Revised plans for homes near ex-Pilkington head office

Previous proposals for 76 homes, including 42 houses and 34 apartments, on land south of Alexandra Park, which attracted strong opposition from residents, were withdrawn earlier this year.

Applicants The Sovini Group have drawn up new plans which have been sent to the council for consideration.

The previous plans were withdrawn after discussions with council planning officers over the “design and density”, the applicant says.

An aerial view of the proposed development Picture: Condy Lofthouse Architects (St Helens Council Planning Portal)

The new application seeks permission for 64 homes, including a mix of semi-detached houses and two apartment blocks.

A planning statement by agents Peacock + Smith says “the Site is currently vacant unused private land that is fully secured through security fencing and locked gates and has no public access or public footpaths across”

Plans say the proposed development would consist of 36 houses, including eight one-bedroom walk-ups; 16 two-bedroom houses and 12 three-bedroom houses.

It would also feature 28 apartments across two blocks, with 16 one-bedroom apartments and 12 two-bedroom apartments.

Proposals add the “scheme is to provide 100 per cent affordable housing, with all house properties being available for Rent to Buy tenure, whilst the apartments will be available for Reduced Rent tenure”.

Plans state that “all semi-detached dwellings are proposed to be two-storeys in height, with the apartment blocks being taller at 3.5 storeys.”

They say that “the dwellings will have large rear gardens, of varying sizes but consistent with the predominant built pattern of the surrounding area”.

Picture: Condy Lofthouse Architects (St Helens Council Planning Portal)

The application says the site “is not currently open to the public or accessible” and claims it “therefore provides no contribution the public open and recreational space for the people of St Helens”.

It says the “overriding benefits across the strands of sustainability justify, without doubt, the release of greenfield land”.

The document adds that “20% of the housing target is to be met through greenfield land development, of which an amount is expected to be delivered through windfall development. On this basis, adopted policy is in support of the development of this site”.

It says there would be two parking spaces provided per house, and 1.2 spaces per apartment.

The planning statement concludes: “The release of greenfield land, close to the town centre has been justified through the significant social, economic and environmental benefits delivered through the provision of 64 dwellings, all of which will be occupied as affordable dwellings.

“The application proposals will assist in significantly boosting the supply of homes and meeting the need of St Helens residents.”

The plans are on standard consultation to the public until Tuesday, May 31. A determination deadline has been set for August 3.