WARRINGTON’S Liberal Democrats are asking the borough council to suspend the local plan consultation because of anticipated changes to the Government’s planning policy.
The party has pointed to comments from The Economist newspaper claiming that the Conservative Government is on the brink of major planning concessions that will stop obliging local authorities to release green belt land to meet housing and employment targets.
Liberal Democrats are calling on Warrington South MP Andy Carter to ask the secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities to instruct Homes England to withdraw its south east Warrington urban extension development proposal.
They are also asking the MP for an assurance from the secretary of state that if the borough council’s local plan is amended to release no green belt land, scrap the urban extension and scrap approval for development at Peel Hall, it will be legal and compliant under the Government’s new planning proposals.
The Liberal Democrats are calling on the leader of the Labour-run council, chief executive and director for growth to announce that the local plan consultation, and the process, are suspended until Warrington receives these assurances from the Government.
The consultation on the council’s revised draft local plan started on Monday and runs until November 15.
The proposals aim to ensure the borough has the homes, jobs, transport infrastructure and community facilities it needs.
People can complete an online response form or attend one of the five consultation events being held at the south stand concourse of the Halliwell Jones Stadium in October.
Council leader Cllr Russ Bowden said: “Warrington’s updated local plan is fully focused on driving forward the future housing and infrastructure needs of our borough, while protecting the green belt wherever possible.
“Throughout the development of the plan, we’ve listened and responded to public feedback, and this will continue.
“It’s vital that the plan continues to be shaped by the people of Warrington.
“We are committed to giving everyone the chance to have their say – and this new period of consultation will provide many opportunities for people to engage with us, ask questions and share their views.”
A council spokesman added: “Local plans are a statutory requirement and every council needs one, otherwise they risk losing local planning powers.
“The minimum number of homes a council is required to plan for is set by central Government through its ‘standard methodology’, national planning policies and planning guidance.
“We need to apply the relevant national guidance and policies on our plans locally. If we deviate from these national frameworks, we risk not satisfying the requirements of the Planning Inspectorate.”
Article originally posted on the Warrington Guardian
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