200-homes plan likely to pass]

More than 200 homes earmarked for former agricultural land in Sefton are set to finally get the go-ahead.An application by Forth Homes Construction Ltd & Castle Green Ltd is seeking permission for 206 houses on land off Holgate, Thornton.The plans were deferred by Sefton’s planning committee in October. The main issues considered were the environmental impacts, transportation and highway safety, design and amenity and housing mix and developer contributions.Subject to more than 400 objections, the overriding concern of residents relates to increase traffic in light of current network issues.However a planning report said 62 of the properties would be affordable while the proposal also complies with the council’s housing mix requirements in relation to two- and three-bed houses.Recommending the application for approval subject to the completion of a section 106 legal agreement, the report said: “The proposal would make a significant contribution to housing supply and delivery one of the local plan’s largest housing allocations. “The development would secure net biodiversity gain, new public open space and around half a million pounds in financial contributions towards primary education and the A565 Route Management Strategy.”Overall and on balance the proposal is deemed acceptable and is recommended for approval.”Sefton Council’s planning committee will consider the application at a meeting today.