Three detached homes at Land At Kenyons Lane, Maghull

The site and surroundings

The grassland site lies beside Millbank Lane, Park Lane and Kenyon’s Lane, at the edge of the Green Belt and near existing homes.

“The application site comprises a parcel of grassland located to the north side of Millbank Lane, at its junction with Park Lane and Kenyon’s Lane, as identified edged red on the submitted location plan. The site forms part of a larger landholding (edged blue), with the application site occupying the south-western corner of that wider parcel.”

“The site lies on the edge of the Green Belt as defined by the Sefton Local Plan, with the boundary of the Primary Residential Area located to the western side of Millbank Lane and Park Lane. The immediate surrounding area is characterised by a clear transition between built form and open land. Residential properties along Kenyon’s Lane and the adjoining streets form a relatively dense suburban edge to the west and south-west.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier application for four homes was refused and its appeal dismissed, while the current proposal reduced the number to three and changed the layout.

“An outline application (DC/2017/02278) for the erection of four dwellings was refused on 8 February 2018, and the subsequent appeal was dismissed. The refusal was based on the proposal being considered inappropriate development within the Green Belt, and on the basis that the proposed layout and orientation failed to respect the character and appearance of the area, to the detriment of the street scene.”

“In addition, the current proposal differs materially from the previous appeal scheme. The earlier proposal sought four dwellings, whereas the current application seeks three dwellings and incorporates a revised layout and design approach.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the site could be treated as grey belt land and the proposal was acceptable in principle and subject to conditions.

“Overall, subject to the above tests being satisfied and no overriding constraints being identified, the site can be regarded as grey belt land and the proposal may be considered appropriate in principle under national policy. As such, the principle of housing in this location is considered acceptable, subject to appropriate design, the maintenance of neighbouring residential amenity, and the consideration of highway and environmental impacts, as discussed below.”

“The concerns raised by the Ward Councillor regarding the loss of Green Belt land, the site's grey belt status, and the potential for cumulative erosion of the Green Belt are acknowledged. However, for the reasons set out above, officers conclude that the site falls within the definition of Grey Belt as set out in the NPPF and does not strongly contribute to the identified Green Belt purposes.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

Officers considered the homes’ design, neighbours’ living conditions, highways, trees, ecology, drainage, flooding and infrastructure impacts acceptable with safeguards.

“Given the separation distances, orientation of the dwellings and existing vegetation, the proposal is not considered likely to result in a material loss of light or privacy, nor create an overbearing impact on neighbouring occupiers. The development is therefore considered acceptable in respect of living conditions.”

“United Utilities also recommend the use of sustainable drainage systems and adherence to the drainage hierarchy. It is considered that any surface water drainage impacts, including those arising from future climate change, can be appropriately managed through a planning condition requiring the submission and approval of a detailed surface water drainage scheme prior to the commencement of development.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

United Utilities, ecology, environmental health and tree protection raised no objection subject to conditions, while highways required further information and works.

“Highways Manager Requested Further information subject to conditions and signing of a Section 278.”

“Environmental Health Manager No objection subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Objections received

Three objections raised concerns about privacy, light, flooding, drainage, Green Belt openness, area character and highway safety.

“The Council has undertaken publicity in line with Sefton’s Statement of Community Involvement and national requirements. Notification included: Neighbour letters (date printed 16/02/2026, date expired 12/03/2026 ) to all owners/occupiers sharing a common boundary or any property opposite the application site.”

“Three objections were received on the grounds that: -Overlooking and loss of privacy -Loss of light to neighbouring property -Concerns regarding flooding from the adjacent brook and surface water drainage -Harm to the character, appearance and openness of the Green Belt -Highways safety…”

Officer report

Ward councillor’s concerns

The former ward councillor requested refusal because of Green Belt, ecology, residential amenity, highway, infrastructure and cumulative development concerns.

The committee vote

The committee approved the recommendation to grant planning permission subject to conditions and the stated reasons.

“The Committee considered the report of the Chief Planning Officer recommending that the above application for the development of 3no. two storey detached dwellings with associated parking and gardens be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.”

“That the recommendation be approved and the application be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report and in Late Representations.”

Minutes