WARRINGTON Borough Council has responded after coming in for criticism over the 'unacceptable timing' of its local plan consultation.

Around 9,000 homes need to built on green belt land over the next 20 years to meet Warrington's development needs and 'support its new city aspirations'.

The council's executive board is set to approve the town's local plan 'preferred development option' (PDO) at its meeting next Monday.

If approved, an eight-week public consultation on the PDO will begin on July 18.

Last Thursday, decisions on the Homes and Communities Agency's (HCA) proposals to build 770 homes in Appleton and Grappenhall Heys were deferred at the Parr Hall.

Residents and councillors, who battled against the HCA's plans, are 'calling into question' the timing of the authority's consultation period.

Cllr Ryan Bate (LD – Grappenhall) said: "We appreciate that this consultation has been delayed by the General Election but the timing of the consultation is unacceptable.

"For a document which will guide Warrington's development for the next 20 years, delaying this consultation for a few more weeks to avoid school holidays seems like an easy but most considerate step to take."

The campaign group, which has changed its name to Sustainable South Warrington, is also concerned about the 'small number of dates and venues' being proposed for the consultation.

For further details and how to get involved visit the Sustainable South Warrington Facebook page.

A council spokesman said 'we are confident that we have a comprehensive and robust consultation process in place for this stage of the local plan'.

He added: "We have added two weeks to the statutory consultation period, meaning there is an eight-week period for people to have their say.

"We are also ensuring the consultation would also start as early as possible following executive board approval.

"We are in the process of organising an extra consultation event in Culcheth, which will bring the total number of events to eight – or one a week.

"It is important to note that people can attend an event in any location to discuss any issue about the local plan.

"The information provided at a specific event will not be limited to the area in which it is being held, so there's plenty of opportunity for people to talk about the issues that are important to them.

"In addition, there will be a range of information, images, online presentations and ways to get in touch available on the council's website throughout the consultation.

"Councils are not obliged to carry out a 'PDO' consultation in preparing the local plan but we have decided to carry out this consultation because we are absolutely committed to giving as many people as possible the chance to air their views about the proposals."

Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid has written to members of the development management committee reflecting concerns that had been raised with him over the Appleton and Grappenhall Heys planning applications.

He said: "The proposed developments have clearly been quite emotive and I have been contacted by a number of residents raising concerns about the importance of infrastructure and public services to support the extra houses that are the subject of the applications.

"A number of other key planning matters are also coming up in Warrington at the moment, including the western link proposals and the new local plan.

"We are a growing town and change is only to be expected.

"While development is a very important part of promoting economic prosperity for Warrington, which in turn funds and safeguards our services, it needs to be done sensitively.

"I would encourage people to engage with the council's consultations on these important topics to ensure that the consultation process is meaningful.

"That way, residents can be sure that they have had their say. 

"In addition, where there are community meetings organised on these issues, I will try to attend them when I am not in Westminster, or I will arrange for one of my team to come and take account of residents' views."