The site of a former high school in Sefton could soon provide dozens of new homes.
A total of 53 new homes are due to be built at the former Bootle High School land on Browns Lane in Netherton.
The school closed in 2009 following a merger with Litherland High School.
The scheme will be created by Sandway Homes Ltd, which has successfully delivered developments of new homes at Hey Farm Gardens in Crossens in Southport; and Sandy Brook in Ainsdale in Southport.
A decision on the Browns Lane application will be made at Sefton Council’s Planning Committee at Bootle Town Hall this Wednesday (10th April 2024).
Planning officers are inviting councillors to approve the plans, subject to conditions.
The application includes the erection of 53 dwellings, the construction of vehicular access, open space, landscaping, and associated infrastructure works.
The development would be a mixture of house types providing between 2 and 4 bedrooms to accommodate a variety of residents and differing sizes of family.
All homes will have private off street parking and enclosed rear gardens.
An artist’s impression of new Sandway Homes on the site of the former Bootle High School. Image by John McCall Architects
The conditions would include the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement to secure financial contributions to mitigate the impact of recreational pressure on the Sefton Coast, plus details of affordable housing, a travel plan and employment and skills plan.
Sandway Homes has confirmed that it is ‘opting-in’ to paying £18,444 and will provide a copy of the ‘Respecting Nature in Sefton Information Leaflet’ to all first-time occupiers of the homes.
The details of the affordable housing will also be included as part of the Section 106 legal agreement, which includes 3 x 3 bed detached will be available for shared ownership, 2 x 3 bed detached will be available as first homes tenure, 3 x 3 bed detached will be available for social / affordable rent.
The plans have been drawn up by John McCall Architects, which said that the proposed development “will provide much needed housing for the local area”.
In the planning application, they wrote: “At the heart of this proposal are the principles of good design, desirability and creating housing choice with the intent of creating a sustainable community where people want to live.
An artist’s impression of new Sandway Homes on the site of the former Bootle High School. Image by John McCall Architects
“The high quality architectural design will provide visually attractive and energy efficient buildings, which are of an appropriate mix, layout and scale surrounded by complimentary landscaping.
“The proposed development will establish and maintain a strong sense of place, creating an attractive, welcoming and distinctive housing development which aims to reduce its impact on the environment and local ecosystems.
“The scheme is designed to be safe, inclusive and accessible while promoting health and well-being via the provision of generous sized open spaces and as such would be an asset to the local area.”
In the Planning report, Sefton’s Planning team wrote: “The proposed development of the site for residential development is acceptable in principle given the site’s allocation for housing in the Local Plan.
“The density, design and layout are acceptable with regard to the character of the area.
“In terms of amenity, future occupiers will be afforded a good standard of living, and the proposal will provide 8 affordable homes, with the homes being ‘accessible and adaptable’ under the Building Regulations.
“There are clear benefits to the proposal contributing to the Council’s housing land supply, including affordable housing. The proposal complies with the National Planning Policy Framework, adopted Local Plan and guidance, and is therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement.”
Sandway Homes is the wholly owned development company of Sefton Council established in 2018 with three key objectives:
To generate a better financial return on land assets and a revenue stream for the council
For the council to be seen to directly contribute to the need for 11,000 new homes in the Borough
To provide good quality homes that meet market needs.
Sandway Homes is committed to developing homes that provide a living experience which endures with easy maintenance and future proofing.
With generous room sizes and spacious gardens, they offer a range of quality homes to meet and enhance residents’ lifestyles.
Bootle High School throughout its history was based across several sites, until it ultimately closed in 2009 following amalgamation with a newly built Litherland High School.
Bootle High School started as Bootle Grammar School For Boys, based at Balliol Road, Bootle (where the modern day Hugh Baird College resides) until 1961, when it moved to a new site at Marian Way in Netherton.
- For details about homes available with Sandway Homes please visit: sandwayhomes.co.uk
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