Home Local News Lancaster Road, Birkdale

Lancaster Road, Birkdale

0

Sefton Council has welcomed a Planning Inspectorate decision that supports the authority’s commitment to the conservation of the borough’s historic heritage.

The decision relates to an appeal surrounding a planning application in relation to the former Birkdale School for Hearing of Impaired Children, Lancaster Road, Birkdale.

The planning application was for the conversion of the former school building to create 27 apartments, the erection of 30 dwellings, revised access, parking, landscaping and open space.

The application was eventually referred to the Planning Inspectorate for them to determine.

The two main issues before the Planning Inspector, Mr Jonathan Bore, on Sefton’s behalf were: the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of West Birkdale Conservation Area and the Grade II listed Former Birkdale School and its setting and secondly whether the scheme should provide affordable housing.

The Planning Inspector has just issued his report, and after taking account of all the evidence submitted at the inquiry, has firmly supported Sefton Council’s position on both issues by dismissing the planning appeal and refusing planning permission.

He also concluded that the scheme would harm both the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of the listed building and would be contrary to the relevant policies in the adopted Sefton Unitary Development Plan and the submitted Local Plan.

Cllr Daren Veidman, Chair of the Planning Committee, has welcomed the decision. He said: “The appeal decision firmly supports our longstanding planning position in resisting this proposal.

“It represents a complete vindication for the stance we have taken in resisting the most recent planning application and defending our position at the subsequent planning appeal.

“While the council is always keen to endorse the message of accelerating housing growth, schemes still have to get it right in design terms when they affect heritage assets like this.

“Our Planning Team deserves the highest praise for their part in securing this outcome, which is such good news for Sefton.”

Sefton Council will now review its options in order to seek a solution to improving the condition of the building and its current contribution to the wider Conservation Area.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here