PROPOSALS have been sent to the council seeking permission to build up to nine homes on land in Eccleston.

An outline planning application for houses at a site near Houghtons Lane has been submitted.

The land subject to the application is to the west of Houghtons Lane and east of Higher Barrowfield farm.

In a planning statement, drawn up by agents Cass Associates, on behalf of applicant Karen Cliffe, says: “The site is at the edge of the urban area of Eccleston and is bounded on three sides by residential development.

“To the west is agricultural land. There is a strong degree of containment to the site.

“The site lies at the edge of the built-up area of St Helens but is well contained by existing development.

“It is anticipated that an appropriate layout on the site can achieve up to nine dwellings”.

St Helens Star: The site Pic: Cass Associates (St Helens Council Planning Portal)The site Pic: Cass Associates (St Helens Council Planning Portal) (Image: Cass Associates (St Helens Council Planning Portal))

Plans state that trees in the area “of greatest value fall outside of the planning application boundary” and “any new development will not impact these trees”.

They state “the Leyland Cypress on the southern boundary are to be removed”, adding the trees are “over-mature, dominant, non–native components in the local landscape which are of limited ecological value”. Plans say  “replacement trees will eventually bring significantly greater value to the landscape and to wildlife”.

The statement adds: “Bearing in mind the objective for balanced growth in the LP (Local Plan) and the need to focus new development in the key settlements, particularly the St Helens Core Area, then the principle of housing development on this small windfall sites is acceptable in principle”.

All matters in the application are reserved, other than details of the access from Houghtons Lane. 

A determination deadline on the plans has been set for November 18.