Vision for St Helens pub site toned down
The scale of Smithy Manor’s redevelopment has been cut by more than half, with 30 apartments now proposed where 78 homes once were.
Applicant David Schwenn has reapplied for permission to build homes on the site off Jubits Lane after St Helens Council rejected an earlier application in 2025.
Back then, the council was unhappy about Schwenn’s plan to knock down the long-vacant pub and build 78 affordable homes. The scheme was rejected for seven reasons including in relation to Green Belt harm and impact on highways.
In response, the proposals have been significantly toned down. The scheme now comprises a single apartment block on a one-acre site where the pub currently stands and omits a further 2.8 acres land to the south that was earmarked for houses in the earlier plans.
Pegasus is advising on planning and Paddock Johnson is leading on design. Elsie Josland Landscape Design, E3P, Arbor, CTS, and Hey Ecology each assisted with the application.
To view the application, use the planning reference number P/2026/0568/OUP on St Helens Council’s planning portal.
