I'm sorry to report that planning permission has been granted to build the 72' (22m) tall cinema on Rathbone Park.
I'm a little annoyed as nothing I said was taken on board by the council.
There was an official protest lodged by Knowsley Council, to which Joe Anderson informed those at the meeting that "75% of jobs in Liverpool go to people in the surrounding areas".
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When combined with the fact this new development is only set to increase the number of jobs by 1,500, this means only 375 new jobs for people of Liverpool will be created by the removal of our park. That assumes Derwent Holdings can fill the Retail Park with Retail businesses in these uncertain times for high street selling.
No official reply was given as to how this is different to the "Big Yellow Storage", which was limited to 13m high (to match the roof level of the pub next door).
The highlight of the meeting was one of the councillors who said "Rathbone Park is one of the Grot Spots on Edge Lane". If he has such a dim view of the park, he must have a really dim view of those of use who enjoy it as our only bit of open space.
No wonder he felt so at ease with the conclusion that the overall scheme was worth some of us Old Swanites suffering for.
Apparently, Derwent holdings also requested last minute alterations to their masterplan to allow HGV access to units 1-13 through Binns Road Residential Area. This is a major concern as I have two very young daughters who would be put further at risk by these European Lorries racing past our house.
The decision was made months ago, everything else has just been ticking boxes, we had no hope in hell of fighting a huge Isle of Man business, we're only local residents.
It is a sad day, the lose of Rathbone Park coincides with the loss of my faith in the planning process.
-Andysuth.
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