RESIDENTS are being asked for their views on three new documents which aim to govern the future of planning and development in Warrington.

Following the adoption of the controversial Local Plan which earmarks the need for 15,000 new homes in the next 15 years, Warrington Borough Council has published three draft Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) which it is consulting on.

They are:

n Planning Obligations SPD – which aims to secure contributions from development towards new and improved infrastructure – including schools, health facilities, open space, sports facilities, biodiversity and transport infrastructure.

n Environmental Protection SPD – which set out the council’s technical standards and requirements to address air quality, contaminated land, noise pollution and light pollution.

n Warrington Design Guide SPD – setting out the council’s expectations and requirements for the high quality design of new buildings, streets and open spaces.

The draft SPDs were published on December 13, and people are now being invited to take part in the consultation to share their views on the documents.

As the consultation is taking place over the Christmas period, the council has increased the consultation period from the minimum four weeks up to eight weeks, with consultation closing at 5pm on Wednesday, February 7.

Following the end of the consultation period, the council will consider all representations that have been made and take these into account before approving the final SPDs. It is anticipated that the SPDs will be approved in summer 2024.

Cllr Janet Henshaw, deputy council leader and cabinet member for sustainability, climate change, housing and planning, said: “We want to make Warrington an attractive, thriving and sustainable place for everyone. Our SPD documents will play an important part in that, by setting the framework for future development.

“They will provide guidance for developers and set out our expectations for development which is well designed, protects the environment and is supported by the right infrastructure and community facilities.

“Our SPDs set out the principles through which we will enable the high-quality, sustainable development we want to see in Warrington. Please take part in our consultation and let us know your views on these important documents. All views will be taken on board.”

Visit warrington.gov.uk/supplementary-planning-documents