DEVELOPMENT of land at Peel Hall has edged a step closer after a High Court challenge resulted in the removal of elements of the council's housing policies from its local plan.

The challenge was brought by Satnam, the developer behind the scheme, which criticised the plan's housing provision policies and its main housing allocation.

The plan was adopted last July and it was hoped it would manage development in Warrington until 2027 after being assessed by an independent inspector.

But Satnam argued land at Peel Hall should be included as a site for residential or mixed-use development and had its appeal over parts of the policy upheld by Mr Justice Stewart.

The judge ruled in favour of the council on six of the nine issues that Satnam challenged on, but Warrington North MP Helen Jones insists she, along with residents, will continue to fight against the other aspects of the plans.

"This is a disappointing decision," she said.

"When the Government changed planning law, Labour warned of the consequences to this and it is very clear that what we warned was right.

"However, they still have to submit a planning application if they wish to go ahead with the move and residents have made it clear that they are opposing it.

"I will continue to oppose the plans."

Despite the setback, the council has voiced its 'disappointment' but as the local planning strategy itself has not been quashed, other policies in the plan will remain unaltered.

The council will immediately begin the work necessary to ensure the housing elements of the plan are revised in line with the ruling and reinstated as soon as possible.

The parts of the plan which have been quashed are for the housing target of 10,500 new homes between up to 2027 and references to 1,100 new homes at the Omega strategic proposal.

"Warrington Borough Council was one of the first to have its local plan agreed and ironically we have become a victim of being too efficient," said Cllr David Keane, executive member for environment and public protection.

"The changes imposed by Government designed to make councils who are resistant to growth increase their housing targets have allowed this loophole to appear and the challenge to succeed albeit on only two of the nine issues challenged .

"Warrington achieves amongst the highest levels of new housing and employment development in the north west.

"While this is a disappointment and a setback, our local plan still remains a robust document - all other policies with the plan remain intact and officers are now working hard to ensure the housing elements of the plan are revised in line with the ruling and reinstated as soon as possible."

Satnam has welcomed the High Court’s decision and insists it will now focus on working closely with the council to improve the prospects in the town.

Colin Griffiths, director at Satnam, said: “We are really pleased that our concerns raised through the core strategy process have been acknowledged by the court.

“We will be working with Warrington on the housing inspections and the site allocation process over the next few months.”