Reserved matters application for 300 homes in Moss Nook project

The application seeks approval of reserved matters in relation to the layout, appearance, landscaping and scale of the residential development along with internal access roads, car parking, substation, landscaping and other associated infrastructure, at the Moss Nook site at Watery Lane and Providence Avenue.

This is in relation to the “third phase” of the wider Moss Nook project, which in total aims to create 900 homes, open space, and sports pitches built on the 95-acre site between Sutton, Parr, and Bold.

So far, 258 new houses have been built on former industrial land, in phase one of the Moss Nook project, while plans for phase two including sports pitches and changing facilities, on land At Cromdale Grove Playing Field were submitted earlier this year.

The Moss Nook site in 2022 (Image: Baldwin Design Consultancy (St Helens Council Planning Portal))

A design and access statement has been prepared by Baldwin Design Consultancy Limited on behalf of Watkin Jones in support of the reserved matters application for phase three.

It states an original hybrid planning permission was granted by the Secretary of State back in 2007 and in 2017, an application was approved by St Helens Council, which sought to revise the approved parameters and reduce the number of approved dwellings for the Moss Nook project from 1,200 to 900.

READ > 'Amazing' primary school plans approved

The application says the site is located on a previously developed land known as “brownfield land,” which has been left vacant for several years.

All the existing buildings on the site have been demolished, and extensive work is currently underway to re-mediate and prepare the site

It adds: "The re-development of the site provides a unique opportunity to revitalise and provide much-needed new homes and amenities for the local community.

"The proposed development will offer modern and sustainable living spaces, designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of residents.

"The application site covers 6.92 hectares, and plans include 300 residential units, associated parking and landscaping."

The storey heights of buildings is “2 and 2.5 storey throughout the proposed development with varying widths”.

“These units range from one to four-bedroom properties, designed as semi-detached, mews and cottage style apartments.

“The overall amount and locations is a result of layout design which in turn responds to the site’s constraints and opportunities”.

The reserved matters plans have been submitted (Image: Baldwin Design Consultancy (St Helens Council Planning Portal))

It says “the scheme would comprise of build-to-rent (BtR) as well as a 64 per cent affordable properties in line with providing an essential contribution to the affordable housing stock in the St Helens area”.

The document adds that while the proposed development does not have any green open space within the boundaries, “it is well-positioned to benefit from the upcoming Phase 5 of the Moss Nook development” which “will include public open green space, located to the north of the site”.

The reserved matters application for phase three is on standard public consultation until Tuesday, April 18, with a determination deadline of September 19.