A CONTROVERSIAL bid to build 430 homes on the Islands Brow Burgy Bank is expected to go before St Helens Council's planning committee in the next few months.

It is 21 months since developers submitted proposals for the estate on the 'industrial alps' sparking an avalanche of opposition from neighbours.

St Helens Council says the delay has been necessary "because a series of complex reports and technical studies have been undertaken on the land" and a date will soon be pencilled in for the application to go before planning.

Guidelines from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister suggest councils should aim to hear applications within eight to 12 weeks of submission.

Six months ago, The Woodford Group said they were preparing to submit an amended planning application, however, it is understood they have decided for the original plans to be considered.

Amid opposition to the project last year co-applicants, house-builders Barrett Homes, dropped out but never revealed their reasons.

A Woodford's source says there are building firms interested in developing the houses, while claiming they have "answered all the technical questions put to them by the council".

However, there remains stern opposition to houses being built on the banks, which are covered in dense undergrowth and trees.

An action group fighting the development fear the land, which consists of industrial deposits from Pilks' glass making process, may pose health risks if developers drill to stabilise the bank.

They are also concerned about traffic increases and destruction of the land's wildlife and nature.

The Star has also learned that a contentious point at the hearing will be whether the land is classed as a brownfield or a greenfield site.