Homes plans for Bold Heath Equestrian Centre submitted

Proposals seek outline planning permission from St Helens Council for a development at the Bold Heath Equestrian Centre site, on Warrington Road.

A design and access statement, drawn up by planning agents Acorus Rural Property Services Ltd, on behalf of the applicant Ms J Baker, says: “The development proposal is for residential development within a grass paddock adjacent to the A57.

“The land area is enclosed by fencing, the land was previously part of the water treatment works which was situated on the land immediately to the west.

“This is evidenced by the ‘hockey’ fence posts and the chain link fencing to the east and western boundaries of the land.”

It adds the land to the west of the site is currently having seven houses developed on it after permission had been granted for this in 2021.

The application does not specify how many homes will be constructed but plans say “it is anticipated that the site could accommodate up to seven dwellings” and is “of a similar area to the residential development to the west”.

The site is “within the green belt”, however the plans claim “there are several reasons, and very special circumstances, that merit the site to be approved”.

Existing access to the site off Warrington Road Picture: St Helens Council Planning Portal

It says these include the “location and sustainability of the site” that is “adjacent to an ongoing residential development”.

It says “the site is well screened from the A57 by the established hedgerow” and claims the “proposal will not cause substantial harm to the openness of the green belt”.

The plans are on standard consultation to the public until Friday, September 9. A determination deadline on the application has been set for October 12.