A historic former school building in West Derby which has been targeted by anti-social behaviour could become new flats and houses.
Plans have been submitted to Liverpool Council to convert the Grade II listed former Margaret Beavan School on Almonds Green into 11 apartments. The adjacent coach house would also be extended and amended to become three dwellings while the remaining derelict buildings on the site would be demolished to become 18 further properties - one down from initial plans submitted last year.
The former school, which closed for good in 2004, was named after Margaret Beavan, who became the first female Lord Mayor of Liverpool in 1927. She also stood to be a Member of Parliament in the general election two years later.
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The site has fallen into disrepair since Liverpool Council sanctioned that the building be closed 18 years ago. As a former special educational needs school, it was deemed surplus to requirements after pupils were integrated into mainstream education.
Conservationists claimed the Grade II listed building is an important example of Victorian architecture and should be preserved. Its historic features meant that it was used as a film set for one series of the popular CBBC show Young Dracula, after the school had been closed down.
Flames ripped through the building during a blaze at the site in May 2018. When the proposals were submitted in April 2022, the West Derby Society (WDS) praised the move, saying the development was “much-needed” at the site which has “blighted the West Derby Village conservation area.”
Stephen Guy, WDS chairman, said: “These exciting plans will ensure the future of the historic building, formerly called Eddesbury, the home of wealthy cotton broker Danson Cunningham. The West Derby Society and others have long campaigned for this historic building to be preserved for future generations.”
Mr Guy said the group was “delighted” the site had been acquired and praised developer Hassett Homes for working closely with the society throughout the initial stages. He added: “The plans will enhance and improve the West Derby Village conservation area.
“They will also bring to an end the security fears and vandalism that have blighted the site since the school closed in 2004. We have also studied the plans relating to traffic and parking and believe they are suitable for the site.
“We urge approval of the plans and look forward to the much-needed work being carried out in the near future.” A dozen representations have been made to the city council opposing the scheme, with concerns around trees, access and road use.
Officers have recommended the scheme be approved. The proposals for the former school building will go before Liverpool Council’s planning committee next week.
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