Alderley Edge could get a Netherlands-inspired overhaul where traffic, pedestrians and cyclists move in harmony free from traffic lights and signs.

Parish councillors have been to see Poynton’s £3.5m ‘shared space’ project in which cars, bikes and pedestrians have equal priority and will be completed later this year.

Shoppers and cyclists are expected to use eye contact to decide when to cross the road in the scheme which has seen success in Amsterdam. It removes predictability and gets rid of clutter like signs and traffic lights. The aim is to make drivers take more care.

The focus is on people, shopping, business and leisure in a more relaxed environment. But critics of the Poynton scheme have said it is a waste of money and not safe, making blind people more vulnerable. They also complained over disruption during work on the development.

However, Alderley parish councillors saw a presentation and at their meeting this week said they liked what they saw.

Coun Matthew Lloyd said: "Historically cars have dominated the town centre but with this, cars, pedestrians and cyclists share the space. The objective is to slow the traffic and give a softer environment – it looks much less urban.

"I don’t think everything has been great but it was a really encouraging visit. Ultimately we can create an environment where people want to spend more time."

Councillors said Alderley already has the cafe culture which a scheme might encourage but Coun Melanie Connor said: "If anything we can bring in elements of the scheme to make our village better."

Chairman Mike Williamson said: "The psychology about things like traffic lights and seeing what happens when you take them away was fascinating. It’s about speed control and making the street scene more friendly."

The consultant involved in Poynton will visit Alderley to see how the scheme could work.