A DRAFT vision for growth in St Helens over the coming 30 years does include plans to construct more than 4,700 homes on brownfield sites in the borough, the council insists.

Town hall chiefs have come under fire over controversial proposals to release green belt land at 16 sites across town for 4,000 new homes during the next three decades.

Opponents have argued that in a town with a strong post-industrial legacy there should be plenty of brownfield sites available for development.

The local authority says total of 4,744 houses could be located at 78 brownfield sites – but argue that isn’t enough to accommodate housing targets 

According to the council, independent assessors found a requirement for additional housing in all the key settlements within the borough in order to create wider choice and greater affordability.

Council projections highlight the need to build 570 new homes a year until 2033 to deal with a growing population, housing shortfalls and the need of the local economy, although campaigners claim these needs are exaggerated.

Forty seven brownfield sites, which are expected to deliver 2,497 homes, have already been identified while an additional 31 brownfield sites that are currently under construction or have planning permission would deliver a further 2,247 homes.

Since the green belt was established in 1983, St Helens has not made any major changes, however the current plans claim brownfield sites are set to run out.

It is proposed 59 per cent of new homes will be built on brownfield sites, with more than 1,000 hectares being released from the green belt. 

Defending the plans, St Helens Council’s cabinet member for growth, Councillor John Fulham, said that from 2020 the council will no longer receive a central Government grant and therefore growth is required.

He said: “We have to widen our tax base to keep running the key public services people deserve and expect, and we must look to increase our opportunities, before another borough funnels the opportunities their way.

“We want to ensure that not only this generation but future generations have the best possible choice of affordable housing and jobs in a quality environment. If we fail to take action and shape the growth open to us, then the investment, jobs and homes will go elsewhere.”