Plans for major development at former Rolls Royce…

Plans for major development at former Rolls Royce factory move forward

Plans for a huge development on the site of a former Rolls Royce factory in Sefton are moving forward.

Sefton Council gave approval earlier this year for demolition of existing buildings at the site.

Last month, a planning application was submitted for a section of the Netherton site, which sits opposite Bootle Golf Course.

That scheme involves the construction of two industrial warehouses on an approximately three hectare section to the north of the the site at North Atlantic Avenue.

A further application was submitted last week for a "scoping opinion" covering the entire site, which occupies a huge area off Church Road in Netherton.

The application asks Sefton Council to decide whether a full environmental impact assessment would be required for the development.

In a 140-page report submitted as part of the application, it is stated that demolition work at the site - which includes the former factory, known as Big Foot, and its lab testing facility, along with Caspian House and Atlantic House - is expected to take between eight and 12 months.

After which, the developer, Royal London Property Pension Fund, would aim to start construction on a series of manufacturing/ logistics units covering a floorspace of up to 75,000 square metres.

The report states that the plan would involve some of the buildings being constructed around 50m from residential properties to the north-east of the site.

It adds that while the development would be for residents "a noticeable feature" but not "overbearing or overly dominant and would be in keeping with the existing character of the view."

The proposals would involve keeping Atlantic Park drive and adding pedestrian and cycling links along the drive and elsewhere within the site. Access would be via Dunnings Bridge Road and Atlantic Park Drive.

The report referred to some of the issues around flooding and draining in the area, noting that while there was little risk of flooding from water courses including the River Alt and the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, there are variable risks of surface water flooding across the site.

The report also states that the area is designated as having "critical drainage problems" and so to mitigate this the development would include a "purpose-built positive drainage network."

The report also looked at issues around land contamination at the site, its potential visible impact and issues including waste and light pollution, air quality, noise and habitats.

On the subject of traffic impacts, the report notes that during construction on the site, it is anticipated there would be an extra 190 vehicle movements per day on the surrounding road network. According to the report, the impact of this is "unlikely to be significant."

It is also claimed that under the proposed scheme a highways assessment would be carried out and a traffic management plan put in place which would mitigate any risks brought about by increased vehicle usage.

The report adds: "Therefore, increases in severance, delay and accidents and reduction in amenity and safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are unlikely to be significant."

The scoping opinion application is currently undergoing consultation, with the planning application for the two warehouses in process.

Documents suggest the site could be completed by 2032 if approvals are given.