Member Article

Warrington’s Local Plan nears approval

Warrington’s Local Plan Core Strategy, which will guide development in the borough over the next 15 years, has now been returned and declared as ‘sound’ by the government-appointed planning inspector. .

This approval of the final version, which is available to view on Warrington Borough Council’s website www.warrington.gov.uk is to be put before Council for formal approval and endorsement on 21 July 2014.

The Plan was first submitted to Government for independent examination in September 2012.

After the government had appointed a planning inspector, examination hearing sessions were held in June 2013 and March 2014, and Warrington Borough Council agreed to make a number of changes to the Plan.

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

More significant changes included a specific proposal to deliver around 1,100 new homes at Omega in West Warrington, and the deletion 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.

The changes and amendments have now been made, agreed and approved by the inspector.

Councillor Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council said: “This is great news for our town and another landmark step forward.

“This document provides a robust plan that will shape and protect the way in which our town evolves and develops over the coming decades. Importantly it will also support our ambitions for the growth of our town set out in our growth framework Warrington Means Business”.

Councillor David Keane, portfolio holder for Environment and Public Protection, Warrington Borough Council added:“The Local Plan is a vital component that will shape our town and protect its future. It is of relevance to every resident and every business. I would encourage the public and businesses to take a look at the document online”.

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