Dozens of homes could soon be built on a former rehabilitation centre and care home close to greenbelt in Ainsdale after plans were approved by Sefton Council last week.
The proposals – for a total of 130 new homes, consisting of 32 houses, two bungalows, six maisonettes and 90 extra care apartments as well as a 14 bed autistic respite facility – off Sandbrook Road in Ainsdale were submitted to Sefton Council by Riverside in 2020.
According to documents submitted as part of the application, all of the units would be made available as affordable housing. Most of the homes are intended for rent, although 20 units, including 16 three-bed homes will be made available for sale.
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The plans include the demolition of buildings belonging to a former training centre and care home called The Meadows which used to operate from the site. The land, owned by Sefton Council before a sale was agreed last year, sits close to part of Ainsdale’s greenbelt.
According to a planning officer report, the development will meet the borough’s "diverse accommodation" aims while also providing accommodation for some of the borough’s elderly and vulnerable populations.
One issue with the site relates to the presence of a protected species, the brown long-eared bat. Planning officers said two bats were seen to emerge from roof tiles of one building during a dusk survey carried out earlier this year.
The development will, as a result, require a licence from Natural England before any work can be carried out at the site since it will involve the loss of bat habitat.
Planning officers included a condition around mitigation of the loss of habitat, as well as a requirement to upgrade nearby bus stops, carry out land contamination surveys and submit a sustainable drainage strategy.
There were no objections to the development, and following recommendations for approval, this was granted through delegated authority by planning officers, subjected to conditions - which means the project can now move forward.
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