“Green Belt building plans should be scrapped” – MP

PROPOSALS to build on Green Belt land set out in the Warrington’s draft local plan should be scrapped, says MP Faisal Rashid.
The Warrington South MP says the borough council should pursue a “brownfield first” policy.
He is urging constituents to have their say on the plan through the official consultation, which runs until June 17.
The proposed submission version local plan will set out the legal planning framework for Warrington’s development for the next 20 years, covering housing, business space, transport infrastructure and community facilities like schools and GPs.
Central government requires local authorities to produce plans and deliver housebuilding targets in line with government criteria and data.
Mr Rashid is campaigning for proposals to develop areas of Green Belt in the constituency to be scrapped and is calling for a vigorous “brownfield first” approach to development in order to obviate the need to develop on the Green Belt.
He is challenging the Government on the figures they expect Warrington  to base their local plan housing projections on.
The Government has made it clear that it expects councils to use figures from 2014 and not the more recent 2016 housing need figures
Mr Rashid is calling on the Housing Minister to allow Warrington to use the lower 2016 housing need figures in an effort to protect local Green Belt land.
Residents can comment at
https://www.warrington.gov.uk/info/201103/consultations/2488/consultation-on-proposed-submission-version-local-plan
The MP said: “The Local Plan will have far-reaching implications for our town. Understandably my constituents have very valid concerns about the big changes that are being proposed and how they may transform the landscape of the town.
“We need housing, but we must protect Warrington’s Green Belt. That is why I have always called for the redevelopment of brownfield land to be prioritised, and Green Belt protection strengthened.
“I remain absolutely opposed to the loss of our Green Belt land for development. Not only would it mean the loss of our much-loved Green Belt – but it risks opening the floodgates to the future loss of this land. At a time when we have seen a national climate change emergency declared, our town simply cannot afford to lose areas of Green Belt.  It has so many benefits – for the environment, for health and for our wellbeing. I will continue to fight tooth and nail for its protection.
I am more than happy to meet with my constituents to discuss any aspect of the draft Local Plan. While MPs do not have any formal role in local planning processes, it is important that all local people are given the opportunity to express their views and that their concerns are given the consideration they deserve.
“Once Warrington Borough Council’s proposals have been finalised, the Planning Inspectorate will carry out an independent examination of the Proposed Submission Version Local Plan. And at that time, once again we will have the opportunity to make our views known.”