Housing approved at redundant brick factory

Backhouse Developments’ residential conversion of 22 acres of former brickworks in the Sutton Manor area south of St Helens has been given outline planning permission.

The proposal allows for up to 250 family homes and the opening of the Pendlebury Brook watercourse which dissects the site, once home to Ibstock Brick Roughdales before closing in early 2009. The site is surrounded by Brickfields Woodland, managed by the Mersey Forest.

The Planning Studio acted for land owner Backhouse Developments.

Colin Williams, managing director of the Planning Studio, said: “The grant of the hybrid planning permission will allow for the detailed earthworks programme to commence at the earliest opportunity, with the residential development areas being available in the autumn of 2017. The redevelopment of the site will reclaim a significant area of a former brickworks site and will deliver major new housing development, contributing to local housing needs, and we very much welcome the support of the local community and St Helens Council in helping to bring the proposals forward.”