ALMOST 60 homes could be built on a former campsite in St Helens.

The application has been submitted by Phil Salmon, of Staplers Road, Newport, and seeks outline permission for:

  • 16 two-bed houses

  • Eight three-bed houses

  • 13 four-bed houses

  • Eight one-bedroom apartments

  • Six two-bedroom apartments

  • Six three-bedroom apartments

  • The apartments, a total of 20 units, will all be affordable housing.

Out-buildings and stand pipes remain across the site from when it served as a camping site, with room for 123 pitches.

The site is located close to the centre of St Helens, 180 metres from local shops.

A total of 118 car parking spaces would be provided for residents and visitors, as well as 20 for community use.

The community use spaces would serve the community centre at the end of Guildford Road and the health centre.

The application states a key issue is the need to protect habitats. The layout accommodates connected green corridors, together with a significant buffer zone around to provide biodiversity connection around and throughout the site.

The site adjoins a conservation area and the use of materials will be ‘sympathetic to the maintenance and enhancement of the key townscape characteristics’.

It has been confirmed that the existing buildings are not a root for bats.

St Helens Parish Council is holding an extraordinary public meeting to discuss the plans, with an informal briefing to be held by Island Roads, from 7pm on Wednesday, August 29 in the sports pavilion.

Residents can view the plans online and comments can be made until September 7.