Approval recommended for 416-apartment city centre development

Plans have been submitted for a residential scheme in Liverpool that would provide 416 apartments across four nine-storey blocks.The site, on land at Blackstock Street, Bevington Bush and Paul Street, in the Kirkdale ward, is located in the Pumpfields area of the city centre.It was previously used for surface parking but is now largely overgrown since the cessation of that use.The surrounding area is a mixture of mixed-use buildings, such as low-rise warehouses and student housing, as well as car parks and vacant sites, with sporadic commercial buildings.Proposals include plans for retail, medical/health services, a gym and a local community hub at ground level in the new scheme.Also envisioned is an underground car park with 168 spaces, 10 EV charging spaces, 16 motorcycle spaces and 476 cycle spaces.The site has been the subject of three previous, unsuccessful, attempts to develop a variety of housing schemes ranging from five to eight storeys.Neighbours and councillors have all been contacted regarding the proposal, and no objections have been received.S106 payments could total more than £1.2m, according to planning notes.In recommending the scheme for approval, council planning officers say: “The development would enable the regeneration of a large derelict site that is important to the continued redevelopment of Pumpfields.“It would contribute positively towards a diverse and complimentary mix of uses, in a highly accessible location, and therefore create a sustainable form of development.“The development accords with planning policy to support development of a larger city centre residential population. The proposed new buildings are of an appropriate scale, height and massing and would create numerous environmental benefits, including the overall appearance of the application site and the surrounding area.”Liverpool City Council planning committee will consider the application at its next meeting on April 2.