The virtual public inquiry into the plans took place at the beginning of the year. The first half of the public inquiry dealt with the phase one application, with the second half looking at the £40 million Parkside Link Road scheme. The controversial proposals to redevelop the former colliery were originally submitted in January 2018 by Parkside Regeneration LLP, a joint venture between commercial developers Langtree and St Helens Borough Council. The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that the target date for the decision from the secretary of state is August 26. St Helens Borough Council granted outline planning permission in December 2019, while also giving the green light for the Parkside Link Road project, which is seen as a key element to unlocking the potential of the site.