Approval lined up for major St Helens development

Plans for a major mixed-use development in St Helens, which would comprise up to 1,100 homes, look set to be backed next week.The application is earmarked for a site at Cowley Hill, to the north of the city centre.Lined up alongside the huge number of homes is 42,250 sq ft of space, which itself would cover a variety of uses.Four plots are proposed, comprising 198, 238, 289 and 285 properties each.With the application being outline, a number of details have been held back.However, a report submitted to St Helens Council’s planning committee ahead of its meeting on 16 March noted that there would be a number of socioeconomic benefits.The construction phase is anticipated to provide 125 full-time equivalent roles per year over the minimum ten-year build period.Once complete, the development would introduce 2,263 new residents to the area. These, in turn, are expected to create demand for up to 64 jobs within the retail and leisure sector.The application has been recommended for approval.