Plans have been approved for 208 family homes as part of the second phase of a major Knowsley development project.
The site, at Halsnead Garden Village in Whiston, had already been given approval when a hybrid planning application went before Knowsley Council last year with work already underway on the first phase of the project.
Last night, the planning committee approved the layout, design and other details for the second phase – which includes 104 three-bed homes and 104 four-bed homes on a 7.2 hectare site at the north of the site.
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Planning officer Clare Appleyard told the committee that over 38 objections were received to the proposal, with two comments in support of the plans.
Objections included concerns about loss of greenbelt, too many houses being built in the area, ecological impacts, pressure on the local highway network and highway safety, impact on services, GPs, anti social behaviour, flooding impacts and lack of open space.
Concerns were also raised about impacts on local residents during the construction process, including concerns around noise and disturbance.
Objections were also raised by Cronton Parish Council over the impact on the already congested Tarbock Island junction and local councillor Cath Golding expressed concerns over air quality and lack of sustainable travel options.
There were several concerns raised by residents at Simons Close, which would back onto part of the development – with those objections focused on a link pathway that would be provided between the site and the close.
Ms Appleyard said: “This was raised earlier on in the consultation process and has been a carefully considered matter.”
She said that no concerns were raised by Merseyside Police over the potential for anti social behaviour, but there had been a request for barriers to prevent quad cars and scrambler bikes making use of the linkway.
Without the linkway, residents on the estate would face a “convoluted route” to access a corner shop and bus stop, with alternative options including joining up to a nearby mineral line not feasible. Overall, Ms Appleyard said the details of the development were “acceptable and compliant with council policy.”
She added the issue of whether 25% of the properties would be set aside for affordable housing, as per the council’s policy, would depend on the outcome of a viability assessment.
Following questions of clarification from Cllr Gaffney and Councillor Allen about the linkway, a vote was taken on the development, which was then approved with 11 votes in favour and two votes against with no abstentions.
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