The second phase of a new £20m business park, set to create hundreds of local jobs, is set to be approved by planning chiefs next week.
Proposals to redevelop the old Peerless site on Dunnings Bridge Road were finally given the green light by Sefton Council ’s planning committee in 2018.
Formerly an abandoned margarine factory, the site is now under construction, with six industrial units and a petrol station being erected.
This is known as “Phase One” of the MerseyReach project. “Phase Two” includes three new blocks of 12 commercial units, with parking, services and landscaping.
Developers Chancerygate Ltd say, once finished, the site will create up to 350 jobs and is estimated to have a £5.5m positive impact on the area.
There have been two objections to Phase Two from people living nearby.
Reasons given include noise, flood risk, and security concerns.
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But developers say a noise control scheme will be put in place, along with CCTV, security lighting and fencing.
United Utilities have raised no objection to the scheme.
Peerless Edible Oils were based at the site up until the mid-1990s. The factory was later demolished and the site has been empty since.
In April 2000, property developers Morbaine revealed plans to 100,000 sq ft DIY warehouse, 50,000 sq ft garden centre and 150,000 sq ft of industrial and commercial units. That scheme failed to get through the planning process.
In 2004, Swedish furniture giant IKEA put in plans to build a multi-million pound superstore on the site but it never happened.
Sefton Council’s planning committee is set to approve the next stage of the development when it meets virtually next Wednesday (December 9).
