More than 50 new homes are set to be built on the site of a dog food factory in north Liverpool.
Breck Homes has secured the backing of the city council's planning committee to construct 53 new properties on land currently occupied by Fold Hill Foods factory on Longmoor Lane in Fazakerley.
The factory, which employs around 60 people, is slated to close in November as the business plans to consolidate its operations to its headquarters in Lincolnshire. The new housing scheme offering affordable homes for rent and sale will replace it.
A portion of the site will be retained and repurposed as office space. The application was approved despite concerns about potential impact on the roads around Fazakerley and an apparent lack of sufficient parking.
Joanne McGrath, representing Breck Homes, stated that all of the 53 homes would be categorised as affordable, with 70% available for rent. Ms McGrath said the proposals would utilise a brownfield site for a predominantly residential scheme.
In a design and access statement submitted to the local authority, Breck Homes stated: "Without redevelopment it is very likely the site would fall into disrepair and could become a target for anti-social behaviour.
"The redevelopment of the site will enhance the local area including adjacent residential properties."
However, opposition was voiced by residents during the consultation process and at the Town Hall.
Pete Burgess voiced his concerns about the potential traffic issues connected to the new development plans, noting that there seemed to be "no plans" to mitigate congestion around Sandy Lane and Longmoor Lane. He questioned why the new development only offered access from Sandy Lane when the existing factory had entry and exit points at both locations.
Mr Burgess warned that the changes could "at worst" lead to a doubling of traffic at a critical point in Fazakerley and stressed that the development needs to be "built properly, not to the detriment of current residents."
The scheme faced significant opposition, with 119 objections submitted by local residents.
Councillor Paul Brant for Fazakerley West also expressed his objection, suggesting that a vehicle entrance on Longmoor Lane would be more suitable. Despite the opposition, one endorsement was received supporting the plan, saying it would be a "positive thing and would remove an unsightly building which is ugly emits foul smells and has large tankers."
The committee sided with their planning officers' advice, deciding to grant permission for the proposed development.
