Knowsley moves garden village plan forward

Knowsley Council has adopted the Halsnead Garden Village Masterplan supplementary planning document following cabinet approval.

The masterplan sets out the council’s ambitions for Knowsley’s largest development site, including 1,600 homes, 55.5 acres of employment land and 81 acres of green space.

There will also be a primary school and early years provision in a community hub, along with enhancements to Lickers Lane playing fields and a country park. The site covers 430 acres to the south of Whiston, at the junction of the M57 and M62. The residential element is to the north of the M62 and the employment land to the south.

Publication of the masterplan follows a consultation period opened on the announcement of Halsnead as one of 14 garden villages to be created in England as part of the government’s push on housing.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a new place over the next 18 years.  A place that will help to create hundreds of new jobs, contribute towards the city region economy and also generate additional income for the council to help to us deliver essential services.

“The council is already working with a number of developers and we are hopeful that by the autumn we will have received a planning application for part of the site. This clearly demonstrates that Knowsley’s growth ambition is becoming a reality.

Knowsley said that the development could create more than 900 permanent jobs and add £40.5m GVA to the Liverpool city region economy. Any developers will be required to make contributions for the school and early years provision along with highway infrastructure.

The SPD will be available to view on Knowsley’s website from 5 July 2017.