Council approves affordable homes scheme for key gateway site
Plans for 45 new affordable homes on a key gateway site in Knowsley have been approved by the local authority.
The application, by Group D Developments, and designed by sister company Group D Architects, is a partnership with Onward Homes, for a site on the edge of Prescot.
The scheme will deliver a mix of 19 houses and 26 apartments.
The decision follows a deferment and site visit by councillors who were keen to evaluate the impact of the scheme on a prominent largely undeveloped site on Liverpool Road.
Group D’s Patrick Taft said the scheme will be a “fitting gateway into Prescot”.
He added: “Our design has been informed by local knowledge, a respect for the site’s location and the aim to add something positive and distinctive to the ongoing revival of Prescot.”
He said the design-led scheme responds intelligently to the site’s topography, celebrating Prescot Brook, maintaining a generous provision of quality public space – 50% of the site area will remain green – and with extensive new tree planting.
The scale and massing of the properties, including the cottage-style apartments, respects Prescot’s established built character, whilst materials have been chosen to complement neighbouring residential properties.
He added “We wanted to design for the creation of a genuine community with a definite sense of place that would also sit as a natural and organic extension to Prescot.
“The affordable rent-to-buy tenure, and diverse range of property types, will help to foster a really inclusive and eclectic demographic mix. It’s really a place for everyone that will add something extra to the vitality of a thriving Prescot.
“As someone who grew up in the area, it’s been great to see the revival of Prescot with the transformational Shakespeare of the North providing a real catalyst for economic and civic renewal. It’s pleasing that we have been able to contribute to that renaissance.”
Following granting of planning permission, Group D expects work on site to begin in the autumn with the scheme due for completion by spring 2026.
