FINALISED plans for a controversial proposal to create a £150m development of industrial and distribution warehouses on greenbelt land have been submitted to St Helens Council.

Commercial developer Bericote Properties says "significant revisions" have been made to the proposals for the 1,400,000 sq ft development at the site at Florida farm North in Haydock.

It follows an extensive public consultation after the plans were unveiled to the community in May.

Bericote say 2,500 jobs will be created by the development, excluding construction work, and an employment scheme "will make sure that borough residents get the first shot at securing new jobs".

The original plans had received a mixed response with some residents writing to the Star and taking to social media to express strong concerns.

One Liverpool Road resident who wrote to the Star, but wished to remain anonymous, said: "Haydock residents have, for too long, borne the worst aspects of the coal industry.

"These precious breathing spaces - greenbelt, must be jealously guarded. We can only imagine the continual noise, pollution and congestion so close to residential property.

"We are calling upon our council representatives and council technical officers to refuse this application while possibly assisting the project by locating it on an industrial site within easy access to the M6."

Meanwhile, resident Rachel Rogers wrote: "There must be enough unused space to do it on rather then green belt. Half the industrial estate is empty buildings."

However, another showed support saying: "2,500 people will have a job. Not to mention the jobs created in actually building this place."

Bericote claim alterations have been made to address residents' worries, which include the addition of green planting, with more than 25,000 new trees and shrubs proposed.

The plans also feature six acres of publicly accessible woodlands, with wildlife ponds and habitats suitable for rare plants and animals.

Meanwhile, the views of the warehouses from Liverpool Road and the East Lancs are to be screened by higher mounds covered in trees.

Bericote added they have made a commitment to help provide new sports pitches in Haydock and new cycle paths are to added on the north eastern boundary of the development to link the industrial estate with Liverpool Road.

Keith Wilson, development director at Bericote, said of the finalised plans: “St Helens residents stand to benefit hugely from this development.

"Comments gained during the consultation have inspired our local-first employment scheme, which will make sure that borough residents get the first shot at securing new jobs.

“We are also working with local partners to deliver a suppliers event and a jobs fair, opening up opportunities for local businesses and young people.

"Our partnership with the St Helens community is only just beginning and we look forward to making the case for bringing these benefits to the borough.

“We have also recognised the responsibility of delivering for Haydock. The buildings will be designed and constructed in accordance with the very latest sustainability measures delivering a development that is truly world class.

"We are also proud that the area of woodland we are creating will be enjoyed by residents for many years to come.”

He added he is confident the plans will not create traffic congestion.

A St Helens Council spokesperson said: “A planning proposal has been brought forward for Florida Farm and will be considered in the same way as any other application.

“The developer has held a number of consultation events with residents - as well as with councillors and council officials - in the pre application stage and a number of the concerns raised have been responded to and the application will be considered on its merit, as would any other.”