Sefton 2030 is a partnership between Sefton Council and The Sovini Group to deliver 1,000 new affordable homes across the borough by 2030.
The programme will help provide high-quality homes for local people, support regeneration, and contribute to the Borough’s long-term housing needs.
We have tried to answer questions you may have below.
Sefton 2030 is a partnership between Sefton Council and The Sovini Group to deliver 1,000 new affordable homes for social and affordable rent and low-cost home ownership across Sefton by 2030.
The partnership aims to help meet local housing needs by providing high-quality homes for local people.
Homes will be delivered on a range of sites, over several years, as proposals are developed and progressed through planning.
The Sovini Group is based in Sefton and delivers affordable housing and community services through its housing association, One Vision Housing.
One Vision Housing was set up in 2006 to manage homes that were previously owned by the Council. It has since grown into The Sovini Group, which remains focused on supporting residents and communities across Sefton.
The Group provides a range of services, including building new homes, construction, property maintenance, and housing management. Any surplus they make is reinvested into local communities.
One Vision Housing is a registered provider of social housing and is regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing (the government body responsible for overseeing social housing providers in England).
The Sovini Group is based in Sefton and includes its housing association, One Vision Housing. Together, they bring experience in building new homes, construction and managing housing.
As a not-for-profit organisation, any surplus they make is reinvested into local communities, supporting housing, training and community initiatives.
By working in partnership, Sefton Council and The Sovini Group can combine local knowledge, expertise and investment to help deliver new affordable homes for people in Sefton.
Sefton 2030 is a long-term housing partnership that will deliver homes across multiple sites over the coming years.
In November 2025, Sefton Council's Cabinet (the group of elected councillors chosen by local residents to make decisions on their behalf) agreed a first set of 10 council-owned sites to be explored for housing development under the partnership. Work is now under way to develop housing proposals for each of these locations.
In July 2026, Cabinet agreed three additional sites to be brought forward for initial feasibility work.
No planning permission has been granted on any of the sites. Every site will need to go through the full planning and consultation process before any development can take place. Residents will have the opportunity to comment on proposals as each site progresses.
As sites move forward, further information will be shared with residents and local communities.
The new homes will be built on a range of sites across the borough, including both council-owned land and privately owned sites.
Several locations have already been identified and are being explored for future proposals. Many of these are previously used sites, such as former schools, depots and other developed land (often called “brownfield” sites).
The first set of sites was agreed in November 2025. They include the former St Raymonds Primary School site in Netherton, the former Bootle High School site, the former Dale Acre School site, the former Rawson Road School site in Seaforth, the Kings Centre in Bootle, and the Back Forest Road depot in Southport, along with several smaller sites including former garage sites.
Three additional sites were agreed in July 2026. These are the former industrial site on Hawthorne Road in Bootle, which has previously been known by uses including TT Cables and Peoples, the former Ainsdale Hope CE High School in Ainsdale, and the Formby Professional Development Centre on Park Road in Formby. The Council has also committed to working with community partners to make sure that community facilities, including Ravenmeols Community Centre, are replaced and improved as part of this work.
Detailed plans will be developed for each site before any final decisions are made. All proposals will need to go through the planning process, including community consultation, where residents will be able to view plans and provide their views. Details such as the type of homes, layout and design will all be carefully considered as part of this process.
We will continue to share updates as plans for each site develop.
As sites move forward, further information will be shared with residents and local communities.
The number of homes on each site will depend on the size and nature of the land, and the outcome of the planning process.
As proposals for individual sites are developed, detailed plans will be prepared showing the number of homes, layout, design and access arrangements. These proposals will be shared as part of the planning process, when residents will be able to view the plans and provide feedback.
any of the sites included in the Sefton 2030 Partnership are allocated housing sites within the Sefton Local Plan, though all sites will need to go through the planning process.
Not all sites will necessarily receive planning permission. Each proposal must go through the planning process and meet the required standards before any development can go ahead.
If a planning application is refused or if a site proves unsuitable for development, the Council and The Sovini Group will consider the options available, which may include revising the proposals or exploring alternative uses for the land. The overall Sefton 2030 target of 1,000 new homes will be kept under review as individual sites progress.
Sefton 2030 will provide a mix of affordable homes that meet local needs.
This may include:
- family homes
- smaller homes for individuals or couples
- homes designed to be accessible or adaptable
- homes suitable for older residents
The exact mix of homes will vary depending on the site, local housing need and demand and planning permission.
Affordable housing means homes that cost less than renting or buying on the open market, to help people who may otherwise struggle to afford housing locally.
Within Sefton 2030, this may include a range of options such as:
- Social rent – homes rented at lower rents for people with the greatest housing need, for example, people who do not currently have suitable housing.
- Affordable rent – Homes are let at below normal market rent levels. The rent is based on local market prices and can be set at up to 80% of the typical market rent.
- Shared ownership – a scheme where buyers purchase a share of a home and pay rent on the remaining share.
- Rent to buy – homes rented at a reduced rate, typically at affordable rent level for a period of time to help people save towards buying the property.
Different developments may include different types of affordable housing depending on local need and the specific site.
Who can live in the new homes depends on the type of housing available.
Homes for rent will be advertised and allocated through Property Pool Plus, a choice-based lettings scheme that allows people to join the housing register and apply for available social and affordable homes. It is used across Sefton and neighbouring areas.
People looking for social or affordable housing can register with the scheme and apply for homes, with priority given based on housing need, for example those without suitable housing. Properties are then allocated in line with the allocation scheme rules.
Find out more about Property Pool Plus.
Affordable home ownership options, such as shared ownership or rent to buy, will be marketed through One Vision Housing, part of The Sovini Group.
Applicants can view available homes and express interest in properties that match their circumstances and eligibility.
People who live in Sefton, work in the borough, or have strong local connections will receive priority for homes in Sefton that are advertised via Property Pool Plus, depending on their housing need and circumstances.
This approach is consistent with the way social and affordable housing is allocated across Sefton and neighbouring areas.
Your current position on the housing register is not affected by Sefton 2030. Social housing allocations are managed through Property Pool Plus, and your priority is based on your housing need and circumstances, as assessed under the existing Property Pool Plus allocations policy.
What Sefton 2030 will do is increase the overall number of affordable homes available across the borough over time. As new homes are completed and advertised through Property Pool Plus, people on the register will be able to apply for them in the usual way.
If you are currently in temporary accommodation or experiencing urgent housing need, you should contact Sefton Council’s Housing Options Team directly for advice on your individual circumstances.
Like many areas across the country, Sefton faces growing demand for housing, including demand for affordable homes for local residents and families. The Sefton Local Plan (Sefton's long-term planning document, which sets out where and how the borough will grow) covers the current period up to 2030 and identifies the need for thousands of additional homes across the borough to help meet the needs of current and future residents.
Sefton 2030 aims to address this by delivering new affordable homes for local people and increasing the supply of housing across the borough.
This forms part of the Council’s wider work to ensure Sefton has the range of homes needed for families, older residents and people at different stages of life.
Sefton 2030 is about making sure local people can access suitable, affordable homes and supporting stronger communities across Sefton.
Sefton has started the development of a new Local Plan expected to cover the period 2029-2044. More information is available through the Council’s website.
When housing developments are proposed, the potential impact on local services is carefully considered as part of the planning process.
This may include consideration of:
- roads and transport
- school capacity
- local health services
- drainage and utilities
- green spaces and community facilities
Where necessary, developers may be required to contribute towards improvements or local services as part of the planning process.
These assessments help ensure that housing proposals are considered alongside the capacity of local services and facilities.
As part of the planning process, developments must include assessments of how the new homes could affect local roads and traffic.
Where impacts are identified, improvements may be required. These could include measures such as junction improvements, pedestrian crossings, or safer walking and cycling routes.
Local providers are consulted as part of the planning process when new housing developments are proposed.
This includes organisations responsible for services such as schools and healthcare providers. Assessments are carried out to understand how new homes could affect local services.
Where additional demand is identified, developers may be required to provide financial contributions towards improvements or additional capacity through planning agreements.
All developments must show how flood risk will be managed.
Developments are required to include drainage systems designed to manage rainwater and reduce flood risk. Plans must show how water will be managed on each site without increasing risk to surrounding areas.
Surveys are carried out to understand any potential impacts on wildlife or habitats.
Where necessary, developments may include measures such as:
- protecting existing trees or habitats
- creating landscaped green areas to separate homes from sensitive habitats
- planting new trees
- introducing new habitat areas such as ponds or wildflower areas.
The sites being explored through Sefton 2030 are on previously used land (often referred to as brownfield land), such as former school sites, depots and other developed land.
Some of these sites may include some areas of open space within them, for example, former school playing fields. These areas are sometimes described as greenfield land, but they form part of sites that have been previously used and developed.
Green belt land is different. It is a specific planning status that protects land from development, and there are strict planning rules that apply. Sefton 2030 is not proposing development on any green belt land.
All sites and proposals will still need to go through the planning process in line with the Sefton Local Plan and national planning policy, where details such as layout, design and the use of land within each site will be carefully considered.
Local communities will have opportunities to comment on proposals as individual sites move forward.
In addition to the formal planning process, Sovini will undertake engagement activities with local residents and neighbouring communities as designs for each site are developed. This will provide opportunities for residents to share their views, local knowledge and any concerns at an early stage, helping to inform and shape proposals before planning applications are submitted.
When planning applications are submitted, residents will also be able to view the proposals and provide feedback as part of the formal planning consultation process. This may include online consultations, public notices and opportunities to submit comments.
Feedback gathered through Sovini's community engagement activities will be considered as proposals are developed, while all feedback received through the formal planning process is considered by Sefton Council when planning decisions are made.
The Sefton 2030 website will be kept up to date as sites move forward and further information will be shared with residents and local communities.
Yes. Anyone can submit comments (including objections) on a planning application. These are formally recorded and must be considered by Sefton Council’s planning team before any decision is made.
It is worth noting that the Council’s role as the landowner of a site is separate from its role as the planning authority. Planning decisions are made independently, based on planning policy and the feedback received through the consultation process.
If a planning application is refused, the applicant may be able to appeal that decision or revise and resubmit their proposals.
If a proposal comes forward for a site near you, you will be notified. When a planning application is submitted, nearby residents will receive a formal notification. You will be able to view the plans and submit comments to Sefton Council’s planning team, who will consider all feedback before any decision is made.
Before a planning application is submitted, there may also be earlier opportunities to find out about proposals and share your views. Details of how and when this will happen will be shared as individual sites progress.
If you have questions about a specific site, you can contact the Sefton 2030 team through the website at www.sefton2030.co.uk.
There may be some disruption while homes are being built, such as increased traffic, noise or construction activity.
Developers are required to manage this carefully and minimise disruption where possible, for example by controlling working hours, managing site access and keeping local residents informed.
More information will be shared with nearby residents before construction begins on individual sites.
Sefton 2030 aims to deliver a range of benefits for local people and communities across the borough.
These include:
- more affordable homes for local residents
- better use of previously developed or underused land
- new jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities
- homes designed to be more energy efficient, helping reduce energy costs
- using local businesses and suppliers where possible to support the local economy
- building homes using more sustainable, lower carbon methods where possible
- investment in local communities and neighbourhoods
As individual sites progress, more details will be shared about the specific benefits for each area.
All homes delivered through Sefton 2030 will meet required planning and building regulation standards, and wherever possible will go beyond these, helping ensure homes are comfortable, efficient to run and suitable for modern living.
The Sovini Group is a regulated social housing provider and is responsible for building and managing homes to a high standard.
Sefton Council will continue to work closely with partners to make sure new homes are well designed, sustainable and suitable for local communities.
Housing developments can create opportunities for local employment, apprenticeships and training.
Sefton Council and The Sovini Group aim to maximise these opportunities for local people and businesses wherever possible as sites progress.
The Sovini Group works with a range of contractors and suppliers, and development activity can support employment, skills and training opportunities in the local area.
Information about careers with The Sovini Group can be found here.
Information about jobs and careers with Sefton Council can be found here.
Sefton 2030 is a long-term project running until 2030.
Individual sites will progress at different times depending on planning approvals, site preparation and construction requirements.
More detailed timelines will be shared as individual developments move forward.
Sefton Council and The Sovini Group work together through a formal partnership agreement, which was signed in January 2026.
Progress is regularly reviewed by Sefton Council and The Sovini Group to ensure quality and compliance with relevant standards.
The Sovini Group is also a registered provider of social housing regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing, which oversees how housing providers deliver and manage affordable homes.
Residents will have opportunities to share their views and ask questions as proposals for specific sites are developed. In addition to the formal planning process, Sovini will undertake engagement activities with local residents and neighbouring communities to gather feedback, understand local priorities and inform the design of proposals before planning applications are submitted.
Residents can also share their views during the formal planning process when proposals for specific sites are consulted on.
You can also sign up to receive updates about Sefton 2030 through the website.
Once development begins, queries about construction or site activity can be directed to:
or
We will keep residents updated through:
- updates relating to individual development sites
As specific sites progress, residents and local communities will receive more detailed information about proposals and opportunities to comment where appropriate.
You can also sign up for updates and newsletters through the Sefton 2030 website to receive information about new developments and project progress.