City council accused over ‘shame’ of Everton move

Jul 19 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

Aerial shot of Goodison Park, Everton FC's ground _320

Residents near club’s training ground invited to have their say over homes plan

RESIDENTS living near Everton FC’s training ground, Bellefield, are being invited to have their say over plans to build homes on the site.

The club is moving to a new training ground at Finch Farm, in Halewood, this month which will leave the 3.5-hectare site on Sand- forth Road, West Derby, largely vacant.

Along with housebuilder David Wilson, the club has drawn up plans to build 98 houses on the site.

Drop-in sessions are being held today (Thursday) and on Saturday for residents to comment on the scheme.

The club hopes to submit plans or approval by the end of next year, with work starting as soon as permission has been granted.

Council officials said the site is not classed as brown- field or greenfield, but as green space.

The planning application will have to meet criteria, including visual impact, recreational value it would add to the site, and its ecological value.

Andrew Taylor, planning director of David Wilson Homes, said: "Bellefield holds a special status as a training ground and as a neighbour in West Derby.

"We’re keen to devise plans which will open up the aspect of the site and create something which is a real part of the community."

The website which has been set up to collect opinions, www.newbelle- field.com, says the plan is for a "blend of executive homes within a high-quality landscaped setting".

The drop-in sessions be at St Edward’s College, North Drive, today from 5.30pm to 8pm and Saturday from 10am to noon.