PLANNING chiefs are being urged to dedicate separate meetings to major applications to help ensure that residents view the process as being ‘legitimate’.

Leader of the town’s Liberal Democrats Cllr Bob Barr, who is a member of the development management committee, has issued the plea to the authority.

He also wants developers to be advised to consult the public on their plans prior to submitting an application.

It comes after residents packed the Town Hall chamber for the Eddie Stobart application, which was refused, earlier this month.

The application was heard on the same night as a number of smaller applications.

Cllr Barr said: “Over the next few years Warrington will receive a number of large planning applications which have strategic significance for large parts of the town.

“In order for the planning process to be viewed as legitimate by residents, it is important that such applications receive the attention that they deserve.

“Applicants should be strongly advised to consult the public on their plans prior to submitting their applications.

“Major applications should come to dedicated meetings of the development management committee in a venue large enough to accommodate the public who are interested.

“All council members should be briefed on such applications long enough before the application is heard to be able to express a view on their strategic impact.”

The council says the option to hold a dedicated committee meeting on a different day, or in a larger venue, is available when it is necessary.