Call for Peel Hall consultation to be extended

LOCAL councillors are calling for a public consultation on the controversial development of Peel Hall with 1,200 new homes to be extended, after the first sessions started this week.

Cllr Nathan Sudworth (Poplars and Hulme) and Cllr Graham Friend (Poulton North) both attended yesterday’s Peel Hall consultation session at St Andrew’s Community Centre, which was continuing today.

During the session the councillors spoke to residents and raised concerns with Peel Hall developers Countryside and Torus.

The Design Code and Masterplan consultation is taking place over the coming weeks and will look at a range of issues including; overall layout and design, development phasing, moving around the area, nature, greenspaces, and the design and materials of buildings.
Peel Hall was sold by Satnam earlier this year after a 30-year battle by local councillors and campaign groups who fought against the development. Countryside purchased the site for more than £100 million in a joint partnership with local social housing provider Torus. It’s expected that around 360 of the 1,200 homes projected to be built will be affordable.

Warrington Borough Council has consistently opposed plans to develop the site, repeatedly refusing to grant planning permission.
However, in a cruel turn of events, the views of local councillors, the MP, residents, campaigners and the Council were brushed aside when Conservative Secretary of State, Michael Gove, stepped in and overturned the Council’s decision.
Local councillors are now working with the local community to ensure that the views of residents are heard as the scheme develops. And they are encouraging residents to have their say on the plans.
A series of consultation events are planned over the coming weeks, based in community centres in Poplars and Hulme, the ward where Peel Hall sits. Developers Countryside have also launched a website where any concerned residents can read through the plans and submit feedback and concerns.

Cllr Sudworth said: “Residents are rightly concerned about the development of Peel Hall.
“Over the last 30 years local MPs, councillors, residents, campaigners and the Council have fought tooth and nail to protect the land from development. We were all staggered and deeply disappointed when Michael Gove decided to ignore the wishes of local people and allow the site to be developed.
“A decision snatched out of the hands of local people – with permission granted hundreds of miles away in London by the Conservative Secretary of State. Shameful.
“Sadly, we can’t stop the development, but we can have a say in how it will turn out and help ensure that any concerns are heard and acted on.
“A series of consultation events on the proposals are being held by the developer Countryside and their joint partner Torus. These events give residents the opportunity to have their say on the development of Peel Hall.
“Residents have told me and my councillor colleagues that they are concerned about a wide range of issues including; the impact on wildlife, traffic, flooding, and construction vehicles using narrow weight restricted roads.
“We want to ensure that all local residents are given the opportunity to view and comment on the proposals, should they wish to. Which is why my colleagues and I have asked Countryside and Torus to extend the consultation period.
“In the coming weeks your local councillors will be submitting a formal response to the consultation. Highlighting any concerns that have been brought to our attention and requesting action to address them.
“I encourage anyone with an interest in Peel Hall to visit an upcoming consultation event and to read through the plans. Anyone wanting to comment on the proposals can do so via the Peel Hall website PeelHallWarrington.co.uk.
“As always, if any residents would like to get in touch to raise concerns, they can email me at [email protected]”

Dates of upcoming consultations:
Radley Common Community Centre, WA2 0JY
Saturday, 24 June, 9am – 12pm

Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub, WA2 8HE
Date to be confirmed. Please check the website.

Further information can be found at
PeelHallWarrington.co.uk

Cllr. Graham Friend viewing documents