AN online public consultation to try and ensure Warrington’s Local Plan is ‘sound’ has been launched today, Wednesday.
Leader of the Council, Cllr. Russ Bowden says it “is an important chance for residents to continue shaping our Local Plan.”
Independent Government inspectors have previously told Warrington Borough Council its proposed Local Plan is not sound and will require some significant modifications, including reducing the impact on Green Belt.
Inspectors, Andrea Mageean and Kevin Ward’s findings last December, in relation to the employment land requirement, The South East Warrington Employment Area (Policy MD6) (SEWEA), Fiddlers Ferry and Warrington Waterfront will have significant implications. They have also sought the council’s views on the need for a travellers’ encampment within the Local Plan.
Following the examination in public of Warrington’s Proposed Submissions Version Local Plan (“draft Local Plan”) in late 2022, Planning Inspectors made their initial view that with some modifications, Warrington’s Local Plan can be found sound.
These modifications will now be consulted on publically for six weeks, from today, Wednesday 15 March.
The consultation only relates to the Main Modifications recommended by the Inspectors and not the wider Local Plan. The consultation’s main questions relate to whether the Local Plan Main Modifications comply with legal requirements and meet the tests of ‘soundness’. These are the key issues that the independent Inspectors will consider when assessing consultation responses. Comments should focus on whether the proposed Main Modifications comply with the legal requirements and can be considered ‘sound’.
At the close of the consultation, the representations made will be passed to the independent Planning Inspectors for their consideration. Following a review of responses to the modifications, the Inspectors will then issue their final report before the Plan is then expected to proceed to Full Council for adoption.
The full schedule of main modifications can be found on the council website at warrington.gov.uk/main-modifications-2023
Cllr. Bowden said: “We are hopeful that following this consultation, we will be able to satisfy the views of the Planning Inspectors and put forward a Local Plan for adoption.
“This consultation specifically relates to the Main Modifications recommended by the Independent Planning Inspectors. It’s important to note that it is not an opportunity to raise matters that either were, or could have been, part of the earlier representations or hearings on the submitted Plan, and any comments received will be passed directly to the Planning Inspectors for consideration once the consultation closes.
“This is an important chance for residents to continue shaping our Local Plan so that ultimately we have a framework in place to guide and support the considered development of our town.”
Find out how to take part in the consultation by visiting warrington.gov.uk/main-modifications-2023
All representations must be received by the council no later than 5pm on Wednesday 26 April 2023. Late representations will not be accepted by the council, but they will be brought to the attention of the Inspectors.
“Significant implications” as Government inspectors say council’s Local Plan is not sound
