Plans to build nearly 5,000 homes on the greenbelt appear to have been finalised in a vacuum where
only developers views have been taken on board says Conservative PPC Andy Carter.
Following the release of a 98 page Garden Suburb framework document by Warrington & Co, the
Council’s Economic Development team, Andy says it’s clear that the views of local residents are
being disregarded and ignored and he’s calling on local people who want to see development
prioritised on brownfield sites to respond now to the Council’s consultation.
“There were 4,500 responses to the Preferred Development Options consultation in September 2017,
probably the largest ever response to a Council consultation in Warrington. These documents from
Warrington & Co make passing reference to concerns by local residents whilst demonstrating full
scale engagement with developers & land owners, who want to build on greenbelt land to minimise the
costs associated with any new development.
“The Council have pushed on regardless, without taking proper account and regard for the detailed
views expressed in 2017 by residents. Little has changed from the PDO, despite everything that was
said. There is still a loss of large parts of the Green Belt, there is still a ‘Garden Suburb’ and
large logistic sites. There is no clear plan to improve local roads and the character and
distinctiveness of the area in south Warrington will be dramatically changed forever”.
“I welcome economic growth however there’s no justification for the level suggested in Labour’s
local plan. I want to see businesses grow and thrive in Warrington, that’s crucial, but these plans
seem to put housebuilding as a driver for that growth, rather than as a product of growth”.
Speaking at a South Warrington Parishes Q&A session in Appleton, Mr Carter stressed that the
Council needs hear again from anyone with an opinion on this plan, no matter if they’ve responded
before.
“This document now contains the local plan, it will dramatically change the villages of Walton,
Grappenhall, Appleton Thorn and Stretton and have a massive impact on air quality in Stockton Heath
and Appleton. We only have until 17th June to make your opinions known to the Borough Council so
they can’t fail to understand the views of those who will be impacted the most by these
proposals”.
