A final decision is to be made on a hotly debated expansion at a venue located on a popular South Liverpool street.
In July, members of Liverpool Council’s planning committee were split by proposals put forward by the owners of Love and Rockets on Lark Lane. The business wanted to install a metal pergola at the side of the building, as a replacement for an existing timber frame, to act as an external eating and drinking area operating until 10pm daily.
An intense debate broke out over the impact of such a development on the busy street. As a result, changes to the site were left in limbo after councillors could not come to an agreement as to whether to allow the new structure to go ahead.
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Following a site visit to Lark Lane last Friday, members will now decide if the plans can go ahead. The application was first mooted back in 2020 when the existing wooden structure was in place, which was found to be in breach of planning regulations in August of that year.
Residents told the committee how currently people living around Love and Rockets “are unable to sleep or relax in our own homes” as a result of noise from the venue and allowing the application to go ahead would have a “direct impact” on the quality of life, making it “unworkable”.
A report submitted to councillors said “the simple design of the structure, metal finish and glazed roof result in a structure that appears light weight and subservient to the existing building with the metal finish being of higher quality and more in keeping with the character of the building and surrounding area”.
Merseyside Police and environmental health officials have not objected to proposals for the adaptation. In July, members voted seven to two against the recommendation to approve the plans with conditions and it has once again been recommended for approval by local authority officers.
Also up for decision are plans for a former transport depot in Kirkdale to be repurposed into a new comedy and entertainment venue. Hot Water Comedy Club is seeking approval from Liverpool Council to convert the former warehouse on Blackstock Street into comedy and live music performance areas, a food market, bars and rooftop terraces, a podcast theatre, recording studios and ancillary accommodation.
The facilities would be set over four floors, including three en-suite short stay rooms and offices. A total of three theatre spaces would be located within the site, seating 563, 250 and 170 people respectively.
A planning report ahead of Tuesday’s meeting of councillors said: “Through its conversion, the overall external appearance of the building would be improved. The proposed materiality is deemed to be appropriate in this location, maintaining robust brick façades in keeping with the street scene and appropriate to the surrounding context of the local area.”
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