Second phase of Peel Hall development approved – by one vote!

DESPITE opposition from from local residents town planners have approved the second phase of the controversial Peel Hall development at Warrington – by a single vote!

Members of the committee voted 3-2 in favour of the application, a partnership between Vistry Group and affordable housing provider Torus, with five other members abstaining from the vote.

The objectors claimed the reserved matters proposals involve more land than originally proposed and express concern over existing drainage, air pollution from the nearby M62 and a lack of consideration for wildlife.
Some residents also expressed concerns over asbestos which they claim has been buried on the site.
There are also concerns about a children’s play area which is planned for land close to an existing mental health facility.
The second phase of the Peel Hall development involves 501 dwellings, of which 346 are market price properties, 69 affordable homes to rent and 88 affordable homes to buy.
But the overall Peel Hall development is for about 1,200 dwellings and a local centre including a food store, offices, restaurants and cafes, a pub, hot food takeaway and a primary school, with open space including sports pitches.
Planning officers recommended the borough’s development management committee approve the new proposals.
United Utilities had objected on the grounds that, because of the size of the development, details draining proposals should have been shown at this stage.
Outline planning consent for the development was given by the Secretary of State following a lengthy public inquiry and major opposition from local residents.

Former Mayor Geoff Settle, who attended the meeting said he found the process of voting bazar. The motion was move by Cllr Steve Parish and no one would second it.
“Cllr Graham Friend who is my ward councillor eventually seconded the motion and it went to a vote. There were 3 in favour, 2 against and 5 abstained.
“Not one councillor submitted an objection in neighbouring wards despite the overwhelming anger that has been expressed by the residents of Poplars, Poulton North and Winwick.
“In essence that is why we set up the Rule 6 Party to fight the Satnam Plans and councillors were not or did not want to be involved, so the residents raised funds and devoted hundreds of hours to fight the proposals at the lengthy Inquiry during the pandemic. That eventually went to the secretary of state, Michael Gove MP.
“We pledged to carry on, and we have been and will continue.
“I must thank Cllr Una Gillham my local councillor for raising issues at the planning meeting, as well as Cllr Paul Warburton for his contributions on single occupancy housing and nature conservation.”
In support of the application it was stated that the development would help the council meet its housing need, including affordable homes, which includes significant funding from Homes England. Any delays could impact that funding.
A full broadcast of the meeting can be viewed by CLICKING HERE