A NEW salt barn could be constructed at a St Helens Council depot to support a “critical” winter service.
An application proposing the barn at Hardshaw Brook Depot, on Parr Street, has been submitted.
According to a planning statement, the site is the principal operational depot for the council and serves as the primary base for the deployment of highway maintenance, winter gritting and refuse collection services across the borough.
The depot operates as a “key operational hub” and supports year-round operational activities, including winter service operations during periods of adverse weather.
The planning statement says: “The proposed development seeks to relocate the council’s existing salt storage facility from its current satellite location on east side to a purpose-built facility located within the Hardshaw Brook depot. The proposed salt barn will improve operational resilience, increase storage capacity, enhance environmental controls and support the continued delivery of the council’s statutory winter maintenance responsibilities.
“The development comprises a covered salt storage facility with capacity for up to 3,300 tonnes of salt, associated hardstanding, drainage works, fencing and operational infrastructure.
“The proposal is required to support the council’s statutory and operational obligations relating to winter service delivery.
“The existing east side facility is no longer fit for purpose and relocation to Hardshaw Brook Depot as the preferred long-term solution. A modern replacement facility will improve security, operational efficiency, resilience and accessibility for staff whilst providing adequate storage capacity to support winter maintenance operations.
“The proposal therefore supports essential infrastructure necessary for the continued delivery of a critical public service.
“The proposed salt barn at Hardshaw Brook Depot represents essential infrastructure that will support St Helens Borough Council’s continued delivery of winter maintenance services throughout the borough. The development will replace an outdated and constrained facility with a modern purpose-built structure capable of storing up to 3,300 tonnes of highway salt.”
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