Member Article

Warrington’s economy “continues to strengthen”

The local economy in Warrington “remains buoyant and continues to strengthen”, the borough’s annual monitoring report states.

On the 13 January the council’s executive board considered the Local Planning Framework Annual Monitoring Report (AMR), which considers how policies in existing Local Plans are being achieved and what progress is being made with regards to preparing new plans. The AMR concludes that existing planning policies continue to be effectively implemented to secure their intended positive outcomes on Warrington’s communities, economy and environment.

In the last year 647 new homes were completed in Warrington, the highest level recorded since 2008, including 227 affordable homes, the second highest figure in the last five years.

There has also been a significant increase in terms of the amount of new commercial floor space actively under construction, which bodes well for future performance and again serves to demonstrate the strength of the borough’s economy and attractiveness of Warrington as a place in which to invest.

Cllr David Keane, executive board member for environment and public protection, said: “We are continuing to meet our targets in challenging circumstances and provide Warrington with the right tools for economic regeneration. Creating affordable housing means we can take the pressure off housing waiting lists and residents across the borough can get on to the property ladder.

“This latest annual report is extremely positive and supports that our economy continues to strengthen. We are striving to provide the very best housing and business opportunities for our communities, economy and environment and this report allows us to monitor our progress and identify key issues facing us.”

Cllr Terry O’Neill, leader of the council, said: “I am so proud of the significant progress we have made in the past year and this report further cements our reputation as being a great place to invest in.

“We have continued to enhance and protect the natural environment of the borough and have approved the first phase of major flood defence works within the town which marks the start of a sequence of flood defence works to be completed along the River Mersey and its tributaries.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .