Have your say on new affordable homes in Whiston
Onward Homes and Starship Group are working in partnership to bring forward a new, low-carbon neighbourhood on the former Halsnead Farm site, which has been identified for development in Knowsley’s Local Plan, and forms part of the wider Halsnead Garden Village.
Before we submit a planning application, we want to hear from you. Your views are important to us and will help shape our final plans.
OUR VISION FOR HALSNEAD FARM.
We are proposing to build 88 new, affordable homes on the former Halsnead Farm site, just south of the M62 and adjacent to the future Country Park and employment centre being delivered by Tritax.
The development will provide a mix of 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom homes, including cottage apartments, as well as terraced, semi-detached and detached homes.
Onward and Starship have worked closely with Knowsley Council to develop these plans, so that we can be sure they respond to the needs of people living in the area.
As well as providing affordable homes for rent, the development will also help local people put down firm roots in their area through affordable home ownership.
SUSTAINABILITY.
In line with our commitment to sustainability, all homes will be built to the highest energy efficiency standards (EPC A), incorporating Air Source Heat Pumps, solar panels, and EV charging points. These features will help reduce residents’ carbon footprint and support the City Region’s low-carbon goals.
We will use modern methods of construction to speed up construction and minimise any disruption to local people by reducing site traffic, noise and waste.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
As part of the planning process, we will carry out a range of environmental assessments to ensure the development is delivered responsibly and with minimal impact on the local area. These assessments will consider:
- Ecology and biodiversity
- Trees and any necessary protection measures
- Noise and air quality
- Flood risk and drainage
Where necessary, we will introduce measures to protect and enhance the local environment, ensuring that wildlife habitats are preserved and that the development contributes positively to the surrounding landscape.
VEHICULAR ACCESS
A new access point will be created from Fox’s Bank Lane, designed as a priority T-junction with appropriate visibility and safety measures. This will provide safe and efficient access for residents, visitors, and service vehicles.
As part of the planning process, a traffic assessment would be carried out to identify potential impacts on the local network from development, and to agree any required mitigation measures.
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
As part of our commitment to minimising disruption during construction, we have carefully considered the potential impacts on nearby residents and future residents. By using our intended Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) modular construction technology, we aim to significantly reduce the impact of construction activities on the existing local community, while also delivering wider environmental benefits.
LGSF construction requires fewer deliveries, lighter loads, and a shorter on-site construction period. Because the building components are manufactured off-site, fewer operatives are required on-site, which helps to reduce parking demand and lessen overall traffic movements in the surrounding area.
WALKING AND CYCLING
The new neighbourhood at Halsnead Farm will be well connected to the surrounding area, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive travel. The development will include new pedestrian and cycle routes that connect:
- Northwards into the Fox Wood Garden Village, linking to Whiston and local amenities.
- Southwards into the Tritax Symmetry employment site and the future Country Park, offering access to leisure, nature, and employment opportunities.
These routes will be designed for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians, with appropriate surfacing, gradients, and widths.
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
On Friday 24th October 2025, a two-week period of consultation will begin, giving local residents and businesses the opportunity to view our plans and share feedback.
You can learn more and provide your feedback by:
- Visiting the dedicated web page at onward.co.uk/halsnead.
- Emailing halsnead@onward.co.uk
- If you do not have internet access, please call 0300 555 0600 and we can arrange for your feedback to be recorded.
The consultation will close on Friday 7th November, so please make sure you send us any feedback before that date.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
We are currently at the early engagement stage. Once we’ve reviewed your feedback, we will finalise our plans and submit a planning application to Knowsley Council.
Nearby residents will be notified by the Council once the application is live, and you’ll have another opportunity to comment through the Council’s planning portal.