GARDEN village plans for Handforth have won a major financial boost from the Government.

North Cheshire Garden Village is a key strategic development site for Cheshire East Council, and is allocated as such in the Local Plan.

In January it received Government backing as one of its 14 new Garden Villages across the country.

The Handforth site is on the eastern edge of the community, east of the A34 and south of the A555.

The site is under several ownerships, with Cheshire East Council owning about 72 hectares, of which five hectares are leased to Total Fitness.

The aim of the Garden Village is to deliver improved facilities and community infrastructure such as education, health facilities, community buildings, recreation and open space.

It would also provide space for new businesses, including shops and cafes, helping to create new job opportunities.

Cheshire East Council has been awarded £188,000 by the Government to develop the garden village.

The funding will be used to boost the resources and skills needed to deliver high quality housing, while encouraging innovative and sustainable design.

The project is being managed by the council’s arms-length company Engine of the North, and had previously received £228,000 via the Homes and Communities Agency.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration said: “I am delighted that we were successful with this grant submission.

“The project will greatly improve connectivity in the area and see a boost in the local economy.”

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Engine of the North chairman, said: “The garden village at Handforth will be an exemplar new community, offering a full range of housing types including starter homes, self-build opportunities, mixed house types and homes for older people, making living in the village accessible for all.

“The village heart will provide space for new businesses, shops and cafes, alongside a village hall, community facilities and a village green.

“Improved transport and sustainable green links will connect the village to the surrounding area. Around 40 per cent of the site will be open space for all to enjoy, including a country park, garden squares and leisure facilities.”

Public consultation on a draft planning document will be launched by the council in 2018, prior to it being adopted by the authority.