Part-subterranean housing proposed at Woolton

Rushton Properties has submitted an application for a housing development close to Woolton Manor in Liverpool.

The development comprises 10 single-storey and “partly subterranean” houses, each with five bedrooms, with provision for an on-site warden’s bungalow. Roman Summer has advised on planning for the scheme, which is designed by Studio RBA, and is set out over 12 acres of privately-owned, currently disused land.

The architect’s description of the project states that there are five different house types within the development, with larch timber cladding reflecting the natural wooded setting, and roof lines either well below or out of the way of views of the listed manor – such unobtrusive design, it is hoped, stands up to the requirement to promote openness in green belt or green wedge areas. The site sits within the Woolton Village Conservation Area.

Studio RBA said that a large portion of the southern part of the site will be landscaped for wildlife, while the listed convalescent shelter in the North of the site will be reused as a bat shelter. Several former manor outbuildings are to be demolished. The plans also include a publicly accessible greenway running parallel to Hillfoot Road.

The site lies to the west of Woolton Manor, which is now a care home, and east of Hillfoot Road. Rushton bought the site in 1997, since when it has attempted to progress plans, at various times, for low density housing, a garden centre, and a scheme of bungalows for elderly people.

In this application, the housing proposed is described as “executive family houses” with accessible green roofs, sunken gardens and double garages. The application includes the refurbishment of access gates, a private access road through the site and new pedestrian/cycle access from Allerton Road. The proposal is for half of the 12 acres to be given over to a public park.

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I walk around Woolton Woods most days, if it’s the area that is overgrown and not used, it will be a welcome addition and contribute to the council tax revenue.

By Wooltonian

It’s a shame the Harthill Judicial Review decision has scuppered this development – there’s no way the Council are going to approve any housing in designated green wedge areas now.

By NWPlanner

Is this the place that used to be a wedding venue/pub near St Julie’s?

By Lizzy Baggot

Beautiful. Some evidence this could be very high quality stuff – good reuse of underutilised scrub land; quite different to the Calderstone’s shizz. Excellent

By Excelley

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