THE controversial Six:56 logistics development comes before Warrington Borough Council planning chiefs on Wednesday – with a recommendation that the council should neither oppose or support it.
Members of Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee will be urged to agree that the council should not produce evidence either in support of or in opposition to the development on Green Belt land at Grappenhall and Appleton Thorn at a major public inquiry to be held in May.
Originally, the council decided to approve the scheme if the Secretary of State did not call it in.
But then the Secretary of State, exercising his powers under Article 31 on the Town and Country Planning (development management procedure) Order 2015, instructed the council not to grant permission without his specific authorisation.
The direction was issued to enable the Secretary of State to consider whether he should have the application referred to him for determination.
He subsequently decided to do so – and a public inquiry will start on May 8.
The scheme involves land to the west of Junction 20 of the M6 Motorway, and Junction 9 of the M56 Motorway and to the south of, Grappenhall Lane/Cliff Lane, Grappenhall.
On Wednesday, the development management committee will be asked to agree that the council neither support nor oppose the scheme but that council officers attend the inquiry to assist the Inspector through the provision of associated documentation, being available for any queries the Inspector may have and to suggest conditions or Section 106 obligations should the application be eventually approved.
The application, which is opposed by South Warrington parish councils and thousands of residents, has been submitted by Langtree PP and Panatton.
Meanwhile, Governmment inspectors who have said the council’s Local Plan is not sound, have said the Six56 development should be removed from the Local Plan.
