Over 300 new apartments could be built on the edge of Liverpool City Centre if approved by the city council’s planning committee.
The proposal, put forward by Sourced Development Group in conjunction with Sourced Construction Group Limited, is looking to build a residential complex that would feature 310 apartments and two retail units. The development would be a single block but with varying heights of seven, eight, nine and 10 storeys and be built on derelict land owned by Kingsway Square Limited between Blackstock Street and Paul Street in Kirkdale .
A previous version of the scheme was set for approval in February, subject to the signing of a section 106 agreement - money paid by the developer to which goes towards infrastructure projects in the area near to the site. The plans were for close to 400 apartments that would comprise of 180 studios, 166 one bed units and 46 two bed units.
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However the scheme was withdrawn from its planning committee meeting with council officers citing concerns over whether the development was in line with the Local Plan. The Local Plan - a document that includes policies that set out the key considerations for making decisions on development proposals in the city - had been used as a planning guidance document for the last year but was formally introduced when signed off by full council in January.
A council report associated with the Local Plan published in January states: “New housing development must increase the range of choice, type and tenure of dwellings available within the City Centre including the provision of family accommodation in accordance with Policy CC24.”
The council report attached to the revised plans states: “As a consequence of seeking compliance with the new Local Plan policies, the applicant has undertaken a number of further amendments to the scheme particularly in relation to the size and number of units. The scheme has thus been reduced.”
As a result, the revised scheme will now feature 146 one bed units and 156 two bed units. It is stated the applicant has not sought to further reduce the amount payable under the S106 obligations due to the reduction in the amount of available units. This will remain at £740, 000, which was reduced from £1,146,971.70 following a viability report.
The council report outlines the proposal “would assist in the planned mixed-use expansion into the Pumpfields area”. It adds: “The proposal would enable the more efficient use of an underperforming urban brownfield site with a stronger and more active built form that provides an enhanced backdrop to Vauxhall Road and other surrounding streets, and is therefore considered complementary.”
According to a supporting document submitted by the developer, the scheme will “contribute towards a sustainable mix of uses in an accessible location, benefiting the local economy and assisting with the regeneration of the area.” It would also represent “significant investment that will act as a catalyst for further future investment in the area.”
Joanne Karen Waller, managing director of Sourced Development Group Limited said: "We are beyond excited to be moving forward with this development and will have two live sites within walking distance of each other bringing jobs into the local economy and providing wonderful new housing options for the Liverpool population."
The revised scheme put forward by Sourced Development Group in conjunction with Sourced Construction Group Limited has been recommended for approval by Liverpool City Council, subject to the signing of a section 106 agreement. The scheme will go before the planning committee on February 12.
