THE deadline to consider a planning application which seek permission to redevelop two historic listed Grade II buildings.

Developer Oak Tree Developments submitted a planning application in March to build 23 new homes on the site at Newton Park Drive, off the A49.

READ MORE > New images show how regenerated listed buildings could look

Central to the development are plans to restore the manor house, which was built in 1774, and a barn, which dates back to the 1600s.

The restored buildings will deliver a further six apartments and four houses, the applicants say.

The proposals have received numerous letters of support from residents who say they would welcome the salvation of the historically important buildings.

St Helens Star:

There has been some objections, among them the Parkside Regeneration LLP, who say the proposals should be considered "both in terms of its current green belt status and the emerging Local Plan".

It adds "there is no evidence that the applicant has considered complimentary employment related to development of this site".

They also claimed that concerns raised by the Secretary of State in 2007 that development of Newton Park Drive could prejudice the development of a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange in Newton-le-Willows and that this issue is "still paramount".

The deadline for planning determination has now been postponed by St Helens Council to August 16 to give them more time to review the proposal.

St Helens Star:

A graphic of how the proposed development could look

Commenting on the new timescales, managing director of Oak Tree Developments, David Lloyd said: “Although we have now been given a two-month extension, we have been informed verbally that it is the planning officer’s intention to refuse our application and that it will not be heard in public.

"Our application is fundamentally based upon saving the two Grade II listed buildings on a site of significant historical interest which, without imminent action, are in danger of being lost forever. Our plans will also provide much-needed family housing for the local area.”

If approved, developers say the scheme will see both listed buildings restored and incorporated into a wider development to provide much needed additional local housing.

The cost of the restoration will be enabled by the revenue generated from the housing development.

The planning application number is P/2019/0192/FUL and residents can write to planning@sthelens.gov.uk with the planning ID number.