A consortium of residents and businesses is asking Hoylake people to back them in a referendum held today on the future of planning for the town.

The group - called "Hoylake Vision" - was given legal authority in 2011 to design a "neighbourhood development plan."

They say their blueprint will give greater protection against out of character changes taking place in the town and safeguard existing assets.

The group was set up after the introduction of the Localism Act - former Prime Minister David Cameron's project to devolve more decision-making powers from central government into the hands of individuals, communities and councils.

The referendum question is: “Do you want Wirral Borough Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Hoylake to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

Polling cards have been issued to everyone eligible to vote in the ballot, which is being overseen by the council’s electoral services team.

If more than 50% of those taking part say "Yes" the plan will be built into the local authority's planning framework.

The decision will not be dependent on turnout.

If it fails to pass the referendum: "Hoylake Vision will no longer exist. It will be back to business as usual."

What the neighbourhood plan says - highlights:

The Vision:

To support the provision of additional housing, including affordable housing to meet the identified needs of the existing and future population.

To strengthen the role of the town centre as a place for shopping, services and community facilities.

To assist in increasing footfall in order to retain existing businesses and jobs as well as attract new businesses and grow the number of local jobs.

To support a vibrant evening economy which provides high quality food, drink and entertainment opportunities, cultural attractions and later retail trading without prejudicing the amenities of the local area, particularly the amenities of local residents.

To more fully realise the potential of the promenade as an accessible leisure and tourism destination with an appropriate range of facilities for residents and visitors.

Details:

The town centre would benefit from an extension of public realm improvements to the easterly end of Market Street and Birkenhead Road.

Local people have commented that the maintenance of buildings needs to be improved because poor maintenance can detract from their distinctive character.

The proliferation of unattractive security shutters in some parts of the town centre also undermines the quality of the streetscape.

An upgrade of facilities at Meols Parade Gardens in order to facilitate a better range and quality of family-oriented recreational facilities under the branding of a “Beach Activity Zone.”

The town centre would benefit from premises extending opening hours into the early evening and by increasing the offer of high quality food, drink and cultural uses alongside traditional retail.

Later retail trading will be permitted subject to the proposal being able to demonstrate it would have no significantly adverse effect upon the amenities of the local area, particularly of local residents.

Designated cycle lanes on the promenade would help reduce the potential for pedestrian/bicycle conflict.

All proposals for new dwellings within the existing built-up area, including infilling, redevelopment, conversion and change of use of buildings or land to a residential provided would not have a significantly adverse effect upon the distinctive character of the local area. 

Carr Lane estate: There is a small residential development to the east of the Estate. Better physical integration of this area with the wider residential community of Hoylake is needed.

Physical improvements to the estate should be accompanied by a wider re-branding exercise to ensure that the estate continues to be an attractive employment destination for modern businesses and entrepreneurs.

To read the full document click here.