A controversial retirement village development at the site of a former school for the hearing impaired could be expanded to include more apartments.
The Birkdale school of hearing impaired at 40 Lancaster Road fell into a state of considerable dilapidation, plagued by arson and vandalism, since it closed in 2003.
The main building, known as Terra Nova, was partially destroyed in a fire in 2010, leading to further deterioration.
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In 2018 a plan was submitted by Octopus Healthcare’s to turn the site into a retirement village with a total of 109 assisting living apartments.
The site has long been a hot topic among residents and councillors although work has now commenced on the development.
The developers have now brought the plans back to Sefton Council ’s planning committee in the hopes of expanding and changing substantial details of the scheme, including the number of one and two bedroom apartments, bringing the total to 147 units.
The new plans have once again courted controversy, with over 50 people signing a petition endorsed by three local councillor, including Sefton Liberal Democrat leader John Pugh, and Conservative councillors Sir Ron Watson and Cllr Mike Prendergast objecting to the expansion of the development.
Objections include concerns the designs are an “eyesore” and “more like what would be envisaged in a city environment”.
Other concerns include the development “overlooking” neighbouring properties and impacting negatively on the conservation area in which it sits.
A report, however, produced by officers ahead of the planning meeting, which is due to take place next Wednesday at Bootle Town Hall, says that the design allows for a more covid friendly layout, with larger corridors, increased communal space and a more appropriate mix of units.
The report also discussed issues relating to the use class of the development, as to whether it would be classed as residential or care facility, concluding that it meets the requirements of residential institution due to its layout and the proposed inclusion of 24 hour domiciliary care.
The planning report also makes reference to a row, which erupted previously, over the playing fields that are part of the land, but which have remained out of use since the school was closed.
The report refers to an appeal inspector determination from 2013 that the loss of playing fields was acceptable due to the specific circumstances of the site.
Officers said that while the character of the new build portion of the site impacts upon the heritage of the surrounding area, the “less than substantial harm” is outweighed by the benefits of the facility.
The plans were recommended for approval and will be decided by councillors next week.
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