Opposition Grows To Five-Home Development Plan In St Helens

Plans for five new houses on land next to the former train station in St Helens have sparked a wave of objections ahead of a council decision next month.

Applicants Stratton and Raben are seeking permission to build the homes — described as “high quality market housing” — alongside Station House on Station Road.

The scheme also includes an access road, garages, parking and landscaping, with recent revisions made to address tree and sewage concerns.

Planning agents Andrew White Planning Consultancy said the project would make a “significant contribution” to tackling the Island’s housing shortage and argued the design would be in keeping with the surrounding area.

But since late August, the Isle of Wight Council has received 21 objections.

Concerns raised include the impact on wildlife, highway safety, parking capacity, pressure on local services, and the development being out of character with the area.

Resident Julie Brimson said the plans would “spoil the natural beauty of this area on the edge of the village” and damage the setting of the historic Station House.

She also warned of additional traffic on what she described as a busy and dangerous road.

In its statement, the planning consultancy said the homes would be designed to a high standard and provide a mix of sizes, while also making financial contributions towards affordable housing and the Bird Aware Solent scheme to offset environmental impacts.

The application is due to go before Isle of Wight Council on 7 October.