24-bed rehabilitation facility at Green Park Hotel, Liverpool

What was proposed

The application sought to convert a vacant hotel into a 24-bedroom rehabilitation facility, with extensions, alterations, ramps, storage, landscaping and railings.

“Any supporting or background documentation referenced within the Case Officer Report may be available for inspection at the City Council offices by prior appointment in accordance with the provisions of Section 100D of the Local Government Act 1972.”

“Church of St Columba sits behind the Lodge and is also Grade II Listed. South of the application site is the Grade II* Greenbank Drive Synagogue. Parking for the property is to the front within a communal courtyard with two vehicular entrance points from Greenbank Drive. The Proposal Planning permission is sought to convert the property from a hotel (Use Class C1) to a 24-bedroom rehabilitation facility (Sui Generis).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a prominent former hotel in a conservation area, near listed buildings and within a primarily residential setting.

“The former hotel is within the setting of 3 listed buildings, with Greenbank Lodge (Grade II Listed) being directly opposite. The Tower to the Former Presbyterian Page 158 Agenda Item 6”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The site had permission for a previous single-storey rear extension, while nearby developments included apartments, a nursery, flats and a surgery extension.

“Relevant Planning History This Site: L239661/01 - To erect single-storey extension to hotel premises at rear (details of design external appearance landscaping and treatment of all ground surfaces not built upon) – Approved with Conditions Neighbouring Sites: 22F/0381 – The Surgery, 8 Greenbank Drive - To carry out external alterations in connection with conversion of the existing garage into a waiting room for the practice, erect first floor extension to rear and use upper…”

“16F/0966 and 16L/0966 – Greenbank Synagogue, Greenbank Drive - To convert synagogue to form 22 no. one and two-bed apartments and erect a 4/5-storey block of apartments with lower ground level, and a 5-storey block of apartments with lower ground level, to provide a total of 30 no. two and three-bed apartments with associated landscaping and parking- Approved 27/6/2017 Consultation responses External The application was advertised by means of press and site notices.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Council specialists generally raised no objections, while tree specialists identified the loss of a protected sycamore and proposed replacement planting and controls.

“Trees and Landscape Specialist The planting sizes of the trees have been increased to the maximum feasible given the planting space and root barriers included to encourage roots deeper below the parking area reducing the likelihood of future damage. The application cannot be supported due to the removal of an individual sycamore protected under Tree Preservation Order TPO291 Green Park Hotel 4-6 Greenbank Drive L17 (2000).”

“The submitted Arboricultural Impact Assessment shows that a lime protected under the same TPO can be successfully retained under specific methodology which includes arboricultural supervision which must be secured by planning condition. Replacement planting is shown on the Landscape Plan and includes a red maple in replacement for the protected sycamore (in a similar position), a Scots pine along the Page 166”

Officer report

Objections and concerns

A ward councillor and 38 neighbours objected over the location, safety, noise, consultation, heritage, tourism loss, local need and potential impacts of substance use.

“Given the incompatibility with local character, the substantial harm to community safety and amenity, and the loss of tourism and employment value, I respectfully urge the Council to refuse this application.” Neighbours 38 letters of objection have been received. The concerns raised have been summarised below. Inappropriate Location • The site is in a residential and conservation area, close to schools, parks, and family homes.”

“Policy R2: Risks to public health and safety from substance use and related waste. • Policy EC4: Loss of a potential tourism/hospitality asset without exploring alternatives. Community Safety & Amenity • Fears of anti-social behaviour, crime, and late-night disruption. • Increased strain on emergency services. • Lack of a detailed management or safeguarding plan. Insufficient Consultation • Very limited engagement; many residents and community groups were not informed.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent presented the proposal in support and answered questions about age ranges, staffing ratios and capacity.

The committee vote

Members voted unanimously for the chair’s motion to approve the application subject to the proposed conditions.

“That the Application be approved subject to the Conditions proposed by the Director of Planning and Building Control.”

Minutes