New warehouse plan for Haydock secures planning approval

The scheme proposing the erection of a 12,541 sq m storage and distribution unit with associated parking, servicing space and landscaping has been given the green light.

The site is on land north of Penny Lane and south of the Movianto building.

The application was put forward as an alternative to a previously approved scheme.

The council has approved the application, subject to conditions.

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A planning statement was put forward in support of the application submitted by Industrial North West LLP.

It said that, although the site is currently designated as green belt in the development plan, the emerging local plan proposes to release it from that designation and designate it as "white land".

It also said that the land "clearly plays no part" in the green belt.

The site in Haydock (Image: St Helens Council)

“Until such point that the new local plan is adopted, the site remains as green belt, and as such ‘very special circumstances’ (VSCs) must be presented to justify the proposal,” it added.

“We contend that the VSCs are clear, simple and compelling. The first part of the VSC case reflects the proposed release of the site from the green belt.

“It serves none of the purposes of green belt, being ‘land-locked’ by industrial development on three sides, and the imposing embankment of the M6 motorway on its eastern side.

"Put simply, it has no place in the green belt, and it would be absurd if it was to remain as green belt.

“Regeneration in St Helens relies on securing investment over the long term if it is to succeed in transforming its communities and reversing decades of decline, tackling perceptions about the town/borough, and creating opportunities and the best environment for local people to succeed.

“This development proposal will contribute significantly to local job opportunities and economic growth.”