Redrow clashes with residents over plans to build on Allerton Priory Green land

Redrow faces opposition from local residents and councilors over plans to build 160 new homes next to former Allerton Priory Home Farm. The site, on supposedly protected land in an affluent area of south Liverpool, was cleared by planners in 2011 to be converted into an equestrian center and locals claim building homes on there would destroy the area. The initiative is separate to Redrow's £205m deal with Liverpool council to build 1,500 homes.

Relevance: Redrow recently consulted with people living close to the site and is currently reviewing feedback and preparing an outline planning application.

Redrow plan to build on land next to Ye Priory Court and Allerton Priory

Redrow plan to build on land next to Ye Priory Court and Allerton Priory

A hidden 33-acre field in an affluent area of south Liverpool could make way for over 160 new houses if Redrow are given permission to build on the land.

The developer wants to construct ‘high quality’ family homes on land next to the former Allerton Priory Home Farm.

But the scheme has been slammed by some residents whose properties overlook the green space, who claim Redrow will destroy ‘possibly the most beautiful green space in Liverpool.’

The project is not part of Liverpool 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, but a separate Redrow initiative.

The blueprints have alarmed some residents living in cottages and apartments on the Allerton Priory site, which is now private land, and who described the plan as ‘like somebody building in the middle of Calderstones Park’.

Nearby resident and dad-of-one Steve Hopley, 55, told the ECHO: “This land is a green wedge which is supposed to be protected.

“Putting houses here would be an act of vandalism. There are thousands of vacant houses in Liverpool, we don’t need new ones here.”

The software consultant added: “This field is part of the lungs of the city. Redrow have only just finished building homes on the former New Heys school site, several hundred yards away, this is too much.”

Liverpool council said they were aware of the proposals, but had not yet received a planning application which would be considered in the usual way.

Mirna Juarez, a green space campaigner and Liberal Democrat council candidate, said she believed the scheme was disregarding the Unitary Development Plan and its commitment to protect the greenbelt.

The Hunts Cross resident said the development would place further pressure on nearby infant and junior schools which were already ‘packed full like sardines’.

Allerton Labour candidate, Ged Gibbons, said: “I will be forcefully making the views of local residents known to the planning committee before any decision is made. We have already made plans to meet developers and put out a residents’ survey.”

In 2011, Maghull Developments were granted planning permission to build a new equestrian centre on part of the former Allerton Priory Home Farm.

But despite getting the green light, the building never materialised.

As part of their consultation information, handed out to some addresses in the area, Redrow said: “The site is currently unused and closed to the public.

“Development of this site would provide accessible open space and a high quality sensitively designed development in keeping with the character of the local area.”

Redrow, who said Liverpool was in need of ‘more homes for local families and workers,’ added: “We have recently consulted with people living close to the site for their say on our plans for a proposed new housing development at Woolton Road, Allerton.

“We are now reviewing the feedback from that consultation and preparing an outline planning application for the site, which we will submit to Liverpool City Council in due course.”

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