ST HELENS Council has been awarded more than £2.4m as part of the New Homes Bonus government scheme.


The scheme seeks to support and reward communities for new housing development with the bonus based on the number of additional homes, including those brought back into use, added to the council tax register. 


The council has received £2,414,610 in total.


Last year saw 401 new homes in St Helens with more than 20 per cent deemed “affordable homes.” 


The scheme, created in 2011, was designed to ensure economic benefits of housing growth are returned to councils and communities where growth takes place. 


Over the previous five years from April 2012 until March 2017 2,461 homes were completed in St Helens. 


The council says 78 per cent of these were on previously-developed, brownfield land. 


Cllr John Fulham, cabinet member for growth, said: “St Helens isn’t the biggest borough but it is the second most popular place in the City Region, behind Liverpool, for new homes growth. 


“These homes do not stand empty and the sheer number of people buying new homes here is a statement of confidence in the future of St Helens. 


“Nearly four-fifths of new homes are built on recycled brownfield land, helping to limit the impact of growth on the environment, and our draft Local Plan will also see more than 60 per cent of new homes built on recycled brownfield land.”


He added: “The New Homes Bonus grants the council an immediate cash boost, helping to deliver more new homes for residents and provide the services our residents deserve and expect, at a time when our central government grant will be cut by £507 per person by 2020.


“New homes are just one way we aim to fund services, alongside new jobs in logistics and manufacturing and our regenerated town centres in St Helens and Earlestown. 


“Only by going for growth can we secure a prosperous future for businesses and residents.” 


Recent large developments include Waterside Village, Eccleston Grange and Vulcan Place along with numerous small-scale developments. 
These include properties for rent and purchase of a range of sizes.