Senior living tipped for RBL site

Retirement housing specialist McCarthy & Stone’s plans for 44 apartments at the former Maghull Royal British Legion look set for approval next week.

The proposals were considered at February’s Sefton planning committee but deferred for reasons that included concerns over the viability assessment and resultant affordable housing contribution: McCarthy & Stone’s position is that the scheme will not support on-site affordable homes.

Further evidence has now been submitted by the applicant in support of its position that the site will not support on-site provision, naming a similar local scheme, Mayhall Court, that initially struggled to sell.

The company also says that it will not submit to a claw-back mechanism, as this is not set out in local policy. However, the firm, which is advised by The Planning Bureau, has agreed to increase its off-site contribution to £175,000, providing it can claim ground rents.

The site sits on the south side of Liverpool Road South and is bound to the east by the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. One Design Architects has designed the scheme.

In recommending approval, officers said: “The proposal will deliver retirement apartments in Maghull for which there is an identified need and will contribute to housing delivery within a ‘primarily residential area’. An appropriate contribution to affordable housing is also secured.

“Whilst not strictly complying with the Neighbourhood Plan in terms of character areas, the scheme is considered appropriate in visual terms for its canalside setting and location close to the town centre.”

The committee meets on 14 April.

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