A developer that has seen two bids rejected to demolish an "eyesore" office block have taken their case to the government.
Last year members of the Council's planning committee blocked proposals for the redevelopment of Telegraph House in Crosby village after councillors raised concerns over affordable housing, access to outdoor space, and the development’s design. The move was a significant blow for the site's owner Crossfield Exclusive Development.
Crossfield bought the site for just over £1m in 2020 and, after seeing their second bid rejected in April this year, has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate. The application was submitted on 23 May 2022 and, if successful, has the power to overturn the decision made by Sefton Council.
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Described by Crossfield as “tired and dated” and by members of the public as “unsightly” and “an eyesore”, Telegraph House has been earmarked for redevelopment for over a decade and is now mostly vacant. In part of its planning application, the company said: “Introducing a resident population into Crosby centre will help to rejuvenate local businesses, improve both the day and night-time economy and reduce the fear and occurrence of criminal activity in the surrounding area.”
If the application to the Planning Inspectorate is successful Crossfield wants to invest £10m into the building containing three or four shops on the ground floor and 74 flats on the upper floors. Developers also expect their plan to help boost the centre of Crosby by moving residents closer to existing shops and providing refreshed commercial space that could support up to 50 jobs.
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