Land housing a former church built almost 90 years ago is 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 is to be given a new lease of life. Members of Liverpool Council’s planning committee have signed off on proposals by Regenda Homes for 11 one-bedroom apartments for people with learning disabilities alongside staff accommodation and communal facilities.
The new building will stand two-storeys high with a communal lounge situated on the lower floor alongside communal rooms, with the remaining six flats on the first floor next to an additional assisted bathroom. Car parking will be provided for 13 cars including three accessible spaces and one electric vehicle charging point.
READ MORE: Gang in stolen Fiat throw vape at driver after breaking into home
Bin storage, and cycle storage for six bicycles will be accessed from the car park. At the rear of the building will 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 were deemed acceptable ahead of the meeting by local authority officials. This was subject to a legal agreement of £11,000 being entered into by Regenda Homes in lieu of the provision of open space.
Conditions were recommended ensuring drainage is up to a suitable standard following discussions with council departments and United Utilities. Committee members have deferred a decision on the adoption of a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) in Greenbank.
Plans were submitted by Table Check Limited for a 10-bed HMO on Arundel Avenue, with bedrooms situated across three floors. Concerns were raised about the nature of the property previously and as a result it was moved the application be deferred for further information.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT
Three Merseyside schools rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted inspectors
Much-loved ‘Sir Alf’ who was ‘one in a million’ dies
Killer shakes head as he’s found guilty of murder after battering man to death
Fireworks set off in early hours next to Real Madrid hotel in Liverpool
ITV This Morning viewers ‘switch off’ after guest’s confession