A new planning application has been submitted for a derelict three-acre site off Vauxhall Road in Liverpool, proposing the construction of 67 homes. The development, led by Whitchurch Homes, is designed to be a 100% affordable housing scheme, featuring a mix of houses and apartments.
The proposal replaces a previously approved plan for the same location, which was the former site of the Elaine Norris Centre. This new submission aims to address the city's need for affordable housing with a variety of home sizes suitable for individuals and families.
Key Takeaways
- A new application proposes 67 affordable homes on a three-acre site off Vauxhall Road.
- The development by Whitchurch Homes will be 100% affordable.
- The plan includes 47 houses and 20 apartments with one to four bedrooms.
- The site previously had consent for a different 68-unit scheme from another developer.
- The project team includes MCK Architects and planning consultant Pegasus.
Details of the Proposed Development
Whitchurch Homes has officially lodged plans with Liverpool City Council to redevelop a site that has been vacant for a considerable time. The project focuses entirely on providing affordable housing options to local residents.
The proposed breakdown of the 67 units consists of 47 houses and 20 apartments. This mix is intended to cater to a diverse range of housing needs within the community, offering a variety of property types and sizes.
A Focus on Family and Community Housing
The development plan outlines a range of home sizes, specifically one, two, three, and four-bedroom properties. This variety ensures that the scheme can accommodate single individuals, couples, and growing families, contributing to a balanced community structure.
By providing larger family-sized homes alongside smaller units, the project directly addresses a common shortage in urban housing developments. The emphasis on affordable tenures is a critical component of the application, aiming to make homeownership or secure renting more accessible.
Project by the Numbers
- Total Units: 67
- Houses: 47
- Apartments: 20
- Site Area: 3 acres
- Affordability: 100%
Site History and Previous Plans
The land, located off Vauxhall Road, was previously occupied by the Elaine Norris Centre. After the centre's closure, the site became derelict, awaiting a suitable redevelopment project to bring it back into use.
This is not the first time a residential scheme has been approved for this location. A prior application from a different developer, Kersh Worral, received consent for 39 houses and 29 flats, totaling 68 units. That approval was granted following a successful appeal against Liverpool City Council's non-determination of the plans.
Understanding the Planning Appeal Process
When a local authority fails to make a decision on a planning application within a statutory timeframe, it is known as "non-determination." The applicant then has the right to appeal to the national Planning Inspectorate. In the previous case for this site, the applicant, Kersh Worral, won the appeal, meaning the development was permitted to proceed despite the council's initial inaction and stated intention to refuse.
A New Vision for the Site
While the previous consent is still valid, Whitchurch Homes is now bringing forward a revised vision for the site. The new plan for 67 units is very close in total number to the previously approved 68, but it shifts the balance towards more houses (47 vs. 39) and fewer apartments (20 vs. 29).
This adjustment may reflect a change in perceived local housing demand, with a greater emphasis on traditional family homes with private outdoor space. The commitment to making the entire scheme 100% affordable is the most significant aspect of the new proposal.
The Importance of Affordable Housing in Liverpool
The proposal for a 100% affordable scheme is particularly significant for Liverpool. Like many major UK cities, Liverpool faces a considerable challenge in providing enough affordable homes for its residents. Schemes like this are vital for addressing housing inequality and ensuring key workers and families on lower incomes can find secure, high-quality places to live.
Affordable tenure can encompass several models, including:
- Social Rent: Typically the most affordable option, with rents set by a national formula.
- Affordable Rent: Rents are set at up to 80% of the local market rate.
- Shared Ownership: Allows residents to buy a share of a property (e.g., 25% to 75%) and pay rent on the remaining portion.
The application from Whitchurch Homes specifies a "range of affordable tenures," suggesting that a mix of these options may be available to prospective residents, increasing the accessibility of the development.
Project Team and Next Steps
Whitchurch Homes is leading the project, working with a team of experienced professionals to deliver the scheme. MCK Architects is responsible for the design of the homes and the overall layout of the site, while Pegasus is acting as the planning consultant, guiding the application through the council's review process.
The application has been formally submitted to Liverpool City Council for consideration. It will now undergo a period of public consultation, where local residents and stakeholders can provide feedback. Council planning officers will then assess the proposal against local and national planning policies before making a recommendation to the planning committee.
Interested parties can view the full details of the application on the Liverpool City Council planning portal by searching for the reference number 25F/2526. The outcome of the application is expected in the coming months.