Jones Homes, through Stanteci UK Limited (Stantec), is seeking to build up to 355 homes on land east of Newlands Grange.
The screening request was lodged with St Helens Borough Council on October 9.
The proposed development spans across 14.13 hectares, primarily consisting of agricultural fields.
The intended construction is still in the planning stages, with most homes expected to be two-storeys high.
Some parts of the site may feature buildings up to three storeys.
These homes are planned to include public open spaces, sustainable routes, new tree planting, and a 10% biodiversity net gain.
The site is adjacent to the residential area of Vulcan Village/Newlands Grange.
The development is in line with the surrounding context to the west.
It is located next to ‘Newton Brook 05,’ a local wildlife site.
However, best practice methods and a construction environmental management plan (CEMP) are expected to mitigate any potential impacts.
The site is not designated as a sensitive area and is at a low risk of flooding.
A desk-based review was undertaken to determine the baseline conditions at the site.
There is one Conservation Area adjacent to the site boundary: ‘Vulcan Village’.
The development is not expected to cause significant environmental effects.
The proposed development is considered ‘Schedule 2’ under the EIA regulations, as it is an urban development project.
This means an environmental impact assessment may be required.
The decision will be based on the development’s scale, nature, and location.
The site exceeds the indicative criteria and screening threshold for a site area of more than five hectares.
Natural England, a public body responsible for ensuring the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed, has advised that significant effects on statutorily designated nature conservation sites or landscapes are unlikely.
The development is not within any Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area, or Ramsar Site.
The site is not within a National Park, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or Heritage Coast.
The council will make a decision on whether the development requires an environmental impact assessment.