Planning officials are recommending approval for a 16-storey residential tower close to Liverpool city centre that will include 401 homes and a running track on the roof. Tony McDonough reports
Developer Jarron Investments looks set to secure planning approval this week for a 16-storey residential tower close to Liverpool city centre.
Liverpool City Council planning officers are recommending councillors approve the H-shaped building proposed for the corner of Leeds Street and Vauxhall Road close to another new development, Legacie’s £200m The Gateway.
This build-to-rent scheme, called Metalworks, will offer 401 homes which will comprise 396 apartments and five townhouses. Councillors on the planning committee will meet on Tuesday morning (February 18) to decide on the application.
Among the apartments there will be a mix of 218 two bedroom and six three bedroom dwellings. There will be a 2,500 sq ft ground floor commercial unit, residents’ gym, cinema room, workspace and lounge as well as a running track on the roof.
Plans also include parking for 52 vehicles and 180 secure cycle spaces. However, the scheme does not include any affordable homes. An affordable rent is one which is no more than 80% of local market rate.
Planning officers accepted the non-provision of affordable homes acknowledging the “challenging viability” of the site.
In their report to the committee, the planning officers say: “The scheme maximises the redevelopment potential of the site, which is within a priority regeneration area for expansion of the city centre.
“Although there are recognised areas where the proposal does not comply with policy, in respect of affordable housing, open space and tree contributions and residential amenity, these have been considered in the planning balance and, in these specific circumstances are outweighed by other policy aims and material considerations.
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“The proposal would complement the residential development within the wider street block, and elsewhere in Pumpfields, and would create a positive street frontage in place of a long-term derelict, vacant plot.”
This project will also see the demolition of the former Marble Hall public house which has been empty for seven years. Architect on the scheme is Falconer Chester Hall and Turley is the planning advisor.
