THE approval of the Parkside development after a public inquiry has been hailed as a project that will bring "significant economic benefit" to the area.

But the decision to approve the project has also been met with dismay in some quarters, with Green Party councillors referred to it as part of "continuing vandalism of our natural habitats".

In approving the plans Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, agreed with the inspectors that the first phase of the regeneration of the former colliery site in Newton-le-Willows would help to deliver great benefits for the borough and wider region. 

The announcement also saw approval of the Parkside Link Road, which it is said will be pivotal in unlocking the site's full potential for future development and help to support the environment.

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In the letter outlining the decision it was said: “The Secretary of State agrees that regeneration benefits would include bringing back a vacant, former industrial legacy site suffering from a history of antisocial behaviour back into active use, creating a significant number of jobs and economic benefits for the local community in the process.

"He further agrees that these benefits must carry additional weight given the proximity of the site to areas which suffer from high levels of economic deprivation.”

The Secretary also recognised the site was well connected and in a good location to support the development as the inspectors noted that Parkside was in a ‘sweet spot’ between Manchester and Liverpool.

The first phase will cover a 93,000 square metre site and it is said will bring almost 500 jobs during the construction stage and the potential of more than 1,300 new jobs offering a variety of skills in the completed buildings.

The Inspector also said that there would be a wider benefit for the economy. It was added: “There would also be benefits to existing businesses in the locality through additional household expenditure in the local area and a potential ‘multiplier effect’ with opportunities for small-medium sized enterprises and other smaller operations to become part of a supply chain for future occupiers.”

Cllr Richard McCauley, St Helens Council's cabinet member for regeneration and planning, said: “These comments from the Secretary and Inspector show that the regional significance of Parkside has been well demonstrated and they recognise the truly transformational opportunity it presents to provide a huge boost to our economy, change lives by creating quality jobs and show St Helens is an ideal place for people to do business."

However, the St Helens Green Party has strongly condemned the decision to approve the Parkside development, along with the Omega West project for a Home Bargains warehouse in Bold.

The party says an area of countryside and farmland "equivalent in size to around 200 rugby pitches is set to be buried beneath concrete" after both developments were approved following public inquiries.

Haydock Green councillor, David van der Burg said: “If this is how the Conservatives and Labour deal with the climate emergency, heaven help us.

"COP26 highlighted Brazil’s destruction of the Amazon and 100 countries pledged to end deforestation, and this would have been the perfect time to send out the message that our own countryside is not for sale. Except it’s apparently okay to destroy large swathes of greenbelt in our own back yard.

"If we don’t stop this continuing vandalism of our natural habitats there’ll be nothing left.

“My heart goes out to Parkside Action Group and all those who find themselves on the frontline of the war against nature. You have our support in the town hall.”