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Published Delegated Executive Decisions

Welcome. This system contains information about published delegated executive decisions, including exemptions.

Decision Number: 0087 2013/14

Executive Portfolio:
Regeneration, Housing, Planning and Community Safety
Decision Number:
0087 2013/14
Exempt / Confidential Item:
No
Ward(s) Affected:
All Wards
Declarations of Interest Received:
None
Title:
Response to Warrington Core Strategy Local Plan consultation
Summary of Decision:
To approve a response to the consultation on modifications to the Warrington Core Strategy Local Plan
Proposed Decision:
To approve a joint response, together with Halton Council, to the consultation on modifications to the Warrington Core Strategy Local Plan.
Summary of Reason for Decision:
To ensure that regeneration efforts and potential development opportunities in St.Helens are not adversely affected by over-development in Warrington.
Reason for Decision:
Warrington's Core Strategy Local Plan will, once it is approved by a Planning Inspector, set out how much development will be permitted in Warrington up to around 2028. Warrington are consulting the public and other bodies on modifications to the draft Core Strategy to address concerns raised by the Inspector during his examination of the document. St.Helens, Halton and Warrington have a strong and positive working relationship on planning and housing issues, reinforced by work on the Mid Mersey Growth Point and its legacy. Halton and St.Helens Council planning officers have met Warrington Council planning officers to discuss concerns about one particular new policy (change reference MM09). The main concern is that the current wording of the policy means that Warrington would be obliged to make up for any shortfall in housing delivery occurring in Halton and St.Helens. This could lead to several problems, including the need for Warrington to provide more housing land than it needs and even release Green Belt land, potentially harming regeneration in St.Helens. Warrington officers understood Halton and St.Helens' concerns and agreed in principle that changes are required. They have consulted with their Executive member responsible for planning. Warrington will wait to see everyone's comments on MM09 before preparing changes to the policy to address concerns and consulting again. In the meantime, a formal representation needs to be submitted so Halton and St.Helens' concerns are formally registered and so taken into account. A joint Halton and St.Helens representation has been prepared by Halton and St.Helens planners, and Warrington planners have seen the draft. Short timescales have meant that a representation will be submitted on the deadline of 30/9/13, but the representation can be withdrawn should circumstances change.
Risks Associated with this Decision:
Fauilure to make comments and so not have our concerns addressed may lead to over-development in Warrington, undermining development and regeneration in St.Helens, leading to the potential loss of some population and Council Tax revenues associated with new development.
Measures to Redress Risk:
Make representations on Warrington Core Strategy and maintain dialogue with Warrington Council.
Anti Poverty / Human Rights / Agenda 21 Implications:
None
Attachments:
Please Contact Gerard Woods - Ext 6117 for more details.