AROUND 80 new homes could be built on land off Cowley Hill Lane in St Helens after a developer secured the three-acre site.

Site enabling works started three years ago, in accordance with previous planning consent.

But he site has remained vacant as the previous scheme was deemed unviable.

Now Anwyl Partnerships has secured the land, near Victoria Park, and draft proposals have been drawn up for the mixed profile houses.

Public consultation for residents is due to take place before new plans are submitted to St Helens Council.

Sam Oliver, senior land manager at Anwyl Partnerships, said: “This site is a great acquisition and forms part of the continued expansion of the partnership divisions’ activities across the north west.

“We have worked incredibly hard with the existing owners and planning officers to progress a sensitive design that seeks to maximise the site’s opportunities whilst regenerating a difficult brown field site.

“In the coming weeks, we look forward to holding a public consultation and welcoming local residents to comment on our drafts proposals before the eventual planning application is submitted.”