PLANNING chiefs are being urged to approve proposals to develop four new employment units at Haydock Industrial Estate "without delay".

An application proposing the scheme at the site, on Haydock Lane, has been put forward.

It is currently listed as "awaiting decision".

Planning statement

A planning statement has been prepared in support of the application for the development of land at Haydock Lane for flexible employment floorspace across different use classes.

The use classes comprise general industrial, storage or distribution, and industrial processes.

The document states that an ecological appraisal has been undertaken to support the application and has been considered in conjunction with the landscape strategy for the development.

READ MORE>Councillor lined up to be new deputy police and crime commisioner for Merseyside

The appraisal confirms that the site is "not within a wildlife designation nor within the risk zone" of a statutory wildlife site.

The appraisal therefore concludes that it is"highly unlikely" that the development will have a direct or indirect impact on such sites in the local area.

'Employment development' within new local plan

Furthermore, the planning statement highlights that the site has been released from the green belt and allocated for employment development within the new local plan, while stating it will also contribute towards meeting St Helens’ employment land targets.

Meanwhile, the development will provide "in the range of 389-748 valuable jobs to local residents", while supporting the "economic growth" of the borough.

It adds: “A number of technical assessments have been undertaken to support this application and no unacceptable impacts that would preclude development of this site have been identified.

“The site’s location in close proximity to the M6 and local road network, the availability of a suitable workforce in the surrounding area and its connectivity to public transport and existing cycle and pedestrian routes are all strong attributes desired by industrial tenants and occupiers.

“The development will realise a number of benefits to local business, the local economy, local communities by providing employment opportunities.”

In addition, it says it is considered that the proposals will comprise a sustainable form of development that is in accordance with the adopted development plan and that planning permission "should be granted without delay".