MEMBERS of the public are being asked to comment on controversial proposals to develop a major new logistics site on green belt land in south Warrington which developers say could deliver up to 4,900 new jobs in the town.
Six 56 Warrington is a proposed new development at Junction 20 of the M6 and Junction 9 of the M56, which aims to deliver thousands of new logistics and manufacturing jobs if given the go-ahead.
But local councillors and members of the public expressed their fears over the proposed development following initial scoping reports earlier this year, saying it was an inappropriate development on Green Belt Land which includes residential properties, a farm and an ancient monument site.
The companies behind the proposals say it will provide a wide range of job opportunities for local people, ‘from entry-level operatives to supply chain managers and skilled technicians.’
“Our emerging proposals will ensure that the Warrington economy can continue to grow and broaden the range of jobs on offer to local people,” says John Downes, Group Chief Executive of developer Langtree, who are behind the proposal with partner First Panattoni.
“The scheme would generate millions of pounds a year in new business rates to fund essential public services and our proposals include significant investment in infrastructure to help ensure traffic is moved away from residential areas on to the motorway network,” added Mr Downes.
And, he says, local residents, community groups and stakeholders will be consulted prior to submitting any planning application – beginning with two workshops in mid-October at Grappenhall Community Centre.
“We want to hear the public’s views, so in addition to these workshops we’ll be hosting further events, including a drop-in session in the local community later in the year,” said Mr Downes.
New employment sites are needed to maintain Warrington’s position as one of the UK’s most successful local economies and continue its track record of attracting new employers and jobs to the area, the local council believes. Langtree and First Panattoni are bringing forward their proposals in response to Warrington Borough Council’s emerging Local Plan, which has identified a need for 941 acres of new employment space over the next 20 years.
Two workshops are being held at Grappenhall Community Centre, Bell House Farm, Bellhouse Lane, Warrington WA4 2SG:
• 5pm – 7pm Monday 15th October and
• 2pm – 4pm Tuesday 16th October
Places at the workshop will have to be limited, so the public is being asked to register their interest in advance by calling Freephone 0800 130 3353 or emailing [email protected]
Commenting on the consultations Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid said: “I understand that the public is being asked to comment on proposals to develop Green Belt land at the junction for the M6 and M56 but that at the current time no planning application has been submitted.
“Like many of my constituents, I have real concerns about proposals that would earmark substantial areas of Green Belt land for large scale development.
“While a planning application has not been submitted at this time, I understand that local engagement events are due to be held on these proposals and I would encourage anyone with a view on them to go along and have their say. Any constituents who have concerns should attend the local consultation events and submit their feedback through the appropriate channels. This is an essential part of the process and will ensure that concerns are not only heard, but documented and therefore consideration should be given prior to any further progress on any proposals. However I also have concerns about limited number of consultation events proposed which are being held on weekdays and during working hours.
“As the local MP, I will ensure that any concerns that are brought to my attention by my constituents are raised. And, if a planning application is submitted, I will of course ensure that the strength of local feeling on these proposals is made clear and the views of local residents are heard. I will also make my concerns about the loss of this Green Belt land known to Warrington Borough Council.”
Picture caption: image showing the parameters of the proposed development site. CLICK to see full size
1 Comment
I attended the Six 56 Warrington workshop today at Grappenhall Community Centre, it was very well attended.
No one from the local community spoke in favour of the proposed commercial development when I asked the question about the ratio of Logistics to manufacturing we were told it would be 20% manufacturing to 80% Logistics.
We are being told that the proposed development is to create job’s yet manufacturing would create a lot more jobs than warehousing and would also create more skilled and better-payed job’s than warehousing would. when we consider the impact on the environment traffic congestion and pollution it must be strongly objected.