Plans to create flats from a former gym above a Marks and Spencer food hall in Sefton have been refused due to a lack of outdoor space.
The proposals involved converting the first floor of a building at Cloisters shopping parade in Formby into six two-bedroomed and two one-bedroomed flats.
The building has been vacant since a members only gym occupying the site closed down around the time of the national lockdown, according to planning documents submitted to Sefton Council.
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Objections had been received to the plans by local councillor and leader of Sefton independents Cllr Irving on the grounds that the plans, which have no dedicated parking space, went against a local neighbourhood plan. Concerns were also raised around a lack of suitable outdoor space.
One local resident objected that they would be overlooked by the flats if the plans were to be given approval.
Planning officers at Sefton Council delivered their judgement on the plans in a report released last week, stating there were concerns some of the flats would be below minimum space standards, although most complied with size requirements.
Officers also said they were worried about the lack of amenity space for people living in the accommodation. A report released last week noted that in response to the shortfall in public space the applicant had submitted a map showing outdoor spaces available for residents in the wider Formby area.
This did not wash with planning officers however, who stated: “This does not outweigh the lack of private amenity space occupiers of the flats should reasonably expect to enjoy.”
Rejecting the proposals due to the lack of outdoor space, planning officers added that, it approved, there could have been “a detrimental impact on the living conditions” of future residents.
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