23rd February 2021

The Planning Inspectorate has granted controversial planning permission for Countryside Properties and Persimmon Homes to build 841 houses on land east of Maghull.

This is despite demands from Bill Esterson MP, Labour Councillors Patrick McKinley and Yvonne Sayers, and residents that a haul road – which would connect the site direct to the new M58 Junction 1 – be built to reduce the impact of site traffic on residents living nearby.

Commenting on the announcement, MP for Sefton Central Bill Esterson said:

“Residents of Maghull supported by Cllrs Patrick McKinley and Yvonne Sayers have made their concerns clear about the impact that dangerous and polluting construction lorries will have on their community.

 

“It is right that construction traffic won’t be allowed on the residential streets of Maghull but it makes no sense to use country lanes, some of which are impassable by HGVs.

 

“Taking the decision away from Sefton Council’s planning committee has made a mockery of localism.

 

“Persimmon should take this opportunity to show that they are a responsible business and build a haul road to spare residents the misery of construction traffic travelling along the country roads of Melling.

In another victory for campaigners and for Maghull Town Council, the developer will be forced to make contributions to local amenities as well as building a flood relief channel through the site.

Commenting on the victory for the campaigners, MP for Sefton Central Bill Esterson said:

“It is right that the Inspector listened to the needs of Maghull residents, the Town Council and the Labour councillors who fought hard to secure these concessions.

 

“Although we will continue to push Persimmon to build a haul road, funding for a flood relief channel, a badly needed healthcare facility and an expansion to Summerhill Primary School are all very welcome.”

Notes to Editors:

• Full planning permission has been granted for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of 841 residential dwellings, plus new vehicular accesses off Poverty Lane, and outline planning permission is granted for an older persons housing scheme.
• The full list of required contributions to the local area by the developer include:
  • A flood relief channel
  • Contributions to the expansion of Summerhill Primary School
  • Contributions to the recently built slip roads at Junction 1 of the M58
  • A local bus service
  • A park in Whinney Brook
  • Funding for the Leeds-Liverpool Canal
• Once both parts of the land east of Maghull are developed there could be more than 1,400 new homes on the site.
• At least 30% of the homes will be affordable housing, with two thirds of this comprising homes for social or affordable rent and a third affordable (shared) home ownership.
• It is estimated that the development of the site will take 5 years 10 months.
• The Inspector’s decision can be found here https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?caseid=3257252