A BID to build 150 new homes on industrial land was approved by a planning committee last night (Thursday).

Barratt Homes will build the detached, semi-detached and mews properties on part of the land formerly occupied by Prysmian Cables and Systems at Hall Lane, Prescot.

The plans were approved by Knowsley Council.

It is expected the brownfield site will eventually accommodate more than 700 new houses, this being the first phase of development.

Cllr Graham Morgan, cabinet member for regeneration and economy development, said: “Through our economic growth plan, we want to attract more residents, businesses, visitors and investors into Knowsley.

"One of the key ways which we will do so is by supporting and encouraging high quality new homes such as Barratt Homes' development at Prescot Park.

"We are prioritising housing developments on brownfield sites and this is yet another example of our ambition to accelerate economic growth.

"Barratt Homes’ planning application demonstrates a confidence in Prescot as a place to invest in and demonstrates a high quality development that supports our plans for Prescot and the wider borough."

Knowsley Council say the planning application supports wider regeneration plans for Prescot which include the construction of the £26m Shakespeare North Playhouse and education centre, a £7m community police and fire station and the £4m Prescot Townscape Heritage Initiative which is seeing buildings and spaces being repaired, restored and re-used, as well as plans for transport improvements between the train station and town centre, a hotel and a cinema.