A Grade II-listed Victorian mansion and former special school in a Liverpool suburb is set to be transformed into a new homes complex. Tony McDonough reports
Housebuilder Hassett Homes is set to press ahead with the multi-million pound conversion of a Victorian mansion in Liverpool to create 32 new homes.
City council planners are recommending approval for the proposed transformation of the former Margaret Beavan special school in Almonds Green In West Derby. Originally called Eddesbury, the Grade II-listed mansion was built as a private residence in 1884.
Hassett plans to build 11 detached houses, four semi-detached houses, three contemporary terraces, three coach houses and 11 apartments within the mansion itself. The plans will be heard by the planning committee on Tuesday, February 21.
The mansion was designed by noted Liverpool architect Francis Doyle for a family of wealthy grocers and has remained empty since 2004.
Hassett agreed to purchase the site from a private entity in 2020. It undertook an extensive local consultation about its proposals prior to submitting its planning application.
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“I’m grateful to the planning officers at Liverpool Council who have been constructive throughout the design and consultation period,” said Jamie Blennerhassett, managing director of Hassett Homes.
“We’ve arrived at a lovely scheme which will provide a variety of high-quality homes whilst retaining much of the estate’s parkland and mature trees.
“We’ll retain the estate’s existing sandstone wall whilst building adaptable and wheelchair accessible dwellings to ensure the development is as inclusive as possible.”
Hassett’s plan has the backing of Stephen Guy of the West Derby Society. When the planning application was submitted, he said: “This building needs to be seen and enjoyed and we’re delighted with the plans.
“This was the last ‘big house’ to be built in West Derby in the Victorian era and is an important part of the village’s heritage. I’m certain local people will join us in supporting this.”
Architect for the scheme is Drome, with Joanne McGrath of Satplan providing planning advice. Should the scheme be give the go-ahead Mr Blennerhassett says he hopes to be on site in early spring.
In January Hassett Homes offered a first look at designs for a £4.7m development in an upmarket part of Merseyside. The Marram in Formby will comprise eight large detached homes and work is currently under way on the site.