A MAJOR influence on the future development of Warrington will protect green spaces, claim councillors.

Controversial areas including Thelwall Heys and Peel Hall have been returned to the green belt, under amendments to the town's unitary development plan.

More than 9,500 objections were made to the plan's first draft. Proposed changes were set to be discussed by the council's strategic policy overview committee as the Guardian went to press.

Regeneration chiefs say Warrington's building needs can be met through undeveloped sites with existing planning permission and brownfield (former industrial) land.

Clr Terry O'Neill, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "We hope local communities will demonstrate support for what we are trying to do and work with us when the time comes to defend the plan at its public inquiry."

Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council has welcomed a decision to return Thelwall Heys to the green belt. It was previously 'safeguarded land', which could have been developed after 2016.

Poplars councillors John Kerr Brown and Brian Maher, who have fought to protect Peel Hall from plans for 1,100 homes, are pleased that it too has been returned to the green belt.

"We have campaigned for this for years. It will mean so much to the people of Poplars, Houghton Green, Winwick and Cinnamon Brow," said Clr Kerr Brown.

The development plan must be ratified by the council's executive board before a six-week consultation period begins on November 4.