THE plans for hundreds of new homes and extra green spaces at Halsnead garden Village have moved a step closer.
Knowsley Council’s planning committee has confirmed the creation of hundreds of new affordable homes at the Whiston site and committed to further development across the wider borough.
Outline planning permission has been granted by Knowsley Council to Your Housing Group for a 100 per cent affordable housing scheme of up to 377 new homes. This section of the development represents almost 25 per cent of the 1,600 homes expected to be delivered at Halsnead Garden Village.
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Developer contributions will now be secured from housebuilders Bloor Homes and Taylor Wimpey to help fund new affordable homes across the wider borough and support the Council’s Affordable Housing Access Fund.
The local authority has also agreed for a combined sum of £3.614m from Bloor and Taylor Wimpey be used to fund affordable housing in other areas of Knowsley.
This includes a £2.2m contribution from Bloor Homes, which is delivering 331 new homes at Halsnead Garden Village, and a £1.414m contribution from Taylor Wimpey which has planning permission for 350 homes.
The contributions will be put towards the Council’s Affordable Housing Access Fund, providing support for affordable housing developments and a private sector rescue scheme.
Further to this Torus has acquired 18 units within the Bloor Homes section of the development, while Onward Homes is currently developing 42 affordable homes at Windy Arbor Brow.
Cllr Tony Brennan, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “The Halsnead Garden Village development will benefit residents across Knowsley and the wider region.
“We forecast that over 25 per cent of homes at the Garden Village will be affordable and in addition we have now secured contributions from developers that will also help support much-needed affordable provision across the wider borough as well.”
Top soil removed during the construction of Halsnead Garden Village will be used to create green spaces in the area.
Mellors Pond is to benefit from 15 new fully accessible fishing pegs and levelling works around the pond.
Significantly, works will also see the creation of new areas of wetland habitat and tree planting around the pond, along with improving water quality.
Cllr Shelley Powell, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Green and open spaces will be at the heart of the Halsnead Garden Village development.
“The improvement works are really coming along at Mellors Pond. It is going to be a tremendous asset to the local community.”
Mellors Pond
Joseph Rittenburg, chair of the Mellors Angling Association said: “The work being delivered will benefit all users and make Mellors Pond more accessible to everyone. Not only will it look a lot more attractive it will make it a lot more sustainable for the future.
“It’s something the anglers are already really proud of and I’m sure it’s a facility the whole community will enjoy.”
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