WARRINGTON Borough Council is being warned it must take 'radical action' and deliver 'significant' infrastructure upgrades to ensure it can provide 20,000 new homes by 2037.

A review of the town's local plan will be taking place following executive board approval, with a six-week consultation starting on Monday, October 24.

The ambitious plan, which will look at accelerating growth and development in the borough in the next 20 years, has set out a vision to deliver around 20,000 new homes and 363 hectares of land for business and employment by 2037.

But leading councillors fear a failure to do so could significantly stunt Warrington's growth and plunge its 'new city' aspirations into jeopardy.

Residents are already speculating over the need for an additional hospital, GP surgeries, dentists and schools as part of the move.

And Warrington South MP David Mowat has issued the authority with a warning to ensure the borough can accommodate for the growth.

He said: "We have a national housing shortage and, without radical action, the dream of home ownership will remain just a dream for our children and grandchildren.

"It's quite right that our town will need significant upgrades to its infrastructure if it is to accommodate the amount of new homes being suggested.

"But that doesn't mean that we shouldn't build any more houses.

"It means that the council need to take a holistic view of development in the town and ensure that as the number of homes increases, the amount of schools, roads and all other services increase as well."

Council chiefs are urging residents with 'firm views, ideas or concerns' around the local plan to get involved in the consultation period.

A spokesman said: "Warrington's local plan will guide our development over the next 20 years and deliver our priorities for growth.

"This includes the essential infrastructure to support that growth, such as transportation, health, education, sports and leisure and open space.

"This plan is our statutory development plan, so it is, of course, a very important document.

"All of the issues raised by people will looked at as part of the process in developing the plan over the next year.

"No decisions have yet been made and we are committed to taking on board the views of people."

Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Bob Barr fears Warrington 'will continue to be penalised' if it fails to turn its growth plan into a reality.

Cllr Barr (LD – Lymm North and Thelwall) believes a devolution deal, or a 'city deal' for Warrington alone, are essential to completing the vision.

He said: "The proposal to expand Warrington into a 'new city' is no more than a plan to complete the New Town project but fitting in with the Government's new enthusiasm for garden cities.

"The New Town was not completed because, following the 1987 General Election, the Conservative Government chose to prioritise the old cities and it prematurely closed the New Town corporation in Warrington.

"This left our town without the roads, much of the infrastructure and the town centre redevelopment that would have been needed to complete the New Town.

"If Warrington doesn't grow it will continue to be penalised and our environment, roads and services may continue to get worse.

"The only way out of this is to grow the town but insist on road improvements and new services preceding housing or employment areas – as happened in the New Town.

"By retaining business rates and new homes bonus, the town's finances will be improved and we can sensitively expand while preserving most of our most valuable Green Belt."