Public consulted on Warrington borough development strategy

Warrington Borough Council have opened a public consultation on a strategy that will guide development in the borough over the next 15 years.

The Council’s Local Plan Core Strategy was submitted to Government for independent examination in September of last year.

Following the appointment of a Government appointed inspector, examination hearing sessions were held in June of this year and now the Council have agreed with the inspector, to make a number of changes to the Plan to ensure it is “sound.”

Many of the changes relate to providing additional clarification within the plans, policies and supporting text.

More significant changes include a specific proposal to deliver around 1,100 new homes at Omega in West Warrington, and the scrapping of a policy which identified land at Appleton, Grappenhall Heys, Peel Hall and Pewterspear Green as potential locations for future housing development.

These locations were to act as a contingency in the event that not enough new homes were delivered on brownfield land within the older, central parts of the town.

Terry O’Neill, Leader of Warrington Borough Council said: “The adoption and finalisation of the Local Plan has moved a significant step closer.

“The need for changes following the examination hearing sessions is a routine part of the process.

“I genuinely believe that those which we have agreed with the inspector will further strengthen a robust Local Plan which delivers and supports the needs of residents and businesses and will reinforce our growth framework Warrington Means Business.”

Cllr David Keane, portfolio holder Environment and Public Protection, Warrington Borough Council said, “The Local Plan is a vital component that will shape and protect the way in which our town grows and evolves. I would encourage the public and businesses to take a look at the consultation documents and participate in the process.”

The consultation covers a six week period between August 19 and September 30. All consultation documents are available on the Council website, with copies also available in all of Warrington’s libraries, the Contact Centre on Horsemarket Street and New Town House on Buttermarket Street.

All responses to the consultation will be considered by the appointed examining inspector, who will set out his conclusions on the Plan in a report to the Council later this year.

If the inspector concludes that the Plan, inclusive of the changes now being consulted on, is ‘sound,’ the Council will be able to progress it to formal adoption.

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