crucial.

"It is a plan developed by the community as a result of a comprehensive consultation process which thousands took part in. 

"While all businesses within the town centre are eligible to vote, as long as they register by October 4, we have been very vocal about how disappointed we are with the council and independent examiner’s decision to refuse to widen the boundary to include the thousands of residents who took part in the consultation.

"Sadly only 1300 residents, less than five per cent of those who use the town centre, are able to vote and we think this is an unacceptable situation.

"Unfortunately, despite our best efforts it is a decision we cannot change. What is important now is that those who can vote make sure they do and they vote ‘yes’ to adopt this plan which is essential for the continued re-generation of Altrincham town centre.”