Developer Redrow WILL appeal a decision taken by Liverpool City Council to block a controversial housing plan on the old Allerton Priory site. Last month the council’s planning committee unanimously voted against the proposals, which involved building 160 homes on a 33-acre field next to Allerton Priory Home Farm. This prompted celebrations from campaigners and local residents who have vociferously opposed the plans since they were first announced last year. The proposals were also criticised by politicians from all parties - including Mayor Joe Anderson. But now Redrow has launched an appeal of the committee’s decision and asked for a public inquiry to take place. This means an independent Government-assigned Planning Inspector will now decide whether to uphold the planning committee’s decision or overturn it and allow Redrow to proceed. The Allerton Priory application does not form part of the council’s £205m deal with the company as their preferred housing partner to build 1,500 homes and bring up to 1,000 properties back into use over the next five years and the council has made it clear it does not want it to go ahead. Liberal Democrat councillor Mina Juarez said: “I was pleased that this controversial application was refused just before Christmas after a resident-led campaign which has huge popular support. “Redrow is flying in the face of public opinion in pursuing these unwanted plans for a luxury housing estate on the Green Wedge.” Stunning drone footage of Allerton Priory released as Redrow plans protest continues Labour Councillor and fellow Allerton and Hunts Cross member Rachel O’Byrne, who has also spoken about the scheme, added: “I am really disapointed that Redrow has decided to appeal this decision, I think that is the wrong thing to do. “But we have some very talented officers at Liverpool City Council who will work hard to defend that original decision because this scheme is overwhelmingly not wanted by residents, local councillors or the Mayor.” Campaigners and local residents have previously said they expected Redrow to lodge an appeal and have already been working on a plan to fight it. Nothing will happen until a Planning Inspector is appointed for this case and that won’t happen straight away. Current estimates suggest it could take 8-9 weeks for an appointment to be made, after which a start date for the hearing will be announced. When a start date is decided, the appeal ill be advertised to local residents who will be invited to make any representations they deem appropriate directly to the Planning Inspectorate. Matt Grayson of Redrow said: “We respect the strong opinions, which have been put forward from all sides of the debate. "We believe we’ve created a scheme that provides much-needed high quality new homes, takes account of the green space and opens up privately owned land to public access. "Therefore, as part of the standard planning process, we’ve lodged an appeal, which will be heard in due course.”
Redrow Homes will appeal against Liverpool city council 's decision to block a controversial housing development for 160 homes on the 33-acre Old Priory site and will ask for a public inquiry . " We respect the strong opinions , " said Redrow 's Matt Grayson , adding that the homes were much needed and the decision is part of the standard planning process . " This decision is overwhelmingly not wanted by residents , local councillors or the mayor , " said Rachel O'Byrne , a Labour councillor . A planning committee will be appointed over the next eight to nine weeks , after which the hearing date will be announced .