Warrington opts for two-tier planning committee

Separate sub-committees will discuss minor applications and strategic plans in a move designed to speed up Warrington Council's planning process.

The council responded to complaints from developers that larger applications were being delayed by agendas crowded with lesser plans for household matters.

Warrington will create a development management committee for strategic applications and another sub-committee will deal with minor and household submissions.

Les Hoyle, chairman of the working group that reviewed the council planning process, said: "[The current system] has often been damaging to the reputation of the council and created an impression that it lacks the ability to properly take account of the views of those it is supposed to represent."