Land housing a former church built almost 90 years ago could make way to become a supported living facility in Allerton.
St Bernadette’s Roman Catholic church on Heath Road closed to parishioners in 2015, and almost eight years on, new plans have been submitted to Liverpool Council for consideration. An application by Regenda Homes seeks approval for 11 one-bedroom apartments for people with learning disabilities alongside staff accommodation and communal facilities.
According to documents made public by the city council ahead of its planning committee meeting next week, the proposed new building would stand two-storeys high. A communal lounge would be situated on the lower floor alongside communal rooms, with the remaining six flats on the first floor next to an additional assisted bathroom.
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The report said: “The building would be traditional in appearance and is illustrated in red and buff facing brick with a tiled pitched roof. The entrance and reception to the building would be at the rear, facing a car park positioned at the back of the site with vehicular access and a separate pedestrian access taken from Heath Road.”
Car parking would be provided for 13 cars including three accessible spaces and one electric vehicle charging point. Bin storage, and cycle storage for six bicycles would be accessed from the car park.
At the rear of the building would be a garden and a patio with access from the communal lounge and dining facilities. For the safety and security of future residents one controlled entrance point into the building is proposed which would be located to the rear of the building and would be accessed only from the rear car park.
No direct access would be available from Mather Avenue, which has been justified by the applicant “due to the need to protect the safety of the future residents who will be vulnerable with learning disabilities and autism, and who will require support.” Prior approval was given for the church to be demolished alongside other outbuildings in December 2016.
The proposals, which will be heard next Tuesday, have been recommended for approval by local authority officials. This is subject to a legal agreement of £11,000 being entered into by Regenda Homes in lieu of the provision of open space.
Conditions have been recommended ensuring drainage is up to a suitable standard following discussions with council departments and United Utilities.
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