Explanation H2
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Policy H2 lists housing sites which are allocated for development over the period to 2016. The list of allocated sites forms just one of the sources of housing land identified earlier in the chapter. The timing of release of the sites allocated in this policy (as with sites from other sources) will be governed by the principles set by policy H1. This means that there could be variations in timing depending on factors such as how quickly the Knowsley Housing Trust's clearance programme proceeds, and how quickly provision from other sources comes forward to meet the overall housing requirements of the Borough.
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Site H1 (“Bridgefield Forum” Halewood) was until recently occupied by a major indoor sports centre serving the Halewood area. Following the construction of replacement sports facilities elsewhere in Halewood (off Baileys Lane ) the site has become surplus to leisure requirements in the area and the building demolished. In addition to the substantial building footprint the site contains former car parks and a former playing field (now disused). The site would form an extension to recent housing development on neighbouring land immediately to the south, which has broadened the housing choice at the upper end of the market in Knowsley. Sites H2 and H3 are the sites of blocks of flats which have either been demolished or are programmed for demolition.
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Site H4 (land at Thingwall Hall, Huyton) has been subject to extensive waste tipping in the past and has been accepted by the Secretary of State to be a previously developed site. There is likely to be a long period of remediation and post-remediation monitoring before housing development can proceed. In recognition of the need to remediate the site and in accordance with the plan, monitor, manage mechanism in policy H1, the Council would be prepared to grant an early planning permission for the site provided that the number of dwellings completed before 2011 does not exceed 150. Part of site H7 is currently occupied by a road haulage company, but is considered suitable for residential development.
Capacity of the sites
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The estimated capacity of the sites listed in policy H2 assumes (for most of the sites) a net density of at least 30 dwellings to the hectare. The only exceptions to this are:
• Site H4 (“Land at Thingwall Lane , Huyton”) which has been initially assigned a capacity of 350 dwellings based on previous planning applications. Any proposal for a larger number of dwellings would need to be accompanied by a transport assessment that demonstrates the surrounding transport network (including any improvements) can accommodate the development; and
• Site H7 (“Land at Delph Lane/Two Butt Lane, Whiston”) which has been assigned a reduced capacity due to the need to include an open space element within an area of deficit against current standards (it is likely that a planning contribution will be sought from the developer to provide either open space or woodland planting at the western side of this site).
Development Briefs
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For all housing sites, considerable care will need to be taken to ensure a high quality design and layout. For some sites, Development Briefs will be prepared providing advice on the phasing of development, design, layout, transport provision, landscaping etc. The Council has already adopted a Development Brief for the land at Bridgefield Forum. Briefs may be prepared for other housing sites as and when necessary, which will be treated as material considerations in the determination of planning applications.
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