Ascot Property Group release statement regarding Shorrocks Hill site

Ascot Property Group, the owners of Formby's Shorrocks Hill, have released a statement to say that the site is suited to new housing Edward Landor, appointed spokesperson for Ascot, released the following statement:

"In view of the articles that have appeared regarding the Shorrocks Hill premises, on behalf of the Ascot Property Group, we wish to clarify the situation which was not fairly represented in the partial case presented.

The original buildings were partly destroyed by fire in 2009, reinstated and then used as a nightclub.

As a nightclub, it is a non-conforming use in the site’s context within a Primarily Residential Area and is no longer financially viable.

At the Sefton Local Plan Examination Hearing in December 2015, the Inspector acknowledged that National Planning Policy Framework permits partial or total redevelopment of previously developed site in the Green Belt, irrespective of whether or not the site is included in the Local Plan as a housing allocation.

"Indeed, prior to the Local Plan Hearing, in August 2015, Ascot Property sought pre-application advice for a proposed housing development to which Sefton Council indicated its support in principle.

Following the Local Plan Examination, the inspector concluded that Shorrocks Hill was the only site brought forward for housing for which there was a compelling case for inclusion in the Local Plan.

"The “compelling” case for the inclusion of Shorrocks Hill in the Sefton Local Plan rests on the fact that it is a brownfield or previously developed site, unlike many other Green Belt sites proposed for housing allocation.

"As 44% of the Shorrocks Hill site is occupied by structures and hardstanding, it is far more beneficial to redevelop this site for housing than to resort to virgin Green Belt sites.

"During discussion at the Local Plan Examination in December 2015, no local opposition to redevelopment of Shorrocks Hill was expressed.

"There was general recognition that the extinguishment of the nightclub operation greatly enhanced residential amenity and prospective community benefits were welcomed.

"The Local Plan Examination Hearing was open to members of the public, did Mr Grondin and fellow petitioners not attend?

Edward Landor MRTPI, Edward Landor Associates"

Comments are invited on the site and requirements until Wednesday, August 3.

They can be made to local.plan@sefton.gov.uk

or to: The Planning Department,

Magdalen House,

Trinity Road,

Bootle

L20 3NJ.

All comments received will be sent to the Planning Inspector who will decide whether the site is suitable for new homes.