Copart demolition plans for building at Ravenhead Road can go ahead

An application seeking to determine whether prior approval was required to demolish a building at Ravenhead Business Park, off Ravenhead Road, in St Helens, was sent to the council.

Vehicle recycling firm Copart have drawn up the plans. The Star reported earlier this year as the firm purchased a 16-acre site at Ravenhead Road, formerly leased by Cazoo.

In a cover letter in the application by agents Planning Prospects, it was stated: “The previous occupier of the building relocated over 12 months ago, since this the building has been vacant, since this time criminal incidents have occurred on the site.

“The applicant has taken reasonable precautions and safety measures to secure the site including the implementation of security fencing, which will be regulated through a subsequent formal planning application.

“However, given the redundancy of the building and the applicant’s recent occupation of the site alongside the recently experienced criminal activity and the plans moving forward the building is no longer required hence the requirement to remove.”

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This added that another planning application “is in the advanced stages of preparation and will shortly be submitted to the council seeking the development of the site for the change of use of the site to vehicle storage and distribution and provision of associated office building, resurfacing, hardstanding area, landscaping and associated works”.

The statement adds: “Once of the key benefits of this scheme is that it will bring forth investment into the district and provide significant employment opportunities.

“The site is an important but wasted brownfield resource embedded in an existing and established business park and urban area.

“It is very clearly in need of clearance to pave the way for a new chapter in its use.”

Council planners ruled that prior approval is not required for the demolition (Image: Stock)

In a report, planning officer Kim Vo stated: "Following the completion of the demolition and disposal of demolition debris, the site is to be graded to the contours of the surrounding landscape and left in a safe and tidy condition.

"The proposed restoration of the site is therefore considered acceptable and no further information is required.

"The proposed method of demolition is therefore considered appropriate for the context of the site and in this instance Prior Approval is not required.

"The demolition is to be undertaken in accordance with the details submitted".