Hundreds of jobs could be created as former factory set for £20m transformation

A derelict margarine factory site is about to be transformed into a £20m business park, creating hundreds of jobs.

Proposals to redevelop the old Peerless site on Dunnings Bridge Road were finally given the green light by Sefton Council's planning committee last July.

And developers Chancerygate have this week applied for permission to change some of the conditions the local authority imposed on their plans.

The new project, Mersey Reach, is believed to consist of six new industrial units, as well as a new petrol station, convenience store, and a drive-through Starbucks cafe.

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.

Chancerygate’s preliminary plans to build on the site were approved by Sefton Council in July 2017.

However, permission was later refused to due to noise impact and safety concerns.

Chancerygate has now successfully appealed the decision, following two meetings held with local residents.

The developer says residents' main concerns were the loss of the 2m acoustic fencing behind properties on Sandiways Avenue and Lunt Avenue, the type of tree species to be included in the landscape buffer, the potential for operational noise and the 24-hour use of the site.

Chancerygate altered plans to respond to these concerns, with measures such as retaining the acoustic fencing and using a mix of evergreen trees to make up the landscape.

Developers now say they wish to make 'minor' changes to the approved scheme; and want to remove conditions relating to deliveries taking place before 8am and after 10pm.

The application will be decided upon by the council's planning committee in due course.