Sefton looks to sell land for 231 affordable homes
Sovini Group, as part of its Sefton 2030 partnership with the local authority, is lined up to acquire five sites, pending cabinet approval of the deals.
Next week, Sefton Council’s cabinet will vote on the land sales. Each plot has been identified as surplus by the council. The deals would enable the first wave of properties to be delivered from the Sefton 2030 partnership, which ultimately aims to see 1,000 affordable homes built by 2030.
The sites comprise of Back Forest Road in Southport, part of the former Bootle High School premises in Netherton, the former Dale Acre School site in Harps Croft, the former St Raymond’s playing field in Netherton, and the former Rawson Road School site in Seaforth.
Sefton Council and Sovini anticipate securing planning permission for each of these projects in 2027, with land sales completing once that permission is in hand.
Of the five, the one with the largest housing allocation is the former Bootle High School site in Netherton, which has ambitions for 137 homes.
The first phase of delivery, comprising 71 homes, is due to be on site early next year. The land deal being discussed next week is for the second phase of homes. This will include 66 properties for either social rent, low-cost ownership, or rent-to-buy. They are due to be a mix of two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses.
Back Forest Road is a former depot and could accommodate 32 houses and apartments, according to the council.
Similarly, the Rawson Road site in Seaforth has potential for 31 houses and apartments.
Council documents put the former Dale Acre School site as being capable of hosting 53 houses and apartments, while the St Raymond’s playing field could hold 49 family homes and bungalows.
“There is a real need for more affordable homes in Sefton,” said deputy leader Cllr Paulette Lappin, citing the 3,000 households registered for housing in the borough.
“Sefton 2030 represents an important step towards delivering those homes that people need,” she said.
Cllr Phil Hart, who leads on housing at the council, pointed out that the agreement with Sovini Group goes beyond housing delivery.
“Through this partnership with The Sovini Group, we want to create jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities, support local businesses and bring investment into our communities,” he said.
“It builds on a strong track record of working together to improve neighbourhoods in Sefton, including projects that have supported care-experienced young people, created employment opportunities and invested in local communities.
“This is a long-term commitment to helping more people access quality, affordable homes while creating lasting social and economic benefits across Sefton.”
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