The public is being invited to have its say on ambitious plans to create a new Garden Village in Knowsley.

The mixed-use development at Halsnead, near Whiston, could include up to 1,600 new homes and was this month named as one of 14 government-backed garden villages in the country.

Over the past few months, Knowsley Council has been preparing a new draft masterplan based upon Garden Village principles, which will help to guide development in the area and will focus on the site’s natural and historical assets.

Historically the site formed part of the Halsnead Park Estate and has been out of bounds to the local community.

The council believes the masterplan will change this by opening up the area and “enhancing it for the benefit of local people and new residents”.

Councillor Graham Morgan, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, says: “This is the biggest change that Knowsley will see in the next 15 years and is part of the council’s ambitious plans for growth across the borough.

“We want people to get involved in the consultation on the draft masterplan and have their say. This is their chance to guide the development of this exciting and unique opportunity.”

The public can view the masterplan on the council’s website and submit comments online.

Consultation events are also taking place in the borough at the George Howard Centre on 26 January between 3pm-8pm and at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Centre for Learning on 4 February from 10am-3pm.

All comments must be submitted by 5pm on 23 February 2017.

Once the consultation has closed all responses will be considered, reviewed and relevant changes made.

A final version of the masterplan will be presented to Knowsley council’s cabinet for approval in the spring.

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