Green light for St Helens affordable homes

An 18-apartment affordable housing scheme in the Thatto Heath area, which is being brought forward by a private developer, has been approved by the local council. 

The three-storey, L-shaped block will occupy a site on the junction of Close Street and Elephant Lane and be sold to growth and regeneration firm Torus on completion of an existing deal.

Designed by Southport-based Clayton Architecture, the scheme will be 100% affordable and provide a collection of one-bedroom apartments. 

The site was previously occupied by Emmanuel Church, which was demolished when the scheme won outline consent in 2018. 

The scheme has been scaled down after a 2017 application for 24 flats, including six two-bedroom apartments, was withdrawn following objections from local residents. 

In 2006 approval was granted by St Helens Council for a 90-room care home that occupies the site to the west of the proposed scheme. 

The planner for the latest project is Lawrenson Associates. The price agreed for the future sale of the site to Torus has been not disclosed.