Objections to plans for 520 homes off Gartons Lane

What are the plans?

Taylor Wimpey is proposing a new residential development of 520 houses on the site over the road from St Theresa's Church on Gartons Lane in a range of sizes.

Plans, which have been submitted to the council, state the site was removed from the green belt and allocated for residential development in the council’s Local Plan, which aims to see the borough deliver 3,725 homes by 2037.

The developer says the plans include public open spaces, landscaping and enhanced access to Sutton Manor Woodland.

The development will include more than 150 affordable homes.

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Taylor Wimpey says held a public consultation on the proposals in summer 2022, and the submitted plans reflect the feedback given by local people.

But since the plans went on consultation in mid-February, more than a dozen objection letters from residents have been sent in to the council at the time of writing.

The developer says the design includes a central tree-lined boulevard connecting the site accesses on Jubits Lane and Gartons Lane, with walking and cycling routes that link to the wider area.

British Horse Society objects

However, the British Horse Society says equestrians are “excluded” and called for a public bridleway to be provided.

In a consultee comment, Charlotte Ditchburn, access field officer for the north and north west region, at the British Horse Society said: “The BHS objects on the grounds that equestrians are being marginalised in the scheme. Throughout this scheme equestrians are excluded, the arguments for inclusivity of walkers and cyclists can be extended to equestrians using the mechanism of the Equality Duty.

“This is a form of discrimination, and the Equality Act 2010 created a Public Sector Equality Duty for authorities to provide equal opportunities for all, which means that an authority needs a cogent reason for excluding equestrians”.

The BHS claimed the proposals “do not meet the tests” of National Planning Policy Framework which states “planning policies and decisions should protect and enhance public rights of way and access”.

It added: “The BHS would be willing to withdraw these objections if definitive bridleways are provided, a public bridleway should be provided around the perimeter of the site and public footpaths within and surrounding the site.”

Residents oppose plans

Among the objections from residents, one said: “As a keen horserider, my friends and I continually look for safe places to ride in our local area that reduces the need to use the roads where we are at a greater risk of an accident. I am not asking for provision solely for the benefit of horse riders to be considered, but a multi user path to benefit all”.

A CGI of the plans (Image: Taylor Wimpey)

Meanwhile, numerous residents have expressed opposition to the “short sighted” proposals which they say will add a strain to already stretched public services.

Other concerns cited include loss of green land, impact on traffic and on wildlife.

One resident wrote: “The planning is very short sighted there is neither enough medical provisions or educational provision to withstand the impact of the extra number of people needing medical provision or young people requiring educational places.

“I am a local and already find it impossible to get GP appointments once the new houses are built I feel medical appointments will be as rare as hens’ teeth.”

The site of the proposed development (Image: St Helens Council Planning Portal)

Another added: “The local schools are already over capacity, with children who are already living on the estate having to go to schools further away. Adding to the local population would only worse this.”

One wrote: “The Old Ibstock on Chester Lane site is a Brownfield site, why build on this one first. Air Pollution is at an all time high in the area and needs addressing now”.

Standard consultation on the plans to the public lasts until Thursday, March 9.