Knowsley Council has approved plans for an 84-home affordable housing development on the site of the former Huyton Cricket Club, overriding opposition from residents and councillors. The two-hectare site, unused since 2009, will be transformed into one, two, three, and four-bedroom flats, maisonettes, mews, and semi-detached properties under developer Breck's application submitted in August 2025.
Listed Pavilion Preserved and Restored
The apartment buildings, up to three storeys high, will be situated away from the Grade II listed pavilion to protect its character. Breck also submitted a listed building consent application to repair the pavilion, aiming to bring it back into use as a commercial, business, learning, or community space. According to campaign group Save Britain’s Heritage, the pavilion is one of the few in the country dating back to the 1800s, featuring an unusual double aspect design. In 2020, Aldi had applied to demolish the building for a store and houses, but a local campaign secured listed status, shelving those plans.
Under the new proposals, all internal walls, the bar area, and dropped ceilings will be removed to create an open-plan communal space and kitchen. Floors will be replaced, remaining walls repainted, and externally, the roof covering, timber battens, and Tudor-style black and white boarding will be replaced.
Council Justification and Conditions
The council judged that the development would cause “less than substantial harm to a listed building,” and that any negative impact would be outweighed by the pavilion being brought back into use. Council officers noted extensive dialogue with the applicant to improve the building for future use.
Breck has pledged to plant 81 new trees, invest £70,000 to provide a new cricket pitch in Huyton, and contribute approximately £110,000 for public open spaces. Although the developer has not met the target of increasing biodiversity by 10% on site, the council decided this could be achieved elsewhere in Huyton.
Community Opposition and Concerns
The application was publicised via letters to 278 neighbouring properties, receiving 23 objections. Concerns included traffic issues, threat to the listed pavilion's character, pollution, drainage, noise, strain on infrastructure, the possibility of the clubhouse becoming a bar or restaurant, and destruction of a local ecosystem. One neighbour argued that an overconcentration of affordable housing would “impact the social balance and place additional pressure on local services and infrastructure.” Another said: “Listen to the local people whom you serve. This development is not wanted or required, and should be rejected completely.”
An ex-player of Huyton Cricket Club stated: “To see this cricket/bowls club put into history by yourselves is absolute disaster for the people of Huyton.”
Council Approval with Conditions
The council’s planning department recommended approval subject to conditions, including Section 106 contributions to local infrastructure and public open space, and that at least 10% of homes remain affordable in perpetuity. At the Knowsley Council Planning Committee meeting on Thursday, Labour councillor Matt Costello for St Michaels ward expressed opposition, citing “my concerns and those of the community about the loss of green space.” He argued that the land is privately owned, so the public has not had access, and noted that Huyton Lane “does get congested,” calling the applicant's advice on walking and cycling “flippant.” He added that the development is “quite a bitter pill for a lot of residents to swallow.”
A council highways officer responded that an assessment found the junction can “cope” with additional traffic, a statement met with laughter from the public gallery. She said: “It can get busy at times, but what we tried to do is secure mitigation in terms of improving the walking routes, improvements to the footpaths and the connectivity between the pedestrian generators in the area.”
A planning officer stated: “What we’ve got to be satisfied with is what’s in front of us at the moment. We can’t reasonably look at alternatives from another plan application, we’ve just got to look at what’s proposed.”
Archaeological Considerations
Prescot North Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Smith noted that Huyton is “possibly the most important and significant archaeological site not only in Knowsley borough but well beyond that,” referencing Viking ship landings. He called for a more stringent condition on archaeological works. A planning officer confirmed that the applicant must report findings to the council before construction begins.
The plans were approved by the committee, with five councillors voting against.
