Plans for 545 new Liverpool city region homes, a ‘vertical farm’ and office and leisure space have been blocked by the Secretary of State following a planning inquiry. Tony McDonough reports
Plans for 545 new homes, a ‘vertical farm’, pub office and leisure space at the Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn have been blocked by the Government.
Put forward by Heath owner SOG, the plan initially secured planning approval from Halton Council in 2024 despite opposition from more than 150 protestors at Runcorn Town Hall.
However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) then stepped in and objected to the development in the “strongest possible terms” because of the close proximity to the former ICI chemicals complex.
Multiple operators including INEOS Inovyn and Vynova operate on the site producing chlorine, caustic soda, and other chemicals.
Despite Halton councillors rejecting the HSE’s concerns, the statutory body advised the Secretary of State to call in the scheme. A planning inspector oversaw an inquiry in October 2025, much of which was held behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the chemicals operations.
Following the recommendations from the planning inspector, the Secretary of State has blocked the development on health and safety grounds.
A partly redacted report said: “Overall, he agrees with the Inspector that it has not been satisfactorily demonstrated that the potential risks to the future occupants of the proposed development would not be significant, including for death and serious injury.”
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All 545 homes would have been net zero carbon and included 59 senior living and extra care apartments. There would be ancillary commercial uses including a hotel and leisure facilities, as well as 20,000 sq ft of retail.
John Lewis, owner of SOG, said the latest news was “very disappointing” but he accepts the Secretary of State’s decision. He added that it is now a matter for those in authority to inform the people of Runcorn about the true risks posed by the chemicals complex, and the effect his decision will potentially have on the value of their properties.