500 sign petition against plans for 160 new houses on Allerton priory land
Residents living near Allerton Priory in Liverpool have objected to Redrow's plans to build 160 new houses on the site. More than 500 people have signed a petition against the proposal, with more than 250 objections being raised in a week. A spokesperson for Redrow said the scheme would "create and support employment, boost the local economy through increased spending". Liverpool council planning committee is studying the blueprints, with the final date for objections on 14 July.

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More than 500 people have signed a petition protesting plans for 160 new houses on land next to the former Allerton Priory.

Developer Redrow has submitted plans to city councillors to construct “high quality” family homes on a 33-acre greenfield site .

Today, residents living on the estate, close to the border of Allerton Golf Course, said “almost 100%” of those living in the area opposed the scheme.

And they detailed how almost 250 objections had been registered with Liverpool council’s planning department in just seven days.

Allerton Priory Residents Association has described the land as “one of the most beautiful green areas in Liverpool”.

An online petition states: “This is a beautiful pristine piece of land.

“An oasis, with such a huge diversity of flora and fauna, including rare orchids.

“It would be a crime to see it developed.”

Locals believe declining species of hedgehogs, barn owls and types of bats can be found in the field, and are exploring suggestions that the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds want the area classified as a nature reserve.

They also fear that more housing would place extra pressure on already over-subscribed doctors’ surgeries and schools nearby.

Sue Earl, 42, a director of the Allerton Priory Residents Association, told the ECHO: “This development has provoked a huge outctry from residents.

“Not one single person is in favour of this scheme.”

The blueprints will go before Liverpool council planning committee, with a final date for objections set for July 14.

Redrow say their development would feature a mixture of three, four and five-bedroom homes, with 15 acres remaining as green space, including 10 acres of publicly accessible parkland.

A spokesman said: “Redrow’s proposed development is designed to help the city meet local housing needs for homes right across the spectrum, including family and executive homes that help keep people in Liverpool instead of moving to other areas and therefore brings extra council tax revenue and local investment.

“Liverpool has a significant housing target to meet and this proposal would help to improve the housing land supply in the city.

“It would also create and support employment, boost the local economy through increased spending.”

The greenland is owned by Maghull Developments, who were granted planning permission in 2011 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.