Demolition fears grow as developers move in on ‘iconic’ Victorian building

Mar 3 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

Demolition fears grow as developers move in on ‘iconic’ Victorian building

FEARS have been raised that one of Liverpool’s architectural gems is being destroyed without planning permission.

Scaffolding, rubble and a skip have appeared outside Josephine Butler House on Hope Street, just over a week before a planning application is due to be heard.

Riverside councillor Steve Munby accused building company Maghull Group Ltd of starting to demolish the 1861 building, which has been put forward for listed building status, before planning consent had been given.

He said: “It’s scandalous they are knocking down the building before the listed building status or planning application is decided.”

Maghull has submitted plans to demolish the building on the corner of Hope Street and Myrtle Street and erect a new five/six-storey building with retail, food and drink uses.

Plans include a rooftop restaurant with an associated three-floor basement car park.

Cllr Manby said: “Developers like this are threatening our heritage, what if someone came along and bulldozed the Liver Building?

“The council can’t do anything but penalise them when it’s too late.”

Emlyn Williams, chair of Rodney Street Association, said: “ It’s iconic and shouldn’t be demolished.”

Liverpool City Council’s planning committee has deferred a decision until March 11 following a site visit.

Maghull was last night unavailable for comment.