Plans for a major new development featuring an M&S Foodhall, Lidl supermarket and business park next to the Formby Bypass are expected to be approved next week. Tony McDonough reports
Plans to transform a greenfield site in Sefton into a multi-operational retail, business and leisure park have been submitted this week, with developers saying it has the potential to attract significant local and inward investment and accelerate employment in the area.
The 31.35-acre The Point development, proposed by Sefton and Formby Developments Limited, is located to the north of the existing Formby Industrial Estate, on the eastern side of the A565 Formby Bypass.
The scheme would include:
• A 2,006 sqm M&S Foodhall, with 178 customer parking spaces and 11 staff spaces
• A 2,185 sqm Lidl supermarket, served by a 123-space car park
• Small-scale business starter units and co-working spaces
• Light industrial and research and development facilities
• A 1,033 sqm community medical facility
• A 167 sqm Costa Coffee drive-through
• A second 295 sqm drive-through facility
• A new junction providing access to the development from the Formby Bypass
Sefton Council’s Planning Committee is due to consider the application at Bootle Town Hall on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
In their report to councillors, Sefton’s planning officers highlight that the proposals “comply fully with the aims and objectives of the Sefton Local Plan, the Formby and Little Altcar Neighbourhood Plan”.
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The site, which is currently greenfield, would be cleared, altered and levelled as part of the development, with the proposals designed to respond sensitively to the surrounding environment.
The proposals have so far attracted both support and objections, including representations from local residents and major retailers Tesco and Waitrose.
In their report to councillors, Sefton’s planning officers said: “The proposal will not have a significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of Formby District Centre or other nearby identified centres, it will not increase the risk of flooding to or from the site, whilst ecological impacts can be appropriately mitigated.”
The application also states: “As a whole, the proposed development will deliver the high-quality business park envisaged by the Local Plan policies, which will perform a strategic role in attracting significant local and inward investment and generating a high level of job outputs within a high-quality environment.”