Liberal Democrats welcome Local Plan delay

Local Liberal Democrats have welcomed the decision by Warrington Council to delay work on the Local Plan. Senior Party members, Cllr Bob Barr Leader of the Council Liberal Democrat Group, Cllr Ryan Bate Parliamentary and Planning spokesman and Cllr Ian Marks Former Council Leader and Vice-Chair, South Warrington Parishes Local Plan Group, issued a joint statement:

The announcement from the Leader of the Council that Warrington's local plan is to be 'paused' until next summer is bowing to the inevitable. The COVID-19 crisis, followed by the Conservative Government's determination to tear up the planning system and the chaotic uncertainty over how minimum housing numbers should be calculated, made proceeding with the Local Plan no longer viable.

Liberal Democrats have been arguing for a rethink all along, both at the Town Hall and through our central role in the South Warrington Parishes Local Plan Group. That rethink needs to start now.

The 'pause' provides an opportunity to reconsider a future which carries public support and works for the whole of the town. As a result of COVID, we will need to think again about our relationship with the car and to 'build back better and greener'. We need neighbourhoods which are attractive places to live. They must have green spaces, shops, schools, doctors and leisure facilities within fifteen minutes travel by foot, bike or clean public transport. The Liberal Democrats look forward to playing our part in getting the Plan right.