WARRINGTON Borough Council is reaffirming its commitment to defend Peel Hall from a 1,200 home and associated infrastructure development.
In 2018, developer Satnam Millennium Ltd, appealed against the decision of Warrington’s Development Management Committee to refuse the masterplan for Peel Hall. Satnam’s appeal was dismissed by the secretary of state. However, in October 2019, the High Court overturned the decision.
This means that a new public inquiry into Peel Hall will be held, with a different inspector. The date of the inquiry has not yet been confirmed by the Planning Inspectorate, however discussions are ongoing to find a suitable date.
A report providing an update on the council’s position will be considered by the Development Management Committee on 1 July. The report confirms the council’s commitment to strongly defend its case against the proposed development, on the basis that it would adversely affect the surrounding highway network.
The council is currently preparing evidence for the inquiry, in light of the new information submitted by Satnam and accepted for consideration by the Planning Inspectorate.
While this information has dealt with concerns about air quality and noise, it remains the professional opinion of council officers that the additional information submitted by the developer does not demonstrate that the impacts on the highway network would not be significantly adverse.
The council’s concerns focus on the following highways impacts:
·Poplars Avenue and Capesthorne Road, due to an increased level of traffic
·Sandy Lane/ A49 Winwick Road/A574 Cromwell Avenue
·A50 Orford Green/Hilden Road roundabout
·Delph Lane
Due to current coronavirus restrictions, the Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that it intends to reopen the public inquiry remotely. The council has also joined local communities in stating its objection to a virtual inquiry and calling for a physical inquiry to be held.
The council has written to the Planning Inspectorate to state that it considers the rationale for a physical inquiry into Peel Hall to be exceptional and reasonable given the history of the site and that there is a clear public expectation for continued matters around Peel Hall to be considered in a consistent way.
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