Planners at Sefton Council have given the go-ahead for a £16m residential and commercial scheme in Crosby town centre. Tony McDonough reports

Property developer Virtue Developments has secured planning consent for a £16m residential and commercial development in Crosby.

Two versions of the scheme in the town centre had previously been rejected by the council. Those applications came from Crossfield Exclusive Developments. The Liverpool-based firm was restructured earlier this year and now operates as Virtue Developments.

Known as Telegraph House, the new scheme will comprise 72 apartments and three ground floor commercial units. The apartments will be split between 47 one-bedroom units and 25 two-bedroom units. There will also be amenity space for residents and a rooftop garden.

The existing building on Moor Lane, which was in a mix of commercial uses and is now unoccupied, will be demolished. It is anticipated that the equivalent of 57 people will be employed during construction.

Dave Ayem, managing director of Virtue Developments, said: “After two years of hard work, it’s fantastic to finally achieve planning approval for the scheme. We plan to make a start on site before the end of the year.

“We have completed several other residential schemes across the city region and are really looking forward to making a big improvement to Crosby town centre.”