UPSVLP 2494
There is little evidence within the plan that the assumptions with regard to delivery of infrastructure can be achieved. To be sound, the plan must be Effective: deliverable over its period based on effective joint working on cross-boundary strategic priorities. Delivery of primary schools, shops and more particular sustainable transport is not within the gift of WBC and requires the "buy-in" from delivery partners. How these will be achieved within the timescales for the plan has not been discussed. There is some evidence that there have been consultation within Homes England, but they are landowners only and not development partners.
I am not suitably qualified to answer yes or no to either of these questions. It would have been more sensible to include a "Don't know"!
More evidence should be provided as to how WBC will achieve delivery of this critical infrastructure and to extent to which it is confident that the provision will be delivered with it's partners. For example, engagement with the local bus provider as the transport provision in Warrington falls far short of similar sized towns, through conditions on planning etc. I see no mention at all in the plan around sustainability other than transport, but I think to be honest that this is lip service. The reality is that the housing that will be delivered will be of an "executive" type where people drive to work in Liverpool/Manchester.
As a general point (and it's not clear where to put this!), there's no where to put comments of a general nature. The reason we chose Warrington over neighbouring (and more "prestigious" boroughs) was because of the green space. Whilst I accept that we cannot assume green space would always remain so, there would remain very little to attract Warrington to us if this scheme goes ahead as currently drafted - transport within Warrington is atrocious, traffic is a nightmare at times and the town centre, while slowly improving is put in the shade compared to other surrounding towns. There seems to be an enduring argument that Warrington needs to grow therefore needs new housing. Its not clear from the Local Plan why it is the case that Warrington needs to grow and to the extent set out in the Local Plan. I remain sceptical (based on experience elsewhere) that the infrastructure promised within this Local Plan is capable of being delivered; I also remain sceptical that the programme of house building is appropriate or deliverable with an aging population and decreasing birth rate. I could not see where there had been any modelling based on estimated population growth and migration