Measures have been taken to block new flats from being built on the banks of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal from becoming Airbnb-style short term lets.
Proposals submitted to Liverpool Council to construct 70 new flats on land between Commercial Road and Tobacco Wharf in Kirkdale were signed off by the city’s planning committee this morning.
But with concerns from residents about the potential impact the development could have on the 'tight knit' Kirkdale community, the council placed a ban on any of the flats being used for short-term holiday use.
READ MORE: Eurovision live semi-final draw and city handover to Liverpool
The site, which was previously occupied by a warehouse until it was demolished more than 30 years ago, is a vacant square piece of land sited to the west of Commercial Road. Plans put forward by applicant Elavace Estates Number 3 Ltd sought to redevelop the land to provide two new blocks four and six storeys high with dozens of new apartments.
The development will face onto the canal with a shared amenity area. Concerns were raised to councillors by resident John Fitzpatrick, who told members the area “doesn’t need anymore flats” and was situated in a “tight knit community.”
Mr Fitzpatrick said he and other residents in Kirkdale were “dreading” Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock given the impact on traffic, which he argued would be exacerbated by the new flats proposal. The opponent also said he was expecting the flats would be used as short term lets.
Council officers said there was “nothing to suggest” the properties would be used for anything other than for residential purposes. In recommending the plans be approved, committee chair, Cllr Tony Concepcion, said he would put forward a condition preventing the apartments being used for anything other than residential stays.
Proposals for a drive-thru Starbucks on the outskirts of Liverpool city centre were also given the go-ahead by committee members this morning. The new coffee shop will be at the entrance of Brunswick Business Park, Sefton Street.
The site, located between TeamSport indoor go karting centre and the Century Building will comprise a single storey building with 23 car parking spaces. The land is currently used for surface car parking usage with a pedestrian refuge has been proposed for the centre of Sefton Street, to create a new safe walking route close to the pedestrian entrance.
A Liverpool Council report said in its current state, the site contributes little to the streetscape.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT
'Pay Pete's debts' threat before salon windows went in
Police apologise for Hillsborough failures and for 'blighting lives' of families
People in Liverpool warned not to open their doors after crime spate
B&M brings back Ninja air fryer dupe that costs 18p per hour to run
