An application to expand a Liverpool YMCA facility will be looked at again after councillors asked for further detail.
Members of Liverpool Council ’s planning committee had been expected to give the go-ahead for an increase in units of supported accommodation from 17 to 22 at a YMCA facility on Lister Road, Fairfield, this morning. The site comprises a large semi-detached Victorian villa used to provide 17 supported service units to people experiencing homelessness and, operated by YMCA Together.
Concerns were raised by a number of councillors however, with a report to the committee detailing how a number of bedrooms would be solely lit by roof lights, which contradicts planning policy. Issues were also raised about the expansion of the property and the impact it would have on the surrounding neighbourhood.
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Ward member Cllr Liam Robinson, who had indicated his objections in writing ahead of the meeting, told the town hall chamber how he was disappointed at an alleged lack of engagement from the applicant and was alarmed by the expansion of an already large site. Cllr Robinson said while he was “very supportive” of the need for temporary accommodation, he was “very concerned” about the cumulative impact.
The Labour councillor said the Kensington and Fairfield community was doing “its fair share” already, with a hotel nearby already providing a similar service. Cllr Robinson also described the lighting in bedrooms issue as “frankly irresponsible.” In recommending it be approved, planning officer John Hayes said in terms of physical amendments, it was a “minor” change.
After a motion to reject the application was knocked back, Cllr Helen Thompson moved the proposal be deferred while the committee received further information. That was accepted by councillors on a majority vote.
Members did however give their backing to proposals for a cafe and three-bed house of multiple occupation to be installed above a former betting shop on Park Road, L8. The site is a mid-terraced property within a commercial row and would bring a vacant lot back into use, according to planning officer Stuart Clark.
The three-bed property had been scaled down from four occupants on a previous occasion and was deemed acceptable within the area. According to the planning report put before members of the committee, the new cafe would operate from 8am to 7pm daily.
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