Sefton Council’s cabinet will next week consider proposals to allow partner developer The Sovini Group to begin early feasibility work on three council-owned sites that could deliver roughly 230 new homes as part of the council’s Sefton 2030 programme.
Sites earmarked for investigation
The locations identified for initial design work and surveys are:
- Former Ainsdale Hope School, Southport
- Professional Development Centre, Formby
- Former TT Cables/Peoples site, Bootle
If cabinet approves the recommendations, Sovini will be allowed to carry out surveys and explore how each site might be developed to meet local housing needs, including a mix of tenures such as social rent and intermediate ownership.
Where this sits in Sefton 2030
The move follows the partnership formalised in March between Sefton Council and The Sovini Group, which aims to deliver 1,000 new social and affordable homes across the borough by 2030 by combining council land with Sovini’s development pipeline. The three sites are all on council land: the former TT Cables/Peoples plot was already listed on the council’s disposal pathway, while the Ainsdale and Formby properties have been declared surplus to operational requirements.
"Everyone deserves a safe, good-quality home. It’s key to a safe, happy and fulfilling life."
No final decisions on disposal or development will be taken at this stage. Any subsequent proposals would require planning permission and would be returned to cabinet for full approval. The council says residents and community stakeholders will be invited to consultation events for each site, and any effects on local infrastructure and services will be assessed through the planning process.
| Site | Location | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| Former Ainsdale Hope School | Southport | Identified as surplus; proposed for feasibility work |
| Professional Development Centre | Formby | Identified as surplus; developers to work with community centre stakeholders |
| Former TT Cables/Peoples | Bootle | On disposal pathway; proposed for feasibility work |
| Estimated total potential homes: around 230 | ||
Community implications and next steps
The council says plans for the Formby site will include a commitment to work with Ravenmeols Community Centre to ensure continued provision of community facilities. All three locations have featured in Sefton’s Local Plan since its adoption in 2017 as suitable for housing.
Local residents can expect formal consultations at later stages if schemes are progressed. The planning process will also require assessments of any impact on transport, schools, health services and other local infrastructure before permissions could be granted.
Cabinet members are due to debate and vote on the recommendations next week. Should they approve the feasibility work, Sovini’s investigations will report back and any firm development proposals would be subject to public consultation and planning scrutiny before construction could begin.
