A HOUSEBUILDER is seeking residents' views on a plans to develop more than 300 homes.

Miller Homes, is bringing forward the proposals for what it says will be "new high-quality family homes" on land to the south of Higher Lane and east of Rookery Lane in Rainford.

However, a campaign group in the village has dismissed the plans as "greedy and arrogant" and has called for them to be rejected.

Miller Homes says its ambition is to support the sustainable growth of Rainford and create "a modern and stylish community", in keeping with "the aesthetic of the wider area", comprising new homes in a variety of sizes and designs.

Miller Homes’ proposal for Rainford will seek full planning permission for up to 337 homes on land off Rookery Lane.

The developer says it has taken care during the design process to ensure that the proposal is sympathetic to surrounding natural features, such as Dial House Wood and the Rainford Linear Park, and enhances the green space in the area with "generous landscaping provisions which will benefit new and existing residents alike".

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Speaking of the scheme Jonathan Steggles, land director at Miller Homes, said: “We are pleased to announce our plans for Rainford. Miller Homes has a strong track record in the North West and this development gives us a great opportunity to continue building sustainable homes in quality places.

“We pride ourselves on high-quality design and materials, ensuring energy efficiency. Together, our developments represent a multi-million-pound investment into the local economy, supporting over 156 jobs in the process.

“We look forward to sharing our plans with the local community and hearing their feedback before submitting our detailed planning application to St Helens Council.” 

James Wright, chair of Rainford Action Group, has spoken out against the proposals.

He said: “The plans Miller Homes have submitted are very different to what was put forward in St Helens Council’s Local Plan so on that basis alone they should be rejected.

“This national developer has decided it wants to build 337 houses on protected land not the 259 homes the council wants to allocate. This is a greedy, arrogant move by the developer to make even money while destroying fertile farmland and disregarding the concerns of local people.

“The fact Miller Homes have chosen to run a consultation over a double bank holiday week is deeply cynical and shows how this multi-million pound business plans to treat the opinions of local people during this process.

“We are sure St Helens Council will do the right thing and tell this company to rethink and consult on plans consistent with their Local Plan, which hasn’t even been approved yet.”

  • Miller Homes will be presenting their proposals to stakeholders, close residents and the wider community via a virtual public exhibition until Monday, June 6. The plans and exhibition can be accessed by visiting: millerhomesconsult.co.uk/rainford