PLANS to build 63 new homes have been given the go ahead after the council ruled the benefits would outweigh the negatives.

MCI Developments, part of home builder Keepmoat Homes, had submitted plans for the development of one and two-bedroom flats, and two, three and four-bedroom houses, on the former industrial site on Lancots Lane, Sutton.

The developer says properties are to be made available as affordable rented properties.

They add it is hoped the plans will help contribute towards the ongoing regeneration of the area.

Keepmoat has worked alongside Lambert Smith Hampton, who acted as planning consultants on the site.

The plans for the site include landscaping communal open spaces, and providing cycle paths.

The location boasts transport links into St Helens and further afield, with St Helens Junction railway station less than a mile away.

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In approving the proposals, council planning officer Daley Parsonage, said: “The benefits of the scheme would include the redevelopment of a vacant site to develop 63 affordable rented dwelling houses, providing a satisfactory living environment for the future occupiers, which would largely outweigh the negative elements of the scheme from the lack of public open space.

“On balance it is considered that the proposal would deliver a sustainable form of development which would accord with paragraph 11 of the NPPF and relevant policies of the development plan.

As the plans were submitted, Alex Wood, regional managing director at MCI Developments, said: “MCI Developments are currently undertaking two developments in St Helens and our proposed scheme at Lancots Lane will help MCI continue to successfully deliver affordable housing in the area.

"We’re looking forward to delivering this affordable housing scheme in conjunction with Jigsaw Homes and bringing the site back into active use.”