Blow for Everton FC as Bellefield housing plans rejected

Jun 11 2008 by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON Football Club’s plan to redevelop a former training ground was thrown out by Liverpool councillors yesterday.

The scheme would have seen 74 large family homes built on the club’s former base at Bellefield, West Derby.

The profits from the scheme were due to go towards the £400m plans to build a new stadium in Kirkby town centre. Those plans were given the go-ahead on Monday by Knowsley’s planners but it is not thought they are now in jeopardy.

Liverpool’s councillors were warned their decision could mean the application is taken to a planning inquiry that would cost the authority thousands of pounds. The club are expected to lodge a formal appeal against the decision.

The planning committee said it objected to the plans because they would lead to increased traffic movement and the development would be contrary to the council’s housing policies.

Last year, Everton moved to its new training ground at Finch Farm in Halewood, freeing up the 8.9-acre Bellefield site for housing.

About 220 residents have objected to the plans, in which Bellefield’s buildings would be demolished.

They are mainly concerned about increased traffic, extra pressure on local schools, doctors and dentists, and loss of open space.

David Glover, who has lived on Sandforth Road for 23 years, said after the meeting: “We’re absolutely delighted the committee has confirmed the original decision.

“It’s been a group effort and this is a victory for the residents. We’re not against Everton Football Club – many of us have supported it.

“The size of this development and the impact on the local neighbourhood would be insurmountable.”

Andrew Richardson, deputy chairman of West Derby Society added: “Traffic is already bad and this is a victory for common sense.”

Paul Williams, an associate at Everton’s property agents Savills, said: “The site is now redundant since the move to Finch Farm.

“If this application is refused it will remain vacant.

“Everton have every right to realise the worth of their assets. The club need to realise a return on the site and will appeal any refusal.

“These are much-needed family houses at the high end of the market.”

Mr Williams told the meeting the maximum number of houses had not been put into the designs. He said they had reduced the total from 96 following public consultation.

He denied the site would have had a detrimental impact on local amenities and pointed out the location was within walking distance of eight schools.

The planning committee first discussed the plans on February 26. They voted to refuse permission on March 11met yesterday to confirm their decision.

benschofield