Housebuilder Redrow is this week likely to secure approval for an 89-home Liverpool city region development close to an RAF airfield. Andrew Brown reports
Proposals to build dozens of new homes and a new sports pavilion at the northern tip of Formby, near the RAF Woodvale airfield, look set for take off next week.
Redrow Homes is proposing to create 89 new properties with ‘new high quality housing’, a six-bedroom block of supported living accommodation and a sports pavilion, on two parcels of land either side of West Lane, Formby.
This development would be on land previously occupied by buildings including Clarence High School and a local brewery. It will be decided by Sefton Council’s planning committee at Bootle Town Hall on Wednesday (December 11).
Sefton Chief Planning Officer Derek McKenzie is inviting councillors to approve the scheme, which has only received four objections.
In a report, he wrote: “This application is seeking consent for the erection of 89 dwellings and associated infrastructure, a six-bedroom block of supported living accommodation and a sports pavilion, on two parcels of land either side of West Lane, Formby.
“The eastern parcel is allocated for housing while the western parcel is designated as an education and care institution in the urban centre.
“It is considered that it complies with the aims and objectives of the Formby and Little Altcar Neighbourhood Plan and Sefton Local Plan and all other material considerations. It is therefore recommended for approval.”
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In a planning statement on behalf of the developer, Eden Planning & Development added: “Redrow Homes is seeking to deliver new high quality housing at West Lane, Formby.
“The proposals will deliver site allocation MN2.13 of Sefton’s Local Plan, as well as re-develop the former Clarence High School, which has been closed for some time. This will help meet Sefton’s housing needs and provide a new active use for the site.
“There will be a policy-compliant mix of market and affordable housing, as well as four apartments for housing vulnerable people and a six bedroom block of supported living accommodation.
“Overall, the proposed development would provide a significant benefit to Sefton in terms of housing delivery and to the local community of Formby.”
The existing playing field at the west of the western parcel is being retained and will be re-marked. A new sports pavilion is proposed at the north eastern corner of the playing field, which will replace the existing facilities at the south eastern corner.
The pavilion and playing field will be operated by Nugent and available for community use.