Peter Goatley QC and Christian Hawley have succeeded in obtaining planning permission for Miller Developments and TJ Morris for over 2.2 million square feet of B2 and B8 distribution space in the green belt to the east of St Helens.
The application was supported by the Council but was called in by the Secretary of State in accordance with his published criteria.
Following a public inquiry in April and May 2021 the Secretary of State has granted permission.
The proposed development is expected to deliver around 3,900 full time equivalent jobs, with around 1,207 FTE jobs for the (full) TJ Morris deliverable in the short term. The Secretary of State agreed that these represent a significant number of jobs which would have a tangible benefit to the local economy and would provide an early opportunity to help address the significant deprivation issues in St Helens. The proposal would also contribute around £141.5 million in GVA to the St Helens economy. The Secretary of State considered that the proposal would provide a critical boost to the St Helens economy and support the regeneration objectives of the Council and these socio-economic benefits attracted very significant weight.
This is an important decision reflecting the growing importance of the levelling up agenda including in considering significant development proposals sited in the green belt.
Peter and Christian were instructed by Emily Williams at Addleshaw Goddard.
