AN appeal against the decision to refuse plans for 1,200 homes at Peel Hall will be heard at a public inquiry in February.

Earlier this year the development management committee unanimously rejected Satnam’s plans for 1,200 homes at the site.

However, following the decision, Satnam lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

It has now been confirmed that the appeal will be determined at an inquiry, which starts on February 13 at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub.

Satnam director Colin Griffiths said: “We can confirm that the appeal lodged to the Planning Inspectorate in the matter of the untimely refusal of the Peel Hall planning application will be determined at an inquiry.

“It is hoped, in the light of the acute shortage of housing land in Warrington demonstrated by the council’s acceptance that green belt land will need to be released in addition to sites such as Peel Hall, that the inspector and the secretary of state will make a speedy decision following the close of the inquiry.

“Without Peel Hall being developed in the short term this acute housing shortage cannot be tackled in Warrington.”

Warrington North MP Helen Jones is calling on residents to continue voicing their objections to the proposals for 1,200 homes and facilities at the site.

She said: “The council are proceeding with a 20-year housing plan when they only need a 15-year plan.

“There is enough housing land in Warrington to meet a 15-year housing plan.

“Not only are my constituents very concerned about building on green belt land but I have made the point to the council that their plans would undermine the chance of keeping Peel Hall as open space.

“It is vital that as many residents as possible put in submissions to the inquiry and I shall be seeking assurances from the council that they will defend their position on Peel Hall robustly.”

Warrington Borough Council has also issued a statement.

A spokesman said: “This planning application was refused and Satnam has appealed to the secretary of state.

“An independent Government-appointed planning inspector will hear this appeal and make a judgement.”

Speakers are to be confirmed in advance by the Planning Inspectorate.

The Planning Inspectorate is an executive agency which deals with planning appeals, national infrastructure planning applications, examinations of local plans and other planning-related and specialist casework in England and Wales.