Member Article

Warrington’s Local Plan receives approval

Warrington Borough Council’s Local Plan Core Strategy which will guide development in the borough over the next 15 years, has been unanimously approved by Warrington Borough Council.

The Plan was first submitted to Government for independent examination in September 2012. Following the appointment of a Government appointed inspector, examination hearing sessions were held in June 2013 and March 2014 whereupon Warrington Borough Council agreed with the inspector, 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. The most 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 were made, agreed and approved by the inspector who returned the document which he declared as ‘sound’ in May 2014.

Councillor Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council said: “This is a major step forward for Warrington. The Local Plan will shape and protect the way in which Warrington develops and grows up until 2027 importantly it will also support our ambitious growth framework, Warrington Means Business”.

Councillor David Keane, portfolio holder for Environment and Public Protection, Warrington Borough Council, added: “This has been a journey of seven years and a lot of hard work to get us to this stage. We’re proud that Warrington is among the very first councils to have a local plan agreed.

“This huge success comes from being a listening council that values partnership. I’d like to thank our local councillors and planning policy team for their shared vision and commitment and all residents and stakeholders who took part in the consultations and made a real contribution to the process and outcome.

“The plan now offers a shared vision to improve our town over the next thirteen years and prioritises development on previously developed sites whilst safeguarding our green spaces”.

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