Approval looms for St Helens homes plan

A planned development of more than 160 homes in St Helens, half of which would be affordable, looks likely to be backed at a meeting next month.Land north of Elephant Lane, Thatto Heath, has been earmarked for a scheme of 164 houses.The properties would be a mix of 17 four-bed, 91 three-bedded and 56 two-bedroom units. The homes would consist of a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced.Applicant Neil Lewis is proposing for 83 of the units to be affordable, with the tenure consisting of 64 shared ownership properties and 19 rent to buy.Proposals would see the reconfiguration of a public car park located on the western boundary of the site off Thatto Heath Road. A total of 17 car parking spaces would be provided, including two disabled spaces, which would provide an increase of two spots compared to the existing arrangement.Public open space, landscaping, a sustainable urban drainage system and vehicular access points off Thatto Heath Road and Carnarvon Street are also included.”The proposed development would contribute towards housing figures within the borough, as required by local and national planning policy,” the report said. “The proposal would display an acceptable design standard which would not have a detrimental impact on the amenity of existing and future residents.”