Work to start this autumn on 45 new affordable Liverpool city region homes after planners give the go-ahead for the project. Tony McDonough reports
Group D Developments is to start work on 45 new affordable homes this autumn after it secured planning consent for the scheme from Knowsley Council
This development is a partnership with housing association Onward Homes. It will deliver a mix of 19 houses and 26 apartments on Liverpool Road on the edge of Prescot. They are designed by Group’s D’s sister company Group D Architects
Homes will be for ‘Rent to Buy’. This is a Government-subsidised scheme where people pay an ‘affordable’ rent (no more than 80% of local market rate) with an option to buy the property within five years. It is due for completion by spring 2026.
The decision by the authority 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: “We are delighted that after careful consideration, councillors have agreed that our approach will be an enhancement of a sensitive site, and a fitting gateway into Prescot.
“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.”
There will be what the developer describes as “a generous provision of quality public space” (50% of the site area will remain green) and with new tree planting.
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The scale and massing of the properties, including the cottage-style apartments, respects Prescot’s established built character, while materials have been chosen to complement neighbouring residential properties.
Patrick 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.”