Plans to build nearly 300 homes next to a piece of Sefton greenbelt land look set to be approved despite more than 50 objections.
The proposals for the site, off Kenyon's Lane in Lydiate, include 291 new homes, public open space and a children's play area. They were originally submitted to Sefton Council for approval in April 2021.
Documents from the developer Bellway Homes state that the plans originally involved 325 homes at the site, which is north of Lydiate Village and next to Morton's Diary. The land has been used for arable farming but was designated for development in Sefton's most recent local plan.
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Following a public consultation last year, which resulted in dozens of objections, Bellway reduced the number of homes in the proposal. However a new consultation this year also drew significant objections, including concerns around visual impact, infrastructure, highway safety, environmental issues and living conditions.
Residents said they were concerned at the number of new homes being built in the area and loss of farmland. One person said they feared the area was being turned into an "ugly concrete jungle."
Other concerns expressed included increased traffic on Kenyon's lane and the nearby A59 as a result of the development and the potential "danger" to children at a nearby primary school. Some feared the impact on local infrastructure.
In particular; concerns were raised about pressure on doctors, dentists and oversubscribed local schools. Environmental objections included concerns around flooding in the area and the carbon impact of the development.
Recommending approval for the plans, a report produced by officers at Sefton Council said that while the development would cause increased traffic, it would not be expected to have a "a severe impact" on the network in the area. Officers also said that noise assessment have been carried out and mitigation recommended which would reduce the impact on neighbouring residents and new tenants.
In relation to flood risks, officers said: "The surface water drainage strategy will ensure that the 1 in 100 year plus climate change event is contained within the site."
To mitigate the impact on infrastructure, section 106 contributions would be required towards medical facilities. However, existing school infrastructure would be sufficient to cope with the additional demand, according to the report.
The development would include a mix of mainly two and three bedroom homes with a minimum of 30% affordable housing and the provision of at least two open spaces with a children's play park. Councillors will meet to discuss the proposals on Wednesday March 16 at Bootle Town Hall where they will decide whether to approve or reject the plans.
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