Redrow Liverpool 'nature gem' flattened before inquiry can decide on saving it
Campaigners have expressed their disapproval after an area of green space at Allerton Priory, Liverpool was flattened before a public inquiry could decide if it should be preserved as a wildlife habitat. A planning inspector was due to visit the area of green space on 3 October after Redrow Homes appealed against Liverpool City Council's unanimous vote rejecting a 160-home development on the land last year. Environmentalists and the council had identified the site as ecologically significant, said Steve Hopley, the chairman of the Save Allerton Priory campaign group.

There was outrage after a piece of land was FLATTENED just weeks before a public inquiry could determine if it should be saved for wildlife.

A planning inspector will visit an area of green space at Allerton Priory at the start of October to determine whether developer Redrow can build 160 new homes there - a plan that is opposed by Liverpool City Council as well as local residents and campaign groups.

But just weeks before the start of that inquiry, the land has been flattened and mown - much to the outrage of local people and environmentalists.

This is because one of the key arguments against developing on the 33-acre site is that campaigners believe the site forms part of a potential designated Local Wildlife Site.

Recent images sent to the ECHO before the work was carried out show the area covered in thick greenery - which activists believe could provide ideal habitats for certain species.

Steve Hopley is chair of the Save Allerton Priory campaign group, he said: “Both Save Allerton Priory and Liverpool City Council are defending their case on the grounds of heritage, greenspace, ecology and planning matters.

“The proof of evidence deadline was Tuesday/Wednesday last week, where each of the three main parties exchanged evidence with the other two parties.”

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

He said that on ecology matters, different environmental groups and the council have “detailed the extensive ecological significance of the site.”

He pointed out that one contributor, Rachael Rhodes of the Merseyside Environmental Advisory Service said that ecological information provided by local people during the planning process has “confirmed that the appeal site on its own qualifies as a Local Wildlife Site for its butterfly and breeding bird assemblage” - and that this could be seriously affected by the recent treatment of the site.

It is unclear who has carried out the work to mow and flatten the land - but it has been described as “despicable” by environmental campaigner Carlee Graham.

She said: “I surveyed the species last year and know the site is truly a gem of nature. I’m disgusted by the tactics being played out.”

It is not the first time that controversial incidents have taken place on the land - the land was also flattened and mowed in April, shortly after a suspected arson attack left the whole area badly burnt.

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

At the end of last year, the council’s planning committee unanimously voted against the proposals for the development next to Allerton Priory Home Farm.

But Redrow has appealed against that decision and the public inquiry is due to begin on October 3.

The ECHO has contacted both Redrow and Maghull Developments - which is believed to own the land - for a response.