THE DEVELOPER behind the controversial plans to create 1,000 homes in Eccleston Park has gone bust.

After creating thousands of homes across the North West, the Lymm-based firm confirmed they had entered administration on Tuesday, February 15.

Despite being hopeful for the future with a “strong pipeline of projects”, Mulbury directors blamed the collapse on the “very challenging conditions” brought about by the pandemic.

One of these pipeline projects included - until very recently – proposals to create a “new village” at the former Eccleston Park golf site.

At the time of submission in late 2020, the developers called the plans a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a new neighbourhood of homes to accommodate families, the over 55s, and people needing affordable houses.”

St Helens Star: Mulbury's Eccleston Park proposalsMulbury's Eccleston Park proposals

However, after increasing concerns over building on green belt land, the proposals were rejected by St Helens Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, January 25.

After entering administration, all 40 of Mulbury’s employees will now be made redundant.

Across the North West, the developers currently have 1,080 homes under construction - a pipeline worth around £100m.

In a statement, Mulbury directors said: “Since we started the business in 2010, Mulbury Homes has worked in partnership with our housing clients to deliver over 2,000 homes across the north west, and we are proud of our record.

“We had a strong pipeline of projects and we were hopeful for the future.

“However, we have not been immune to the very challenging conditions facing the construction sector brought by the pandemic, planning delays, cost increases and supply chain issues.

“We have been working tirelessly to keep the business going, but the current conditions left us with no option but to call in administrators.

“We would like to thank our staff, clients, supply chain and partners for their support to Mulbury Homes in the last 12 years.”

Andrew Knowles and Steve Clancy, both of Kroll, were appointed joint administrators of Mulbury Homes Limited on Tuesday, February 15.

The administrators added: “The continued difficult trading conditions, rising costs and financial pressures as a result of bad debt has led to a weakened cashflow position which has led to the appointment of the joint administrators.

“The joint administrators are continuing with their duties following the sale, realising assets and distributing funds to creditors, as well as investigating the financial affairs of the company as part of their statutory duties.”