COWLEY HILL, ST HELENS
We were appointed by BXB Land Solutions to take this 42-hectare brownfield site through the planning process ahead of disposal to the housebuilding sector. The site of industrial activity for over 150 years, it had been used in part for the tipping of burgy waste – at one time a by-product of the glass-making process. This, and other works to the site, had significantly changed its character and topography, despite being contaminated, parts had become semi-natural.
Our Solutions
Nexus Planning led a full multi-disciplinary team on behalf of the client and worked closely with the local authority to develop the planning and engagement strategy and the form of application. The emerging scheme was the subject of extended public consultation and a programme of engagement with local and lead councillors.
The site is challenging in terms of viability. Managing the extent of reclamation and infrastructure works as part of a phased approach to maximise the potential of the site was central to the planning strategy. The proposal also reflected a number of site constraints including levels, drainage, easements and COMAH zone covering part of the site. Nexus led the masterplanning and technical team to create a comprehensive development, infrastructure and green infrastructure strategy that formed the application.
Nexus co-ordinated the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment and negotiated the s106 agreement.
The Outcome
The application proposals comprised up to 1,100 dwellings and up to 3,925sqm of mixed-use floorspace providing flexible use.
Nexus co-ordinated the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment and negotiated the s106 agreement.
The outline application was approved unanimously and the scheme successfully taken to the market by BXB. The project is now being taken forward by a national housebuilder.
Image: Brock Carmichael
