Housing need?

The argument that the Knowsley housing target has been met, and thus the 700 new homes are unnecessary, is supported by current and historic housing delivery statistics when compared against adopted and standardised housing need figures, combined with the site’s strategic designation.

Evidence that the Knowsley Housing Target Has Been Met

Knowsley has a demonstrated history of meeting and exceeding its planning targets, suggesting that housing delivery goals are currently being achieved without reliance on this specific application coming forward immediately.

Against the Adopted Local Plan Target (450 dpa) 

The Knowsley Local Plan Core Strategy (adopted January 2016) sets a total provision of 8,100 new dwellings to be delivered between 2010 and 2028, equating to an annual average target of 450 dwellings per annum (dpa).

• Historical Performance: The average housing delivery in Knowsley over the past decade (2014/15 – 2023/24) was 747 dpa.

• Target Exceeded: Knowsley has exceeded this annual target (450 dpa) in nine out of ten years over that decade.

• Most Recent Performance (2023–2024): In 2023–24, net completions reached 729 homes, resulting in a net surplus of 279 homes above the annual 450 dpa target.

Against the National Standard Method Target (602/608 dpa)

The current planning context requires assessment against the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Standard Method housing need figure, which is used to inform future plans.

• Standard Need: The standard method figure for Knowsley is 602 dpa (based on December 2024 updates, amended February 2025). This figure is a 33% uplift on the adopted 450 dpa target.

• Target Exceeded: Net additional dwellings in Knowsley have exceeded this figure seven times over the past decade.

• Current Land Supply: The Council’s 2024 Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) identified a deliverable supply of 2,958 dwellings against a requirement of 2,055 dwellings, equating to 7.2 years’ supply, which demonstrably exceeds the minimum requirement of five years. The Council has also confirmed their belief that they can demonstrate a five-year housing land supply based on the latest standard method figure. 

Based on published data, the Council appears to have adequate housing supply and has consistently delivered housing well above its adopted Core Strategy targets.2. Arguments for Why the 700 New Homes are UnnecessaryThe main arguments against the immediate construction of up to 700 dwellings stem from the site's strategic designation and the potential negative local impacts.

Strategic Planning Policy (Prematurity) 

The site is defined specifically to meet longer-term needs, undermining the necessity of immediate release:

• Safeguarded Land Status: The land east of Knowsley Lane is designated as "safeguarded land" under Policy SUE1 of the Knowsley Local Plan Core Strategy (adopted 2016).

• Post-2028 Allocation: This designation means the site is specifically intended to meet development needs beyond 2028.

• Policy Restriction: Policy SUE1 specifies that development on this safeguarded land will only take place before 2028 if necessary to maintain a five-year deliverable supply of housing sites. Given the Council’s reported 7.2 years supply in the 2024 SHLAA, its early release is not currently necessary to meet the 5-year requirement, and may therefore be considered premature to the strategic planning timescale.

• "No Development" Alternative: The applicant explicitly considered and rejected the 'No Development' alternative, which would mean leaving the site in its current use as arable agricultural land.