A MULTI-MILLION pound deal between Liverpool Council and Redrow should be ripped up if they continue to push for a controversial new 160 home development on “possibly the most beautiful green space in Liverpool”. That’s the view of residents of the former Allerton Priory Home Farm estate, where locals are desperate to stop the “high quality” housing blueprints on a hidden but beautiful 33-acre field. A public inquiry takes place this October after Redrow appealed the planning committee’s decision to refuse the proposals, costing Liverpool Council and the taxpayer up to £100,000 on legal representation. But Save Allerton Priory (SAP) campaigners say the council’s opposition to this development throws its current £205m arrangement with Redrow as “strategic housing partner” - to build 1,500 homes and bring up to 1,000 properties back into use over the next five years - into jeopardy. Steve Hopley today called on Liverpool council to issue Redrow an ultimatum: to withdraw their appeal or face the housing agreement not being renewed in two years time, in 2019. But Town Hall figures say the two are not linked and Redrow’s status as the council’s “strategic housing partner” is not under threat. SAP campaigners are looking to raise £5,000 to pay for legal representation at this autumn’s public inquiry, expected to last around eight days. Residents, along with Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, are holding a “Beating the Bounds of the Green Wedge” sponsorship event in late June to stump up cash for that advocacy. The Beating the Bounds event is an ancient custom still observed in some parishes, with walkers walking around the district’s boundaries to share local knowledge about the area. Dad-of-one Steve Hopley, 55, and spokesman for SAP, told the ECHO: “Redrow has a monopoly on any executive house building in Liverpool, but Allerton Priory was never on that list. “Liverpool council are clearly saying, ‘we don’t want this’, but Redrow is saying different. “The land is green wedge which should stay exactly how it is - planners refused it on many different grounds, including on heritage and ecological reasons. “Across the road in New Heyes, Redrow have completed a 200-house development, so we’ve got more than enough homes in south Liverpool.” Cllr Frank Hont, Liverpool council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “The Strategic Housing Partnership is a five year project which is going very well. In fact, it won an award last month at the National Housing Awards as it was recognised as the best in the country. Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play Play now “Our partnership with Redrow, and the Allerton Priory scheme are clearly separate. “Planning applications are decided by a planning committee - and our opposition to this scheme does not threaten any potential renewal of our deal with Redrow. “This does not damage our relationship with them.” Redrow says Liverpool is in need of ‘more homes for local families and workers’. Allerton and Hunts Cross councillor Rachel O’Byrne has previously spoken of her “disappointment” that Redrow have launched an appeal.
A public inquiry into a planning committee 's decision to refuse Redrow developers ' plans to build houses on a 33-acre field near Allerton Road has been set for October . Joined by the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England , Save Allerton Park ( SAP ) campaigners are seeking to raise £ 5,000 ( $ 6,383 ) to pay for legal representation at the inquiry . The developers ' decision to refuse the plans on heritage and ecological grounds jeopardises Redrow 's strategic partnership with the council to build 1,500 homes and restore 1,000 properties over the next five years , said SAP .