The Planning Committee of Knowsley Council met on Thursday 27 June 2024 to discuss several significant planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a solar farm at Larkins Farm and the change of use of a residential dwelling to a children's care home. The committee also agreed to change the tenure of affordable housing in a development by Miller Homes.

Solar Farm at Larkins Farm

The committee approved the installation of a solar farm at Larkins Farm, Gillings Lane, Knowsley. The project includes organic boundary fencing, a substation, a transformer building, site service access, associated landscaping, and biodiversity improvements. The solar farm will generate enough electricity to power approximately 500 homes, contributing to around 0.72% of Knowsley's total residential electricity demand.

Andrew Hunt, the case officer, highlighted that the proposal aligns with the council's Local Plan, the climate emergency declaration, and the net zero delivery plan. The project also promises significant biodiversity net gain measures, including a wildflower meadow, and will create jobs during its installation, operation, and maintenance. The committee concluded that the benefits of the scheme, such as improving energy security and reducing carbon emissions, outweighed any potential harm.

Change of Use to Children's Care Home

The committee approved the change of use of a residential dwelling at 18 Kerr Close, Tower Hill, Kirkby to a children's care home for a maximum of three children. Despite receiving around 20 objections from neighbouring properties, the committee found that the proposed use is acceptable in principle and would not cause significant harm to highway safety, neighbour amenity, or crime levels.

Claire Fitton, the Director of Operations for Florida Care, explained that the home would be run as a family home with a stringent matching process for children. The committee was reassured by the high level of regulation and oversight from Ofsted and the council's Children's Services.

Change of Affordable Housing Tenure

The committee agreed to change the tenure of affordable housing provision in the Miller Homes development at East of Halewood. Initially, the development included nine properties for affordable rent and nine for shared ownership. Due to low interest in shared ownership, all 18 properties will now be available for social rent, which is set at 65% of market value. This change aims to meet the considerable demand for social rent properties in the area.

Kevin, a planning officer, noted that the overall provision of affordable homes remains unchanged, and the new tenure will better support the council's goal of providing affordable housing to those in need.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack and the Agenda frontsheet.