HUGE plans for 514 new homes are being recommended for approval.

An application proposing the erection of 514 dwellings via a ‘phased approach’ for the provision of associated access and infrastructure works including roads, drainage infrastructure, car parking, public open space including play facilities, landscaping and the erection of substations – on land at Gartons Lane – will come before the planning committee in St Helens on Tuesday, January 9.

The site is located in the Bold And Lea Green ward.

'Greenfield land'

The site itself sits to the south of Gartons Lane and east of Jubits Lane and comprises approximately 20 hectares of greenfield land, according to a report to the committee.

The dwellings would be a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties.

The report says the applicant is proposing a split of 70 per cent market housing and 30 per cent affordable housing.

It adds: “In terms of the affordable housing proposals, of the 155 units proposed, 103 will be for low-cost ownership and 52 will be for affordable rent.

“Two vehicle accesses are proposed as part of the development. One access is proposed off Gartons Lane to the north of the development located in an approximately central area along the Gartons Lane boundary.

“The second access is proposed off Jubits Lane to the west. Footpath connections would also be provided from Gartons Lane and into the Sutton Manor Woodland.

“Areas of open space are proposed throughout the proposed layout. The western edge of the layout contains a large quantity of open space, and this also stretches across the northern boundary.

“The southern boundary contains a mixture of amenity space, natural open space and an area for children and young people.

“The proposed dwellings would be of a contemporary appearance.”

Objections to plans

The application was publicised by way of individual neighbour letters, site notices and a press notice. As a result of the publicity, according to the report, 55 objections and one neutral comment were received.

Some of the comments, as summarised, include that there is "plenty" of brownfield land in the borough that should be considered first before this site, the area "does not have a housing shortag"’, and ‘the development is poorly planned and will result in the loss of good quality farming land’.

The application is being recommended for approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement – with authority delegated to the head of planning to add, amend, or remove conditions as they deem necessary.