Houses and apartments plans for near ex-Pilks head office

Proposals for 42 houses and 34 apartments, along with associated development and landscaping have been submitted for land south of Alexandra Park, where the former Pilks headquarters was situated.

The plans, which have been sent in to the council, have already attracted letters of objection from some residents.

Plans include for 16 one-bed apartments; 18 two-bed apartments; 22 two-bed homes and 20 three-bed houses with associated access, landscaping, services and parking.

A design and access statement in the plans describe the site as "a roughly rectangular vacant parcel of land adjacent to the former Pilkington Glass offices, now Alexandra Business Park".

The document adds the land "is currently not accessible by vehicles but can be accessed on foot from the entrance road to the office complex which will also be part of this application".

It adds: "The site is almost entirely screened from its neighbours and part of the proposals will seek to include dense planting along the boundaries of Prescot Road and Lincoln Road to maintain an exceptionally high level of privacy for the development.

"Given the scale of the development, a defined public space has been placed at the eastern end of the site, providing a useable area while maximising outlook".

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

The statement claims that the "vast majority of the existing trees on site will be retained with the few being removed will be replaced across the site".

Plans add the development would be "100% affordable housing, with a mix of tenure types across the site including rent to buy, shared ownership and affordable rent".

However, plans have already sparked opposition from residents who cite "overdevelopment" in the vicinity and concerns over the impact on the natural environment in the area.

On said: "This is a high density housing application in an area which is already overdeveloped. This increases flood risks and puts pressures on the existing infrastructure, as well as schools, GP's etc.

"Environmentally the area has existing habitat and this will be detrimental the nature of the area.

"There has already been a number of large established trees demolished disturbing the habitat, with no notice to local residents on the schedule of works to take place, of which the council was not aware".

Another raised concern over "pedestrians on Prescot Road and the high volume of traffic already", which "will increase".

They added: "The environment has been disregarded already by the developers, large swathes of trees have already been cut down".

Plans remain on consultation to the public until Monday, October 25.

A determination deadline has been set for December 30.

• View the plans here .