Labour MP disappointed on £22million Risley warehouse

The development, which will see a 24/7 distribution hub open in Risley, has been widely criticised by residents and councillors for its impact.

As per the planning portal, there were more than 330 letters of objection to the plans - though some of these may have been from the same people, spread over four consultation periods.

Charlotte Nichols has expressed her disappointment over the plans being approved for the hub (Image: Parliament TV)

Now, the area's Labour MP has come out against the plans, speaking of her disappointment that the proposal was passed by the council despite residents' objections.

Ms Nichols has said that the proposal being passed was a result of government policy - despite the fact that the Development Management Committee (the group that passed the plans) had a Labour majority.

All Labour councillors on the DMC voted to approve the plans, in line with advice provided by town hall planning officers.

In a statement, Ms Nichols said: "I was disappointed to hear that the proposals for Trident Business Park were approved.

"I met with residents to discuss their concerns and I know how hard they campaigned against the plans.

"Despite the strong opposition led by the local community, and supported by local Labour councillors and myself, the applicant decided to pursue the proposals and in doing so, completely disregarded our many concerns.

"Planning policy is set by the Conservative government.

"The Conservatives create the rules, set the targets and force local councils to apply them, even if it's against the wishes of our communities - the DMC is a statutory body and can unfortunately only operate according to the laws as they are now, not the ones we hope to have in the future which will give residents greater control.”

Local councillors who are not on the planning committee, such as borough councillor David Ellis (Labour - Birchwood) and Birchwood Town Council member Ian Atkin, spoke out at the DMC meeting against the plans, to no avail.

The plans will see the Noggin Inn demolished (Image: Newsquest)

One committee member, Cllr Siobhan Carr, represents Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft - Cllr Carr came under fire from fellow Culcheth councillor, Wendy Maisey, who called for her resignation following the DMC vote.

Cllr Maisey claimed that by voting to approve the proposal, Cllr Carr was disregarding the wishes of the residents in Culcheth who were objecting to the massive Warrington east development, as well as ignoring the views of Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council - on which Cllr Carr also sits.

A Labour Party spokesperson responded to these calls, saying: "We are shocked and saddened that an elected representative and member of the council should fuel the bullying and harassment of elected members who are simply exercising the roles that they are tasked to deliver in line with national policy.

"Calls to resign are childish and insulting when made by individuals who have not bothered to establish the facts or understand the detailed analysis undertaken by professional council officers. 

"Members of the committees, as Cllr Maisey well knows, act on the legal basis of the applications submitted not on parish politics.

"There is no wrongdoing here and no basis for any calls for resignation.  Seeking to score local political points on sensitive issues such as this and to seek to stir up hate for hardworking councillors is a disgrace."

Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Russ Bowden, added: "Cllr Maisey seems to have conveniently forgotten that DMC is a quasi-judicial committee that is expected to determine applications in accordance with planning law as set out by her Conservative government.

"Decisions have to be based on the information presented and the advice of professional planning officers, not by pre-judgements.

"Members of the DMC have a tough job and all members should acknowledge the responsibility that they carry and respect their decisions."

Cllr Carr came under fire for voting to approve the plans at the DMC meeting (Image: Warrington Borough Council)

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian, a spokesperson for St Modwen Logistics - who own Trident Business Park - said: "We are pleased that our revised plans for development at Trident Business Park have been approved by Warrington Borough Council.

"Our plans for the Park will transform outdated areas of the site into a modern, sustainable business park fit for the future, creating employment opportunities and substantial economic growth for the local area.”