Opinions appear to be divided over potential plans for hundreds of new homes in a Merseyside town.
Back in 2020, Kirkby residents and businesses were asked for their views on what makes a good town centre" and improvement works have since been made including free parking, new businesses and enhanced CCTV network. And now, a consultation has been carried out for hundreds of homes on Cherryfield Drive.
However, opinions appear to be divided. One woman, who has lived in Kirkby her whole life, said affordable housing was "needed", as not wishing to be named she said: "It would be good for the area, we need affordable housing more than ever and Kirkby needs this investment."
READ MORE: New £120m 'super restaurant' on the way in Liverpool
However other concerns expressed on social media suggested surrounding services need "improvement". Taking to local social media groups, some residents suggested the need for more schools, doctors surgeries and dentists.
According to Knowsley Council's latest planning applications, Barratt and David Wilson Homes are scoping opinion for the development of 720 dwellings and an extra care facility together with landscaping, infrastructure and other associated works, including an extension to the existing car park to create an additional 130 spaces. As a result, a consultation was held from August 10 to September 5, seeking views and informing residents and businesses of the potential plans.
A spokesperson for Barratt Homes Manchester and David Wilson Homes North West said: "We recently held a public consultation to determine the views of the local community on what they would like to see in any residential development on land south of Cherryfield Drive, which forms part of the wider redevelopment of Kirkby Town Centre.
"A range of feedback was received via the ‘in person’ town centre consultation events, and on the consultation website. Our team is now taking the feedback into consideration and this will be used to help shape the plans prior to the submission of a planning application."
On their consultation, the developers stated online: "The land south of Cherryfield Drive is the next piece of the jigsaw of Kirkby Town Centre’s renaissance. Our vision for this land is to deliver new homes, attractive public open space, parks, public realm and pedestrian links into the town centre for existing and new residents."
It adds: "In response to the consultation in March 2020, a key next phase in the regeneration of Kirkby Town Centre will focus on providing new homes and accessible green spaces. The Council, Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are looking at these opportunities on the land south of Cherryfield Drive in the town centre."
Full details on the consultation can be found here. All feedback from the consultation will be used to "shape further plans" before a planning application is prepared for the council, when a formal public consultation will take place.
A Knowsley Council spokesperson added: "Barratt and David Wilson Homes recently conducted a public consultation (from 10 August until 5 September 2022) seeking the views of local residents and businesses on the land south of Cherryfield Drive to inform their plans. Any proposals would need to consider local infrastructure requirements.
"No planning application has been received but as with other planning applications, it would be subject to public consultation before being considered by the Planning Committee.”
READ NEXT:
Devastation as 'firecracker' aged just 24 dies on holiday
New £120m 'super restaurant' on the way in Liverpool
Matalan put up for sale as it hires former boss of New Look and The Range
Pair deny murdering man in shopping centre attack
Tributes to 'lad with heart of gold' who died in dirt bike crash
