CONCERNS continue to be raised over the decision to approve plans to build 228 homes on land at Grappenhall Heys.

In June, Urban Splash’s proposals for the land were approved by the council’s development management committee.

The site is located to the south of Curzon Drive, east of Lichfield Avenue and west of Stansfield Drive.

Outline permission for 400 homes at Grappenhall Heys was granted in 2017, which established the principle of development.

But the reserved matters application came before the committee in June and was approved subject to conditions.

But in a draft letter to Warrington Borough Council, published ahead of its meeting on Thursday, January 20, Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council expressed disappointment over the decision.

The letter reads: “The parish council has taken time to review the decision and the process which led to it, including request for comment from legal and planning advisors.

“Whilst it was concluded that it would not be a good use of resources to pursue the matter formally, it was the unanimous decision of the parish council that issues of concern should be raised with the borough council, in order to areas of concern, to be used as part of a learning process to improve clarity and transparency in the determination of planning applications.

“Residents and representatives of the parish council left the meeting in June with grave concern over the evident lack of clarity and transparency in the determination to grant planning in this case.

“The decision seemed to have been made in haste with deadline for determination before the expiry date for consideration of reserved matters to the fore, as opposed to securing the best possible decision.”

The areas of concern highlighted by the parish council include the approach to parish council/resident group objections by Warrington Borough Council, the conduct of the council engagement with the developer, the quality of officer reports and the operation and effectiveness of the development management committee.

The letter added: “It is recognised that the decision has now been made but as noted above it is considered that there are a range of points and issues about the process of reaching the decision, which undermine the credibility of the council acting as local planning authority.

“It is the parish council’s objective that these comments might be viewed constructively and taken on board to improve process, clarity and transparency.”

Warrington Borough Council has issued a statement in response.

A spokesman said: “We have previously responded to any concerns raised following the consideration of the scheme by Urban Splash by development management committee in June 2021.

“The intention of the parish council to submit further correspondence to us is noted and we will respond directly to them upon receipt of this.”