19 terraced homes at Sandfield Walk, Liverpool

What was proposed

The application proposed 19 three- and four-bedroom terraced homes, associated access, parking, landscaping and ball-stop netting beside the sports club.

“The application proposes the redevelopment of the site for residential purposes. The development would comprise 19 three and four bed terraced dwellings, laid out in four blocks across two perpendicular rows. The larger properties (12 in total) accommodate a fourth bedroom within the roof space, served by a rear dormer.”

“A new access point and road are proposed from Sandfield Walk to serve blocks three and four, culminating in a turning head in the south eastern corner of the site. Parking is proposed to the front of the dwellings, with an additional two spaces located along Sandfield Walk and two located at the end of the turning circle.”

Officer report

The site

The vacant, overgrown plot fronts Queens Drive, backs onto a sports club and is surrounded mainly by two-storey homes, with protected trees on and around it.

“The application site comprises a vacant plot fronting Queens Drive and backing onto Alder Sports and Social Club. Sandfield Walk, a residential street bounds the site to the north west and the side and rear boundaries of number 517 Queens Drive and numbers 1 to 9 Powell Way from the south eastern boundary of the site.”

“Queens Drive forms a major ring road around the city, at this location comprising two lanes running in each direction bisected by a wide grassed central reservation containing mature trees. Uses on the western side of Queens Drive directly opposite the site include a school, pub and Travelodge.”

Officer report

What people said

Objectors raised concerns about traffic, the Sandfield Walk access, school safety, parking, construction disruption, boundaries and loss of greenery; supporters welcomed housing and redevelopment.

“What has changed from a safety perspective? Even just moving the access further down the road would be a compromise. • The original access was clearly onto Queen’s Drive. There is no formal access from Sandfield Walk, no dropped kerb. • The supporting documents are inaccurate with reference to the lack of ‘peaks’ in movement and traffic flow and the extent of the traffic flow relating to the school and residents of the large houses on Sandfield Walk.”

“Traffic issues – Queens Drive is already congested, particularly during peaks. New housing with access on Sandfield Walk would increase traffic volume and exacerbate congestion and road safety risks for pedestrians and drivers. • Overdevelopment. Scale and density of the development is excessive. The 9 bed scheme would be more acceptable. • Noise and disruption during construction particularly for residents living close to the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent supported the application, two residents and a headteacher objected, and officers addressed highway issues and questions about the scheme.

The votes

Members voted six to one, with three abstentions, to defer consideration for a site visit, then voted unanimously for the resulting substantive motion.

“That consideration of this item be deferred pending a site visit.”

Minutes