Public inquiry opens into Great Homer Street
The public inquiry into highways and compulsory purchase orders made by Liverpool City Council to clear the way for the Great Homer Street development by St Modwen was due to begin on Tuesday in the Adelphi Hotel.
The four-day inquiry is being heard by planning inspector Ken Barton and administered by Persona Associates.
Today is likely to be taken up mostly by the case for the applicant, Liverpool City Council (LCC), represented by Michael Humphries QC.
The applicant's counsel is expected to give the opening submissions and will then call:
- Mark Kitts, interim assistant director for regeneration, development, planning and housing for LCC
- Mark Loughran, interim head of planning for Liverpool City Council
- Michelle Taylor, regional director for the North West at St Modwen, LCC's preferred developer
- Ged Massie, partner at Keppie Massie surveyors, valuation surveyor for LCC
- Andrew Barr, divisional manager for highways and transportation at LCC
The case for the objectors may begin later today if there is time. The objectors listed to present their arguments are:
- Grand Engineering
- Orbit
- S&P Meats
- Stephen Farrell
- Scottish Power Manweb
- Tesco Stores
Another objector, Crown Battery, withdrew on Monday after a deal was reached with LCC and St Modwen.
After Tuesday, the inquiry is adjourned until Wednesday 4 July and is scheduled to sit for three days until Friday 6 July.
St Modwen and LCC propose a 110,000 sq ft Sainsburys food store, 80,000 sq ft of additional retail units, 80,000 sq ft of light industrial units, 480 new homes, and 40,000 sq ft of community facilities, including a new market and community health centre.