OVER the past few weeks there have been further developments with two significant issues in my constituency.

Firstly, despite having lost their appeal to the planningiInspector in the summer of last year, and the fact that the borough council have made it clear that Warrington has enough housing land allocated, Satnam Developments Ltd are returning with a further application to build on Peel Hall.

Information I have obtained through a Freedom of Information request shows that the developers intend to engage in a formal pre-application consultation with a view to submitting a planning application for residential development on the whole site before Christmas.

It appears from the notes of meetings which have already taken place that the plan will be for 1,400 houses with access off Blackbrook Avenue, Birch Avenue, Elm Road and 1 or 2 points on Poplars Avenue. It remains unclear as to what will happen on Mill Lane.

It would appear that residents will have to rally round once more to defend the last green space in this part of the town.

Secondly, last Monday saw the launch of a new report about HS2 written by HS2 Ltd. Chair Sir David Higgins. Amongst other things, the report recommended that a hub be created at Crewe and that the that the route between Warrington and Manchester to the existing West Coast Main Line via the Golborne link needs to be looked at again given that considerable concerns have been raised about the existing proposal.

I was pleased to read that Sir David Higgins has, at least, recognised the concerns about the proposed route. He echoed comments I had made in Parliament recently concerning the loss of habitat, environmental destruction and economic problems the proposed route would have on Warrington.

The argument for the hub at Crewe is important and strengthens the case against the spur which will go through Warrington. Changes to the current plans as a result of this report can ensure Warrington receives a better service and will save £1 billion.

I believe the report is a hopeful development and represents a step in the right direction.