£164m scheme will create 680 homes, 59 business units and a solar farm
The updated plan for council-owned company Tawd Valley Developments was agreed at the latest full council in a confidential session without the public or press.
A £164m scheme to create 680 homes, 59 business units and a solar farm, has been agreed by councillors.
Key projects are business units at Grimrod Place in Skelmersdale, 64 apartments on land at West Lancashire Council’s headquarters in Ormskirk; and 25 social homes in Yewdale, Skelmersdale
The updated plan for council-owned company Tawd Valley Developments was agreed at the latest full council in a confidential session without the public or press.
The council released the information in a statement this week and added: “The revised plan sets out an expanded programme of regeneration, housing and economic development across the borough, aligned with council priorities and designed to deliver long-term financial returns.
“At Derby Street in Ormskirk, the plan proposes demolition of the existing council offices and construction of 64 new homes across two apartment buildings.
“At Grimrod Place, development of eight new business units for long-term commercial rental will support local enterprise and job creation. And delivery of 25 new social rent homes is one of the first schemes to emerge from the Skelmersdale Town Centre Masterplan.”
Tawd Valley Developments will act as master developer and project manager for the Skelmersdale masterplan.
The council added: “These additions bring the total number of schemes in the business plan to 20, with a combined forecast development cost of £164million.”
In previous meetings, some opposition councillors such as from Our West Lancashire and the Conservatives have complained about the use of confidential sessions to discuss Tawd Valley Developments.
But by law, councils are allowed to hold confidential talks, called exempt items, if sensitive financial or contact details are to be raised, for example. Council officers may recommended confidentiality but councillors must make a judgement and formally agree it with a vote.
Labour Coun Gareth Dowling, the council’s deputy leader with a planning remit, said: “We are pleased to approve this forward-looking business plan which will bring real benefits to the people in this borough.
“Tawd Valley Developments continues to be a vital partner, which will be building more high-quality homes that local families can afford, creating jobs through partnerships with local suppliers and trades, and investing in greener infrastructure that makes communities more resilient. This plan is about making West Lancashire a better place to live, work and thrive.”
Labour Coun Nicola Pryce-Roberts, who has a housing remit, added: “This business plan represents a responsible and forward-thinking approach to meeting local housing needs. It supports the delivery of well-designed, energy-efficient homes that reflect the needs of our communities, from affordable rent to quality new-builds. We’re focused on ensuring that every development contributes positively, socially and economically.”