Proposals to build a new block of apartments near Meols Cop Train Station in Southport have been approved by Sefton Council.
The new two-storey development of 22 one-bedroom apartments for the over 55s, with associated car parking, would be created on land at Hawthorne Grove, on part of the site currently occupied by the Jewson’s builder’s yard.
The scheme is an alternative to a previously withdrawn application that sought approval for a part three / part four storey block of 34 apartments.
A report by Sefton Council’s Planning team said: “The proposal will in effect separate the site into two halves, with the narrower part of the site towards the south set aside for off-street car parking for occupiers, with the two-storey building and associated private outdoor amenity space positioned to the northern part adjacent to the commercial site.
“While the massing of the proposed two-storey apartment block will be materially different than neighbouring properties, regard has been had as to the existing scale of development. Regard has been had to key design characteristics seen to neighbouring properties.
“It is considered that the proposal will respond positively to the prevailing character of the area and complies with the Local Plan.”
The scheme is being developed by Black Howard Carney Ltd in Southport and designed by B.Y.A. Ltd Architects.
A planning application submitted to Sefton Council says: “The applicant is proposing to develop the site with 22 new apartments for affordable rent.
“Tenure is to be restricted to people over 55 years of age. The end user will be a registered provider of social housing.
“The site is approximately 0.235 hectares in area. It is mostly brownfield land, currently in use as a hard-surfaced builders yard. 26% of the site is not currently part of the yard and is overgrown and not accessible as a public amenity as there is a fence along the entire frontage without gates.
“The site is bounded on the Hawthorne Road side by a builders yard. On the other (east) side of the road the usage is residential. The site backs onto a railway line and Meols Cop Station to the west. The line is the Southport to Manchester service,
“The project is the construction of new-build apartments.
“The completed development will be owned, managed and maintained by the end user, who has extensive experience in this type of usage. The development is on two storeys.
“The apartments are single bedroom, in accordance with the demand established by the client.
“Vehicular access is from Hawthorne Grove. Car parking is arranged at the narrow south end of the site.
“The layout provides 29 car spaces accessed from Hawthorne Grove. This provision is based on a 50% car ownership, a suitable standard for developments limited to over 55s residents. The spaces will not be allocated.”
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