A proposed 103-home development in Maghull has ignited concerns over flooding and infrastructure, with local councillor David Leatherbarrow launching a petition that garnered over 230 signatures within the first 24 hours. The pre-planning application by Prospect Homes for land off Northway, behind the Aldi in Maghull South, is now undergoing public consultation until July 17.
Flood risk at the heart of opposition
Cllr Leatherbarrow, representing Maghull East ward, described the proposal as having a “hugely negative impact” on the area. In his petition, he cited “serious concerns about flooding, local infrastructure, traffic, public services and the loss of valuable open land.” The site sits near the River Alt, which Cllr Leatherbarrow noted is “at breaking point most years now, and that land is the point where it tends to go.”
Phil Chadwick from the Aintree & Maghull South Community Independents group recalled the 2021 Storm Christoph, when former councillors had to evacuate residents in the early hours. He said: “The River Alt was at the point of breaking. Luckily, the west bank broke before the bank near Maghull’s houses, and Lunt Meadow got flooded as far as the eye could see.” The proposed development lies on the opposite side of the river, with two brooks running through it. Chadwick warned: “To put concrete in the floor is just going to make it even worse.”
Green belt land not in local plan
The site is classified as inappropriate green belt land not included in Sefton’s Local Plan, according to Labour councillor Sam Hinde, who represents Aintree and Maghull South alongside Danny Burns and council leader Marion Atkinson. Cllr Hinde stated: “Residents in our ward are rightly concerned by Prospect Homes’ promotion of a speculative development on land behind Aldi at Northway.” He confirmed that he and Cllr Atkinson would oppose the development, while Cllr Burns sits on the Planning Committee and cannot comment publicly.
Cllr Leatherbarrow emphasised the cumulative impact of recent developments, including Eastbrook Village, Summerhill Park, Poppyfields Estate, and Lydiate Gate, plus plans for 450 homes at Lambshear Lane and another speculative proposal on Green Lane. He said: “What’s not keeping pace is the infrastructure. We’ve had no new schools or health centres – to my knowledge – for many years, and no real plans on the horizon.”
Environmental and community concerns
Cllr Leatherbarrow warned that building on the site could eliminate a critical flood defence barrier for the entire town. He said: “The worry for me is if they build houses, is that just the start? Does that mean that then we lose the opportunity to use that land as a form of flood defence in the future?” He added that nearby Poppyfields estate already faces “massive issues with backed up drains and dried out lakes.”
Chadwick noted that a resident whose house already floods annually has contacted him, saying: “That can only get worse if you’re going to put concrete in the floor, which is not going to be soaking up the water.”
Developer response
A spokesperson for Prospect Homes said: “As part of the normal pre-application process, we have begun to brief local stakeholders on emerging proposals for 103 new homes on land at Northway, Maghull, ahead of launching a wider public consultation. No planning application has been submitted at this stage, and we are keen to hear the views of residents before the plans are finalised.” The spokesperson added that any application would include detailed technical assessments on flood risk, highways, ecology, and biodiversity, to be scrutinised by the local planning authority and statutory consultees.
