RESIDENTS living close to major developments proposed in the local plan could receive compensation to mitigate reductions in the value of properties.

The draft local plan – which is aimed at delivering the homes, jobs, transport infrastructure and community facilities the town requires – sets out the legal planning framework for development over the next two decades.

It aims to deliver 18,900 new homes – or 945 a year – up until 2037.

The document is also bidding to support the borough’s economic growth by making 362 hectares of employment land available.

Cllr Peter Walker (LD – Stockton Heath) questioned Cllr Judith Guthrie (LAB – Westbrook), cabinet member for environment and public protection, about the matter during Monday’s full council meeting.

He said: “The draft local plan identifies potential future developments in the borough of Warrington.

“This can cause a blight on the sale of properties close to these potential developments.

“Could the borough consider a scheme to provide compensation where this occurs?”

In response, Cllr Guthrie said: “Yes, the council will meet all statutory blight requirements associated with the local plan.

“The council has already made a commitment to this by accepting blight claims from residents associated with the Western Link bridge and road.”