Find, save and share Public Notices that affect you in the area.
Search the Public Notice Portal What is the Public Notice Portal?What is the Public Notice Portal?
The Public Notice Portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood.
Search the Public Notice PortalTHE developer behind the proposed Haydock Point scheme has defended plans to divert the A49 after St Helens North MP David Baines said the road changes "stick out like a sore thumb".
Property giant Peel said the proposed diversion was a "critical improvement" needed to ease congestion around Junction 23 of the M6 and was currently the only way of delivering long-term improvements to the busy interchange.
The response comes after Mr Baines said he was not convinced enough had been done to address the concerns that led to Peel's previous proposal being rejected.
In a statement shared on social media, the MP said: "I will always be willing to listen to potential opportunities for more investment in the borough.
"However, from what I have seen I am not convinced that enough has been done to address the concerns which led to their refusal last time around.
"In particular, the plans to divert the A49 stick out like a sore thumb."
Why Peel says the diversion is needed
Responding to questions from the Star, Peel said the rerouting of the A49 was a key part of plans to improve traffic flow around Junction 23.
A spokesperson said: "The proposed diversion of the A49 through the Haydock Point site is a critical improvement that will facilitate economic growth, better connect homes, jobs and services and improve air quality by reducing emissions for people living and working in the area.
"Junction 23 of the M6 has already been identified by St Helens Council and National Highways as being over capacity and causing network delays.
"Although people using the A49 will need to drive slightly further, the improved flow of traffic as a result of the rerouting will make journey times quicker overall and reduce the pressure on the over-congested junction."
Peel added that previous studies by National Highways had identified rerouting the A49 as necessary to improve the junction and said the need for improvements is recognised within St Helens' Local Plan.
What's changed since the last proposal?
The developer said the A49 diversion formed part of the previous application and had been supported by St Helens Council, National Highways and the planning inspector.
However, Peel said a number of changes had been made elsewhere in the scheme in response to feedback.
These include:
- A reduction in proposed employment floorspace from 1.8 million sq ft to 1.3 million sq ft.
- A new lorry driver welfare facility.
- New public green spaces and landscaping.
- The planting of 600 trees.
- A wider range of smaller employment units aimed at local businesses.
Claimed benefits
Peel said the revised proposals would deliver major economic benefits to the borough.
According to the developer, Haydock Point would:
- Generate £110 million in gross value added (GVA) each year - £73m of which would be kept in St Helens
- Create 1,845 jobs.
- Reduce congestion around Junction 23.
- Provide alternative fuel facilities for lorries.
-
Reduce inappropriate lorry parking on local roads.
The company also said the development would provide the investment needed to fund improvements to the motorway junction.
Decision yet to be made
The Haydock Point application remains subject to the planning process.
Mr Baines pledged to ensure residents' views are taken into account before any decision is made.
Share