WARRINGTON'S emerging local plan is expected to be published and submitted for inspection before the end of the summer, says the council leader.

It was delayed until after the scheduled all-out elections in May, however, they have been postponed for a year due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The draft sets out the legal planning framework for the borough’s development over the next two decades and put forward proposals for 18,900 new homes up until 2037.

But there was widespread anger after more than 7,000 homes were earmarked for green belt land.

The publication of the updated local plan has been hit by significant delays.

It was hoped it would come before full council again in December, prior to being submitted to the secretary of state and put before an inspector.

But council leader Cllr Russ Bowden says he now expects this to happen by the end of the summer.

“It was pushed back, principally, because of the position in terms of consultation responses, we are still working very much on that,” he said.

“One of the key bits from the consultation was around demonstrating the viability of infrastructure.

“We have been doing a lot of work with Homes England, in particular, and their development partners around demonstrating that feasibility and doing what we know is a real concern for residents, which is providing that infrastructure up front before houses are delivered. That is ongoing work.

“I would expect, by the end of the summer, we are in a position to submit that plan.

“Obviously, it depends on what changes are made to the plan because there might be elements that we have to go out to consultation on, if there are any changes.”

Cllr Bowden also highlighted St Helens’ proposals for Omega, the anticipated decision over Eddie Stobart’s appeal by the secretary of state and the fresh Peel Hall public inquiry.

The Labour politician added: “So there are things which still have an impact but, ultimately, I just want to get on with it and get it done by the end of the summer.”