AN MP left ‘bitterly disappointed’ by a decision not to call in plans for a huge new warehousing scheme in south Warrington has spoken out in Parliament.

Andy Carter asked ‘how residents can have their voices heard’ during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons yesterday, Wednesday.

It follows the go-ahead being given to Six56 proposals to build 3.1million square-feet of warehousing on green belt next to the M6 and M56 at Lymm.

Warrington Borough Council’s development management committee approved planning permission in March this year.

Warrington South MP Mr Carter had called for the decision to be reviewed by independent inspectors, however it has been announced that Secretary of State Michael Gove has opted not to do so.

Speaking in Parliament, the MP said: “Earlier this week, the Planning Inspectorate waived through a decision by Labour councillors to build a massive logistics hub in south Warrington.

“The plans are country to national policy, entirely in the green belt, and have been approved despite more than a thousand letters of objection.

“Does the Prime Minister agree with me that listening to local communities and protecting our precious green belt must be at the heart of planning policy, and will he meet with me to see how local residents can have their voices heard?

In response, Boris Johnson said: “Local residents can have no more powerful voice than that of my honourable friend.

“The House will have heard him loud and clear, I know the Department for Levelling Up will have heard him loud and clear, and I will make sure he gets the relevant meeting.”

In a statement afterwards, Mr Carter added that he will be holding further meetings with ministers in the coming days to represent the views of constituents that have contacted him.

It is expected that developer Langtree’s proposals will bring 4,000 new jobs to the town in what it described as a ‘major boost’.

Chief executive John Downes said: “This is a major milestone for the development of Warrington’s economy as it seeks to adapt to changing market conditions.

“In his letter, the Secretary of State has acknowledged that local authorities are best placed to decide what is right for their community, and this news will not only unlock £180million of development, but generate substantial rates income each year for investment in local services.”

The development is expected to net the council an addition £7.1million in rates per year, with work onsite expected to begin in late 2023.

Mr Downes added: “It is a very sustainable site and the north west is currently suffering from under-supply of logistics space.

“The sector pays well, with average salaries around £29,000 a year.

“In a development of this size, there will be lots of roles available, from entry-level up to senior technical and managerial jobs.

“The impact of our investment will be multiplied if we can engage local suppliers in the construction and operation of the scheme, and we are committed to ensuring as many contracts as possible go to local firms.”

Following the announcement, Mr Carter said he was disappointed with Mr Gove’s decision not to call in the plans.

He said in a statement: “I am bitterly disappointed at this decision, and sadly we end up with the worst of all worlds – piecemeal planning, taking green belt without taking account of the wider needs of the local area.

“I have been asked how we stopped previous Stobart development but could not halt this logistics park.

“Sadly, the fundamental difference is that Labour have now submitted the Local Plan for inspection, which means prematurity – i.e. developers identifying a speculative piece of land – is no longer applicable as the location is clearly identified in the local plan for employment use.

“My anger is that our town centre is being hollowed out, and all around Warrington we have a ring of large warehouses, destroying the green belt, and at the same the Labour council is failing to address the infrastructure needed to accommodate the growth planned.

“I am seeking an urgent meeting with ministers to raise my concerns again.”