MORE than 2,080 people have signed a petition calling on the council to 'scrap the entire' local plan preferred development option (PDO).

The campaign, which has been organised by the Save Warrington group, calls on the authority to have a huge rethink.

There has been widespread public anger over the development proposals, which would see 24,000 homes built in the borough over the next 20 years, including 9,000 on the green belt.

In a statement alongside the petition, the group claims 'the plan does not constitute sustainable development'.

It said: "We require that Warrington Borough Council (WBC) scraps the entire PDO plan.

"We require that the aspirations for massive growth, the adverse impacts of which would significantly and demonstrably outweigh any supposed benefits, be forthwith abandoned and that WBC concentrate on delivering a draft local plan which reflects the true needs and aspirations of the residents of Warrington.

"We require that the housing target is significantly reduced to reflect true local need rather than through any forced, unsustainable growth of the town.

"We require an environmentally friendly plan which is genuinely based on community and citizen-led needs.

"A plan which respects, protects and reflects our historical and cultural identity, our landscape, green belt, green fields and natural habitats and which contributes positively to our health and wellbeing.

"We insist on our right to self-determination and insist that we are granted fair and genuine opportunity at all times and in all circumstances to participate fully and effectively in shaping our future and the future of the town we live in."

Signatories also believe the consultation period 'has been badly timed' and say they do not agree with the authority's 'aspirations and arguments for massive urban growth'.

The group added: "We believe that the proposed housing target calculation of 24,000 additional homes to be built over a 20-year period is not substantiated and does not reflect of the needs of Warrington and its people either in type, number or distribution.

"The release of green belt land for the purposes of urban development and sprawl in any area of the town is unacceptable and unnecessary.

"Green belt should remain green belt.

"Green fields, woodlands and natural habitats should not be destroyed."

The consultation on the local plan PDO runs until September 29.

To see the petition click here.