Independent Group Leader urges residents to have their say on new Local Plan

THE Leader of the Independent Group at Warrington Borough Council is urging residents across the town to take part in the first stage of consultation on the borough’s new Local Plan.

Cllr Stuart Mann is encouraging people to engage with the Scoping Consultation, which runs from Thursday 16 April until 5pm on Monday 1 June 2026, alongside a borough-wide Call for Sites.
The Local Plan is a key document that will shape where new homes, employment sites and infrastructure are delivered across Warrington in the years ahead. Once adopted, it carries significant weight in planning decisions.
The update is required to reflect changes in national planning policy, including increased housing targets set by Government.
Cllr Mann said it was vital that residents understood the importance of this early stage of the process.
“This is one of the most important opportunities residents will have to influence how Warrington develops in the future.
“The Local Plan effectively acts as the rulebook for where development can and cannot take place, and what infrastructure should come with it.”
He warned that Warrington had already experienced the impact of development agreed under the previous Local Plan.
“Across many parts of our town, residents are already living with the consequences of past decisions.
“We have seen increased traffic, pressure on local roads, and growing strain on GP surgeries, dentists and schools and too often the infrastructure has not kept pace with the level of development.”

Cllr Mann said that, with higher housing targets now being imposed nationally, there is a real risk of further pressure unless the new plan is shaped properly from the outset.
“There is no doubt that Warrington will be expected to accommodate further growth.
“The key question is whether that growth is properly planned and supported, or whether communities are left to deal with the consequences after the fact.”
He stressed that infrastructure must be a fundamental requirement of any future development.
“Development cannot continue without the roads, health services and school places to support it.
“Any further large-scale development must be matched by real investment in infrastructure not treated as an afterthought.”
The current consultation does not identify specific development sites, but instead seeks views on what the Local Plan should contain and how future engagement should take place.
Alongside this, the Call for Sites process allows landowners, developers, residents and community groups to submit land they believe could be suitable for development. All submissions will be assessed by the council as part of the plan-making process.
Cllr Mann added that early engagement from residents would be critical in shaping the outcome.
“If people do not engage at this stage, it becomes much harder later on to challenge where development is proposed.
“This is the point where residents can help set the direction of the plan before decisions are made.”
He also warned that without an up-to-date Local Plan, councils can find it more difficult to resist speculative or unplanned development, particularly on appeal.
Further stages of consultation are expected to take place later in 2026 and 2027 before the plan is submitted for independent examination.
Residents can view the consultation documents and submit their views via the council’s website, by email, by post, or in person at council offices and libraries across the borough.

Cllr Mann added: “I will be doing all I can to push back against unsustainable and incessant development, particularly where infrastructure is not in place.
“But the strongest message we can send is one backed by residents.
“I would strongly encourage everyone to take the time to have their say.”
Further details can be found at the following link CLICK HERE