A CONSULTATION has been launched in preparation for a pilot scheme aimed at giving Nantwich’s agricultural sector a boost.

In February 2015 – Reaseheath College – along with 11 other councils and enterprise partnerships – were successful in their bid to become a pathfinder for the development of a Food Enterprise Zone (FEZ).

FEZs are a government scheme is aimed at boosting the economy in the countryside, making it easier for food and farming businesses to grow.

The whole project is expected to deliver a £5.9 million return on investment per annum.

Cheshire East Council is to launch the consultation this week to inform the public of plans to adopt a local development order (LDO) that would allow the college to develop a FEZ.

The adoption of a LDO would mean that all customary planning processes that would apply to the usual applications are dealt with in one advance procedure.

This means that all the plans will be considered together, giving members of the public the opportunity to be consulted and comment on the proposals as a whole.

If approved, the LDO, which will exist for 15 years, will effectively grant planning consent for future development in line with the food enterprise use, without the need for further applications.

Cllr Ainsley Arnold, cabinet member for planning and housing, said: “This is about the rural economy in Cheshire East wanting to strengthen and diversify and to meet the challenges of new markets.

“The LDO is fully in line with the borough’s emerging local plan and complies with national planning policy.”

The public consultation begins on Wednesday, August 8 and will continue until Friday, September 9.

There will be a drop-in session at the college on Thursday, September 1.

Interested parties and residents will also be able to view the college’s plans and learn more about the local development order, its process and ask questions on each of the proposals.

Copies of all the evidence base in respect of the LDO will also be available to view at Nantwich Library during the consultation period.

Those wanting to attend any of the consultations can register their interest in advance at Reaseheathldo@cheshireeast.gov.uk