A former bank building housing an upholstery business in north Liverpool is to be demolished to provide land for new apartments.
Members of Liverpool Council’s planning committee have given the go-ahead for the knocking down of the Cooper’s Reupholstery building on the junction of Netherfield Road North and Kirkdale Road to be replaced with a tower up to six storeys high. The block will provide 49 new apartments with associated car parking and access.
Documents made available ahead of the meeting revealed the plans put forward by Erin Strategic Land Limited would occupy the site which is undeveloped around the business with several mature trees interspersed throughout. The site slopes upwards from Netherfield Road North along Mark Street and downwards from Mark Street to Everton Valley.
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The plans said: “The building would be broadly ‘L-shaped’ with pedestrian access taken from Netherfield Road North with the tallest element facing the junction at six storeys in height with the built form reducing to three storeys along Netherfield Road North and four storeys along the frontage with Everton Valley. Vehicular access is taken from Mark Street, where 21 spaces are provided within a surface parking area to the rear of the building, partly under-croft.”
Established in 1958, Cooper’s became approved members of the Association of Master Upholsterers in 1979 and describes itself as a family firm “that cares for quality and service.” The building had lain dormant until Cooper’s moved in, having previously served as a Midland Bank branch.
The business is consolidating its position with a location at Private Drive, Barnston on the Wirral. The planning report said 99 objections were received including a signed 43 signature petition, but no concerns were raised by relevant authorities.
Planning officer John Hayes said: “It’s an attractive building, home to a former bank, I don’t believe it’s capable of being listed. There is no reason it can’t be demolished.”
Objections included the impact on residential amenity including overlooking and loss of natural light due to the excessive height of the proposed development and its proximity closeness to the adjacent two storey properties Concerns were also raised about the size and scale of the development particularly in relation to the rest of the residential units on the estate.
Cllr Joe Hanson did make a request of the applicant as the plans were approved. He said: “That area is full of weeds, full of rats, I would request you send people to get that rubbish out.
“The previous owner used to maintain that land and we ask that it’s sorted.”
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