Cllr Graham Gowland

31/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/19e8zvPu2J/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Previously, drivers crossing the Warburton Toll Bridge, which has linked Cheshire and Greater Manchester for more than 160 years, would hand 12p in loose change to a toll booth operator.

In November last year, however, the manned booths were removed, the charge was increased to £1 and automatic number plate recognition cameras were installed.

The result has been chaotic, and it was reported in June that there had been more than 138,000 non-compliant journeys so far this year

🔗 Tap the link in the comments to read more

22/08/2026

Just to make you aware - please explain to your kids what this means.

Youth ASB and Criminal Damage Incident in Lymm

Last night, officers attended the area surrounding The Cross, Lymm, following reports of youth anti-social behaviour (ASB) and criminal damage.

Two youths suspected of being involved in the incident were issued with Dispersal Notices, requiring them to leave the area.

Officers from the Warrington South Beat Team are continuing enquiries to identify others who may have been involved.

A dispersal zone has now been put in place to help prevent further incidents and reassure the local community.

The dispersal zone gives police officers/ PCSOs additional powers to direct individuals who are causing, or are likely to cause, anti-social behaviour to leave a specified area for up to 48 hours. Failure to comply with a direction to leave may result in arrest.

We would like to thank members of the public who reported the incident. If you witnessed any of the behaviour or have information that could assist our enquiries, please get in touch via Cheshire Police on 101 or through our website: https://orlo.uk/8YPmK quoting ref: 26000686387

21/08/2026

Glad to hear this is moving forwards.

Bridgewater Canal Breach Repair Moves into Contractor Procurement Phase Survey and design work complete as the project progresses towards construction. The Bridgewater Canal Company has confirmed further progress on the repair of the canal breach at Little Bollington, with survey and design work now...

18/08/2026

What does the new National Planning Policy Framework mean for Lymm?

The Government has published a new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) — and it could have significant implications for Lymm.

This isn't just another document from Westminster. National planning policy is a material consideration in planning decisions, and the new Framework will influence Warrington's emerging Local Plan.

So what does it mean for us?

🏡 MORE PRESSURE FOR NEW HOUSING

Warrington is already having to update its Local Plan. The new national housing methodology means the amount of housing Warrington has to plan for is increasing.

That inevitably raises questions about where those homes will go — including around Lymm.

🌳 GREEN BELT COULD COME UNDER GREATER PRESSURE

The new NPPF introduces the concept of "grey belt" land and provides a route for some Green Belt land to be considered for development.

However, it is important not to overstate this: it does not mean that all Green Belt is now available for development.

The Framework says Green Belt boundaries should only be altered through the Local Plan where exceptional circumstances are fully evidenced and justified. Councils must first consider brownfield and underused land, development densities and whether suitable sites exist outside the Green Belt.

And inappropriate development in the Green Belt remains harmful, with substantial weight to be given to the harm to the Green Belt and its openness.

🚗 INFRASTRUCTURE MUST KEEP PACE

This is particularly important for Lymm.

The NPPF says development generating significant movement should be located sustainably, reduce reliance on private cars and provide genuine transport choices.

It also says significant impacts on road capacity, congestion and highway safety should be mitigated.

For Lymm, where traffic and congestion are already major concerns, this needs to be taken seriously.

We shouldn't be building houses first and asking questions about roads, schools, healthcare, drainage and other infrastructure afterwards.

The Framework specifically says strategic housing sites should be capable of being supported by the necessary infrastructure and facilities as development comes forward.

🏘️ WHAT ABOUT LYMM BEING A TOWN OR A VILLAGE?

There is often discussion about whether Lymm is a village or a town.

Currently Lymm is a village with a Parish Council, and many people value that identity. Others have suggested Lymm should become a town with a Town Council.

In planning terms, there is no difference. A Town Council is a Parish Council that has resolved to call itself a Town Council - it has the same legal powers and the same status as a statutory consultee on planning applications. Becoming a town in name does not give any extra control over housing numbers or developer contributions, and remaining a village does not lose any.

What matters in planning is not what we call ourselves, but where Warrington places Lymm in its settlement hierarchy.

Lymm is a substantial settlement with a wide range of shops, services, schools, employment and community facilities. That can make it look more sustainable for some additional development than smaller rural settlements.

But being a more sustainable location should not make Lymm a place where housing numbers are simply accommodated without proper consideration of capacity.

If Warrington identifies Lymm as a sustainable location for growth, then the same principle has to apply to the infrastructure needed to support that growth.

📝 OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN IS KEY

This is where we DO get more control.

Lymm has a Neighbourhood Plan in development, and once it is made, it becomes part of the statutory development plan. Warrington has to make decisions in accordance with it.

That is our best chance to:
➡️ Protect Lymm's distinctive character and prevent coalescence with neighbouring settlements
➡️ Set a local design code so any new development looks like Lymm
➡️ Protect important local green spaces
➡️ Set a clear infrastructure priority list for Lymm - so we can make the case that developer contributions from development in Lymm should be spent in Lymm

Warrington does not currently have a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and instead secures infrastructure through Section 106 agreements. A strong Neighbourhood Plan with clear infrastructure priorities gives the Parish Council a much stronger voice in arguing where that S106 money should go.

💷 DEVELOPERS ALSO HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Where major housing development takes place on Green Belt land released through the Local Plan, the NPPF's "Golden Rules" require contributions towards:
- Affordable housing
- Necessary infrastructure improvements
- New or improved publicly accessible green space

That is important. If Lymm has to accommodate additional development, residents should see proper investment in the infrastructure needed to support it, secured through Section 106.

🌿 LYMM'S CHARACTER MATTERS TOO

The NPPF's objective is not simply to build as many houses as possible. It talks about creating sustainable patterns of development while safeguarding the character and beauty of the countryside.

For Lymm, that means considering the whole picture:
➡️ Roads and traffic
➡️ Schools and healthcare
➡️ Flooding and drainage
➡️ Green spaces and wildlife
➡️ Walking, cycling and public transport
➡️ Our heritage and distinctive character
➡️ The relationship between Lymm and neighbouring settlements

MY VIEW

I don't believe the answer is simply "no more houses in Lymm."

We need homes for young people, families and older residents, including genuinely affordable homes.

But equally, national housing targets shouldn't become a blank cheque for development wherever a developer can find a field.

The new NPPF creates challenges for Warrington, but it also sets requirements around sustainable locations, infrastructure, transport, Green Belt, environmental protection and the quality of new development.

We need to make sure those requirements are actually enforced — and our emerging Neighbourhood Plan is one of the strongest tools we have to do that.

Lymm should get the right development in the right places, with the infrastructure to support it — not simply more development because a national housing calculation says Warrington needs more houses.

I'll be following both the Local Plan review and our Neighbourhood Plan closely and will continue to argue for development that works for Lymm, rather than development simply being imposed on Lymm.

📄 Read the full National Planning Policy Framework here:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a8334c03bd75b81e2329ac4/National_Planning_Policy_Framework.pdf

What do you think? Does the new planning framework strike the right balance between providing the homes we need and protecting communities like Lymm?

12/08/2026

🌱 Calling all 16–25 year olds!

The government has just launched a brand-new Youth Climate and Nature Panel – and they want young people from across the UK to help shape climate and nature policy.

They’re selecting 15 young people to give real advice to government, improve how they engage with young people, and amplify youth voices on the issues that will affect your future.

✅ Aged 16–25 (applications currently prioritised for 16–18s)�✅ Diverse backgrounds and experiences welcome�✅ Deadline: Friday 11 September 2026

Apply here 👉 https://forms.cloud.microsoft.com/e/pWc5E4wDLD
Full details 👉 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/youth-climate-and-nature-panel

If you’re passionate about climate, nature or the future of your community – this is your chance to be heard.

Parents, teachers, youth workers – please share this with the young people in your life. Let’s get some of our local voices on this panel!

Any questions? Drop them below 👇

We're creating a new Youth Climate and Nature Panel to put the voices of younger people at the heart of climate and nature policies. Find out how you can take part.

01/08/2026

📢 Have Your Say: Help Shape the Future of Housing in Lymm & Warrington

If you only fill out one local consultation this season, make it this one.

Warrington Borough Council has launched a key housing survey, and your feedback will directly influence the decisions made for our area.

Why does this matter?
This survey sets out our local housing need. It acts as one of the primary drivers for the Local Plan—the document that determines not just how many homes are built, but crucially what types of homes are delivered across Warrington and here in Lymm.

Whether we need more affordable starter homes for young families, accessible housing for older residents looking to downsize, or specific types of community infrastructure, this is your chance to tell planners what our community actually needs.

How to take part:
It only takes a few minutes to complete, but your input will help ensure our local policies reflect the reality of living in Lymm and Warrington.

Residents can complete the survey online at www.warringtonhns2026.co.uk or call 0800 612 9133, where support is available for anyone who would prefer to complete the survey over the phone. The survey closes on Friday 21 August 2026.

Please feel free to share this post with friends, family, and neighbours so as many local voices are heard as possible!

30/07/2026

Decades of poor management by the administration has landed us here. Remember when politicians were expected to do the decent thing when they got lit so badly wrong?

https://www.warrington-worldwide.co.uk/2026/07/30/independents-say-six-years-without-signed-accounts-is-a-failure-of-governance/

INDEPENDENT councillors Graham Gowland (Lymm South) and Stuart Mann (Burtonwood and Winwick) have today thanked for its reporting on the critical state of Borough Council’s finances.

28/07/2026

I’ve noticed a couple of recent posts about barking dogs, so I thought it might be helpful to share some advice.

If you own a dog, it’s your responsibility to make sure it doesn’t become a nuisance to your neighbours. Of course, dogs bark – that’s perfectly normal. The occasional bark isn’t usually a problem, but persistent or excessive barking can have a real impact on those living nearby.

I’d also encourage anyone affected by barking to start by having a friendly conversation with the owner.

We have cocker spaniels ourselves, and one of ours used to wait by the side gate and howl whenever we went out. It was her way of calling the rest of her “pack” home – cocker spaniels can be particularly prone to separation anxiety. We weren’t out all the time, so it wasn’t a constant issue, but one of our neighbours politely mentioned the noise. We were grateful they did. We changed things around so she waited at the front door instead, which reduced the noise significantly. We also took other steps to help reduce her anxiety, and, as it happened, we had another baby around that time, so we were home much more anyway!

The point is that many owners simply don’t realise there’s a problem. A friendly chat is often all it takes to resolve it.

It’s also worth remembering that if a dog suddenly starts barking continuously when it never has before, there may be another reason. The owner could be unwell or incapacitated, so checking in with them could genuinely make a difference.

If you live in social housing and the issue involves a neighbour who is also a tenant, it’s also worth contacting your housing association or landlord. Many social landlords have their own processes for dealing with anti-social behaviour and neighbour disputes, and they may be able to resolve the issue more quickly.

If you’ve tried speaking to the owner and the problem continues, Warrington Borough Council has a process for dealing with noise nuisance. Their website includes a template letter you can send, along with a noise diary to record dates and times, which helps demonstrate the extent of the problem if further action is needed.

https://www.warrington.gov.uk/noise

The council can investigate and, where appropriate, take enforcement action. Hopefully, though, a simple conversation between neighbours is all that’s needed to sort things out before it reaches that stage.

Contact Warrington is the main point of contact for most council services. Our aim is to deliver a high standard of customer care and, wherever possible, to resolve enquiries and service requests at the first point of contact.