A decision is imminent on plans to construct 84 affordable homes on the site of a former Merseyside cricket club and restore its Grade II listed pavilion for community use. Knowsley Council is set to deliberate on the application from developer Breck next week.
Site History and Development Proposals
The two-hectare Huyton Cricket Club site has lain dormant since 2009. Breck submitted its application in August 2025 for an affordable housing development featuring one, two, three, and four-bedroom flats, maisonettes, mews, and semi-detached properties on the old pitch. The developer also seeks listed building consent to repair the pavilion, aiming to return it to use as a commercial, business, learning, or community space.
The pavilion is among a handful in the UK dating back to the 1800s, according to campaign group Save Britain’s Heritage, and boasts an unusual double aspect design. In 2020, Aldi applied to demolish the building for a store and houses, but a local campaign secured listed status for the pavilion, scuttling those plans.
Restoration and Community Concerns
Under Breck's proposals, all internal walls, the bar area, and dropped ceilings within the pavilion would be removed to create an open-plan communal space and kitchen. Floors would be replaced, remaining walls repainted, and externally, the roof covering, timber battens, and Tudor-style black and white boarding would be renewed.
The application was publicised via letters to 278 neighbouring properties and drew 23 objections. Concerns included traffic issues, threats to the 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 the development would cause an overconcentration of affordable housing, impacting the social balance and placing additional pressure on local services. Another objector stated: "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 commented: "To see this cricket/bowls club put into history by yourselves is absolute disaster for the people of Huyton."
Council Recommendation and Housing Targets
Despite objections, the council's planning department recommends approval subject to conditions, including Section 106 contributions to local infrastructure and public open space, and a requirement that at least 10% of homes remain affordable in perpetuity. Council documents note that under previous targets, 8,100 new dwellings were needed in Knowsley between 2010 and 2028 (450 per year). However, with the government's increased housebuilding goal of 1.5 million over this parliament, Knowsley's quota has risen to 600 new homes per year. Councillors are urged to consider this when deciding on planning applications.
Opponents argue the development would result in loss of greenfield land and green space, but the council counters that due to the former cricket club usage, the site is defined as public open space, not local green space.
