New documents submitted to Knowsley Council's planning portal have revealed fresh details of a proposal to build up to 700 homes on green belt land south of Knowsley Village. The outline application was first submitted last autumn, and the design and access statement prepared on behalf of developer Hallam Land outlines the full scope of the project.
The 80-acre site lies off Knowsley Road, east of the M57 Motorway between junctions 3 and 4. It comprises five large parcels of land in private ownership, including an area in agricultural use and a woodland known as Spookies Wood.
Plans for sustainable extension
Hallam Land said the land "provides an opportunity to create a sustainable and attractive extension to Knowsley Village, inspired by the context and local character, set in a mature landscape." The proposals include up to 700 dwellings, public open space, landscaping, new vehicular access junctions, active travel links, and other works.
The developer has pledged to create a "strong green and blue infrastructure framework," including a central parkland, greenways, a 'kickabout space', and ecological habitats. It also intends to maintain a rural landscape edge along the southern and eastern boundaries and protect existing hedgerows through "ecological corridors."
Affordable housing and local concerns
Of the 700 homes, 25% – up to 175 dwellings – would be classed as affordable. The plans also include a "green focal parkland space" for residents to meet and socialise.
However, hundreds of people have submitted objections through the council's planning portal, and others have contacted the ECHO with concerns. One local resident suggested not enough people had been made aware of the proposals, which have yet to go before the council's planning committee. The full plans are available on Knowsley Council's website.
