SERIOUS concerns have been raised over the council’s decision not to submit evidence to defend the reasons for refusing Eddie Stobart’s proposals to build a warehouse at an appeal.

The logistics firm’s proposals to construct a £75 million national distribution centre on green belt land were turned down by the authority in November but it later lodged an appeal, as well as submitting a fresh planning application.

The company’s existing headquarters are located at Stretton Green Distribution Park, which would remain in operation.

The new facility would be constructed opposite its premises, on land north of Barleycastle Lane.

As part of the very special circumstances highlighted for building in the green belt in November, the company pointed to the £570 million of turnover each year from its Warrington headquarters.

But councillors decided the economic benefits did not outweigh harm to the green belt.

They also objected on the grounds of prematurity.

However, following talks by the development management committee behind closed doors at the Town Hall and legal advice, the council has decided not to submit evidence to defend the reasons for refusal at an appeal scheduled to be heard in autumn.

It means it will not submit evidence to defend the reason of the firm not providing very special circumstances to outweigh the harm to the green belt.

It follows a decision to withdraw making a defence over prematurity.

Following the authority’s latest decision, Cllr Ryan Bate (LD – Grappenhall) raised serious concerns.

Cllr Bate, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Warrington South, said: “This latest action by the borough council regarding the Stobarts appeal is deeply troubling.

“As well as lacking transparency, it also suggests that the interpretation of ‘very special circumstances’ being used is highly questionable and misjudged.

“To imply that Stobarts do meet very special circumstances is setting a very low bar as the precedent for other developers who wish to build on green belt.

“Furthermore, when taken together with the removal of prematurity as grounds for refusal, the council is effectively saying that green belt can be released on an ad hoc basis with no reference to the green belt review which is part of the long-term, strategic process of making a local plan.

“Quite what the council’s motivations are for this latest action are bizarre at best, but they certainly do not seem to reflect the best interests of the people of Warrington who want to see green belt protected and decisions made in a clear and transparent fashion.”

Campaigners have also been raising concerns on social media in recent days.

But some of the comments have sparked a response from council leader Cllr Russ Bowden (LAB – Birchwood) on Facebook.

He said: “This is more misinformation being spread by people who don’t understand the planning process or the workings of a quasi-judicial committee.

“The council hasn’t removed its grounds for refusal at all, they clearly still stand because those are what the appellant is challenging.

“The development management committee have made the decision to not offer defence of those grounds on the basis of the QC advice received.

“It still leaves the matter in the hands of HM Planning Inspectorate to determine the application on appeal and in accordance with UK planning law, the national planning policy framework and with due regard to WBC’s local planning policies.

“The Rule 6 parties (parish councils) will also still be presenting their case at the appeal hearing.”

The firm’s second planning application for the huge warehouse is expected to be heard by the development management committee within six weeks.