Gateacre and Woolton Villages
THE go-ahead to convert the closed-down flock and felt works in historic Gateacre village into new homes has won approval from Liverpool planning committee.
The decision angered local residents who had battled for months against the proposals.
The Grade Two-listed factory building, originally a brewery, dating back to the 1860s, will be refurbished using income from two new apartment blocks at the rear of the site in Gateacre Brow.
The committee approved the scheme for 22 new apartments after visiting the site to see for themselves the likely impact.
The felt and flock factory has been in the ownership of the Clegg family for three generations, but finally closed in the 1990s.
Local residents complained that the development would cause traffic chaos in narrow Sandfield Road, which will be used as an exit point for the new residents.
The scheme will mean the demolition of two empty buildings next to the landmark original brewery which fronts the street.
It would also see the main brewery building converted into flats and number 42, Gateacre Brow, once the site manager's house, refurbished, and held by the Clegg family.
Some protesters said the proposed three-storey apartment blocks would over-dominate the site and cause a loss of privacy.
Objections were lodged by Garston MP Maria Eagle, local councillors Barbara Mace and Barbara Collinge, the local neighbourhood committee, and Liverpool Save Our City Campaign group.
Concern was also raised by The Gateacre Society about the number of proposed residential units, 22 in total, that will be created on site.
The committee was told that the scheme to restore the former brewery would only be viable if the flats were built at the rear.
Edward Evans, of Dale Mews, said the scheme would pose a danger to life because of the extra traffic it would create.
He said: "There is so much opposition to this scheme and we just cannot believe they have given it the go-ahead. I was told there is no way we can appeal against the consent being given."
The scheme will enable residents to enter the new homes site through the traditional gateway to the works close to the Gateacre Brow junction. But they
will exit into Sandfield Park. The building's owner, Mike Friar, son-in-law of feltmaker Rex Clegg, has been unable to find a buyer for the site. The family drew up a compromise plan, that will secure the one-time brewery.
Committee chair Cllr Lady Doreen Jones recommended that the plans should be approved, with a scheme to ensure a friendly-neighbour approach by the builders.
larryneild@dailypost.co.uk