At their meeting next week, Sefton Council’s cabinet members are being asked to approve the next steps in its Sefton 2030 initiative.  

As part of the plans to deliver a range of new housing, including social housing for rent and home ownership, they are being asked to agree proposals that will allow its partner The Sovini Group to begin early feasibility work on further development sites. These are the Former Ainsdale Hope School site, the Professional Development Centre in Formby, and the former TT Cables/Peoples site in Bootle. 

Initial design ideas

If approved, Sovini will be permitted to carry out surveys and investigate initial design ideas to look at how the sites can best meet local needs. Around 230 new properties with a range of tenures could be built.   

In March, Sefton Council and The Sovini Group signed up to the Sefton 2030 partnership. Through Sefton 2030, they are committed to building 1,000 new, social and affordable homes for local people by the end of the decade. The partnership sees Council-owned land pooled with the Sovini Group's development pipeline. 

Community facilities  

The former TT Cables/Peoples site was already on the Council’s disposal pathway. Ainsdale Hope School and Formby Professional Development Centre have been identified as being surplus to operational requirements. Plans for the Formby site will include commitment to working with Ravenmeols Community Centre to ensure the continued provision of community facilities in the area. All the sites have, for many years, been identified for new housing in the Council’s Local Plan (adopted in 2017).  

No final decisions on disposal or development will be taken at this stage if the recommendations are approved by Cabinet. Any proposals would have to secure planning approval and then be brought back to Cabinet for full approval, and residents and community stakeholders will be invited to take part in consultations for each site. Any impact on local infrastructure and services will be assessed as part of the planning process. 

Key to safe, happy and fulfilling life  

Cllr Phil Hart, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for housing, said:  “Everyone deserves a safe, good-quality home. It’s key to a safe, happy and fulfilling life. Sefton 2030 is about making that a reality in our borough.”  

“By working in collaboration with The Sovini Group, we can bring forward currently unused sites that have been earmarked for disposal and turn them into the right mix of over 200 new homes for local people. 

“This is an important step; we are still at an early stage, and nothing will happen at these sites without further approval of detailed plans by the Council. These plans will include, in relation to the Formby development, a commitment to ensuring new facilities for the Ravenmeols Community Centre.”  

Wide range of needs

Sefton 2030 is focused on creating places and communities by making sure new homes meet a wide range of needs.   

This includes different tenures and types of homes for families, older people, young people, and those currently living in temporary accommodation. It is focused on developing a high-quality mix of housing - including social housing for rent, which will be allocated via Property Pool Plus, and home ownership that meets the requirements of local people and supports safer, healthier and more connected communities.   

Momentum

Chief Executive of The Sovini Group, Roy Williams: “We are proud to be continuing our momentum with Sefton 2030. With phase 2 due to be reviewed by Sefton Council's cabinet, we are taking another significant step forward in our shared vision for the borough. Meanwhile, our phase 1 developments across multiple sites are now entering the planning stages.” 

“Sefton 2030 is about delivering a lasting, positive impact for Sefton and its residents through community reinvestment, employment and sustainable economic growth. We look forward to working with local people to help shape the future of Sefton." 

Jobs, apprenticeships and training

Cllr Hart added:  “As well as new homes, Sefton 2030 will bring wider benefits to Sefton, including local jobs, apprenticeships and training, as well as support for local businesses and suppliers.”  

Frequently Asked Questions about these sites and the proposals can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/Sefton2030-FAQs.  

You can also find out more about Sefton 2030 and sign up to the mailing list for the latest news and updates here.   

Use this link to find the agenda and papers for next week's Sefton Council Cabinet meeting.