Peel Hall campaigners “quietly optimistic” after Public Inquiry ends

THE Public Inquiry that could seal the fate of Peel Hall, the last natural green space in North Warrington, was officially closed today, Friday, by Inspector Christina Downes, leaving campaigners feeling ‘quietly optimistic’ about its outcome.

The inquiry opened in September last year, it was adjourned several days later and then reopened on March 9th. Appellant and landowner Satnam Millennium Ltd is seeking outline planning permission for a 1,200 home ‘multi-use neighbourhood’. The appeal inquiry was granted after the developer was successful in obtaining a High Court ruling.
After deliberating cost issues, the 11-day, two-part hearing came to an end by Inspector Downes who said: “Thanks everybody. The main parties have all been helpful and to all the people who have engaged in this process. Everyone has really made an effort and done very well. Thank you for welcoming me in a very courteous manner. I wish you all well.”

In previous sittings highways and traffic-related matters, according to the Save Peel Hall Campaign Group’s Rule 6 Party have been the most significant issues on the inquiry table and they believe these could make the ‘critical difference’ and hope scrutinization of these, that continued to echo throughout the process will influence the Inspector’s recommendation.
In his closing speech and urging the Secretary of State to refuse the appeal, campaigner Mr Jim Sullivan said: “This development would worsen the lives of our residents, it would compound the serious traffic congestion we face, our health would suffer, and some would die prematurely. The homes built on this site would face an assault of traffic noise which we would struggle to justify and explain to future generations. Flood risks would increase for hundreds of families living nearby. This is not a marginal plan with minor weaknesses but a seriously flawed plan which should not be wasting public resources and focus”.
Rule 6’s main cross-examiner Jon Parr commented: “We have spent hundreds, if not thousands of hours building a case to argue concerns of residents against this undevelopable and undeliverable scheme. The appellant has shown lack of understanding of the community, the area itself and the significant issue of congestion and air quality”. He criticised plans to ‘trade-off’ local playing fields to benefit a ‘Zombie’ development and he added: “We hope the inspector has heard us loud and clear and we assert in no uncertain terms that this unsustainable scheme should be dismissed once and for all.”
On reflection local campaigner Wendy Johnson-Taylor said she could not praise the efforts of Jim, Jon, Margaret Steen, Dave Sawyer and Geoff Settle enough saying that although daunting at first, and laymen in terms of planning expertise, everyone had ‘stepped up to the plate’ and had turned into experts in specialist fields ‘making their mark’ with all parties concerned and that she was ‘quietly optimistic.
She added that the inspector, in a previous sitting, commented on the conduct of the Rule 6 Party saying that it had been ‘exemplary’ and particularly in connection with sticking to exceptionally tight, demanding deadlines and complex issues.
“We have all worked tirelessly for months. Our proofs covered air quality, noise pollution, hydrology and flood risk, transport and ecology on top of scores of other documents. In total we guess we have produced over 2,000 pages of written work. Everyone took on the enormity of the job that had to be done, and in my opinion – we were awesome!” Said Wendy.
She added that ‘invaluable assistance’ and additional submissions and presentations were delivered by planning consultant Peter Black who acted as Rule 6’s advocate. He contributed to the party’s closing statement calling the proposal a ‘dinosaur development. A Tyrannosaurus Rex’. Mr Black’s services were funded by Winwick and Poulton with Fearnhead Parish Councils and Wendy said the campaign group could not thank both councils enough for their generous support.
Fellow member Geoff Settle commented: “It’s been a long haul again, 30 years of battling to Save Peel Hall. I’ve had the pleasure to be part of the best and most organised group to date. Each member brought their own skill set that they used to scrutinise evidence and deliver their own proofs, face up to the rebuttals and questioning.”
He added: “It’s been tough, but the team has bonded together, caught up with passions and led by a fantastic leader, Wendy on horseback into battle! We will be ready for the next bout whenever or whatever it might be. We are all exhausted and looking forward to a long rest and recovery with our families …. if they still remember us!”
Wendy added: “The waiting game starts here. The Inspector has gone away to prepare her report and recommendation. We don’t know when a decision will be announced by Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State. In the meantime, we are all keeping everything crossed.”

Residents protest at Peel Hall