FUNDING options to deliver a major highway route to connect the proposed garden suburb development with the town’s existing network will be explored.

The draft local transport plan proposes two major highway schemes that represent the ‘minimum’ level of new infrastructure required – the Western Link and Warrington South strategic infrastructure phase one, also known as the garden suburb strategic link.

The latter aims to deliver a major highway and public transport provision to support development in the south of the town.

During the local plan preferred development option (PDO) consultation, concerns were raised over a rumoured strategic road spanning from Stretton to Grappenhall.

Councillors believed a link road from junction 10 of the M56 in Stretton to Grappenhall was being planned but the council remained tight-lipped.

Uncertainty continues to surround the future scheme – with the authority being urged to provide clarity.

Cllr Ryan Bate (LD – Grappenhall) says: “I think there is a need for infrastructure if you are going to have any level of development in south Warrington.

“Even if you have no development, there is a need for more infrastructure across south Warrington.

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Ryan Bate

“In terms of the actual route, we saw how deeply controversial and how hurtful and upsetting the so-called ‘line on a map’ was in the PDO.

“That line has now disappeared but it has actually asked more questions because people are wondering what exactly this link will be, where it will go and whose homes and whose livelihoods that will affect.

“There is a need for infrastructure but there is a need for urgent transparency around what that infrastructure is.

“It probably is what we have called, historically, the Howshoots Link and the Wrights Green Distributor.

“But the council just need to get on and tell us exactly what it is and where it will go.”

However, Town Hall chiefs say ‘the alignment of any link and its connections’ have not been identified beyond an indicative route at this stage.

A spokesman added: “Warrington South strategic infrastructure describes new sections of highway that will be needed to link the proposed garden suburb development in south east Warrington with the existing highway network, including potential connections to the A49 Tarporley Road, A50 Knutsford Road, B5356 Grappenhall Lane and Witherwin Avenue.

“It is intended that any highway infrastructure will be of sufficient width to accommodate cars, high-quality public transport and walking and cycling routes.

“The final route alignment and design will be subject to consultation and, where necessary, the development of a full business case.

“The development of the infrastructure is likely to require funding from a range of sources and we will explore all funding options to support the delivery of the infrastructure required to support the housing proposals in the local plan.”