Discount foodstore at Merseyside Fire And Rescue Service, Croxteth Community Fire Station Storrington Avenue

What was proposed

A single-storey discount foodstore with 2,185 square metres of internal floorspace, parking, a new access, landscaping and associated works was proposed.

“This application seeks full planning permission for the redevelopment of part of the former Croxteth Fire Station and Training Centre, Storrington Avenue, to provide a single-storey discount foodstore (Use Class E(a)) with associated works. The site is currently vacant and comprises previously developed land within a predominantly residential area.”

“The proposed development comprises a single storey foodstore with a Gross Internal Area (GIA) of 2,185 sqm. Of this, 1,516 sqm will be dedicated to sales floorspace. The sales area will provide an approximate 80:20 split between convenience and comparison goods, equating to around 1,213 sqm of convenience floorspace and 303 sqm of comparison floorspace.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The vacant site formed part of a former fire station and training centre, surrounded mainly by homes, cemeteries and a college.

“The site comprises part of the former Croxteth Fire Station and Training Centre, located to the north of Storrington Avenue, Croxteth. The wider site extends to approximately 2.79 hectares, with the application site itself covering an area of around 1.17 hectares.”

“The site has been vacant for a number of years following the relocation of the fire training facility to Long Lane. It currently contains a range of buildings associated with its former operational use, including fire appliance bays, office accommodation, and garaging.”

Officer report

Earlier site decisions

Earlier decisions covered telecommunications equipment and demolition of the existing buildings, while a separate signage application remained under consideration.

“This site 22PT/0228 To upgrade existing 5G Rooftop Telecommunications equipment Prior Approval Given 17/03/2022”

“25PM/2255 Application for prior approval to demolish the existing onsite buildings Prior Approval Given 24/09/2025”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers found the brownfield redevelopment acceptable, with no significant retail-centre harm and acceptable design, amenity, access, environmental and highway effects.

“Overall, it is considered that the redevelopment of this previously developed site for a retail use is acceptable in principle. The proposal would not result in the loss of functional open space and is therefore compliant with Policy GI4.”

“In assessing the implications of the quantitative findings, regard must be had to the existing health of centres. The applicant’s town centre health check identifies that: • Broadway District Centre is performing strongly, with low vacancy rates, a good mix of uses and high footfall; • Muirhead Avenue East Local Centre is functional but more limited in its convenience retail offer; • West Derby Village Local Centre is primarily service- and leisure-led, with a…”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

Three objections raised security, boundary, telecommunications and compulsory-purchase concerns, while 35 supporters welcomed food access, regeneration and about 40 jobs.

“Strong objections are raised to the proposed 2m high timber boundary fence along the rear of Charnock Cottages. Residents consider this insufficient to provide adequate security and privacy. Concerns are raised that the height and nature of the fencing would allow unauthorised access into rear gardens, increase the potential for theft and anti-social behaviour, and provide a less secure boundary compared to the existing robust structures.”

“Strong support is expressed for the provision of a new supermarket in an area currently lacking convenient access to larger food stores. Residents note that many people, particularly older residents, currently need to travel considerable distances, often requiring multiple bus journeys, to access affordable food shopping.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent spoke in support, and the planning case officer summarised the application and recommended approval.

Points clarified at committee

Members were told that a sound existing boundary wall would remain, no replacement telecommunications mast was proposed, and some conditions had changed or been deleted.

“Paragraph 5.8 of the report – To clarify, the existing boundary wall between the site and the residential units to the immediate east will be retained if it is found to be structurally sound. The proposed fence will sit on the Lidl side of the wall. The objector’s request for the existing wall to be retained to provide security/privacy will be satisfied.”

“Paragraph 11.1 of the report – The report states that ‘the plans identify an existing mast which is to be retained as part of the development’. This is incorrect. There is an existing mast located on the former fire station building. This mast will be removed when its lease expires in autumn 2026. The Lidl application does not propose a replacement mast.”

Minutes