WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has issued a plea to the borough council to make “no more mistakes” on the controversial Peel Hall planning application. 
She has written to the council’s interim chief executive Steven Broomhead, highlighting the need to present the “best and most robust case” it can in defence of its position to refuse the latest planning application by Satnam Developments.
The MP said that members of the development control committee voted to recommend that an application to build 150 houses on the site be rejected. However, due to mistakes within the planning department, the committee’s decision was no more than an expression of the council’s view, as the matter was already due to be decided by the planning inspectorate.
The date for the public inquiry to begin has been set for May 29.
Ms Jones described the development control meeting as a “good night for local people.”
She said: “There is still a long way to go. It is hugely disappointing that the council’s failure to follow procedure has meant this matter was already scheduled for determination by a planning inspector before the committee even met.
“It is now imperative that the council make no more mistakes and I have written to Professor Broomhead to emphasise to him that my constituents, who have made their view known in huge numbers, need to know that the council will defend their recommendation robustly and efficiently.
“The eyes of the local community will be on them and there can be no room for any errors in their presentation.”
1 Comment
I understand that a Member of Parliament can speak at a public inquiry, I assume that in this case, and in support of her constituents, this MP will do that. I would think that if she fails to do so, then those who object to this planning application will rightly feel let down by their MP and that like most politicians their actions fail to live up to their words. I would think that as a highly experienced, articulate and senior politician this MP would be able to make a forceful and effective representation at the inquiry on behalf of her residents. Time will tell I guess if she has the courage of her convictions, and despite what might of gone on in the past, I would think that this MP now needs to work with the council and become an integral and supportive part of the team in order to defeat this application.