Formby residents fighting plans which were approved last night

Plans were approved last night at the meeting by Sefton Council for a new 75 bed care home which is to be built on the Mayflower Industrial Estate. Plans were submitted last August to make way for the care home and additional sheltered accomodation. Formby residents are still fighting the plans.

The proposals, put in by Daisy Developments Ltd, are for a care home comprised of a part two-storey and part-three storey building, plus 22 apartments, which would be in separate two-storey buildings. The home would feature a number of communal facilities, including a consultation room, treatment room, library, family room and a crèche/games rooms. There would also be a gymnasium, IT suite, café, hair salon and cinema room.

Numerous objections have been submitted against the plans, including from residents and from Formby Parish Council. A petition containing forty signatories, and endorsed by Councillor Maria Bennett, has been submitted, while objections have also been submitted by residents from seven neighbouring roads.

Concerns raised against the proposal include the scale of the new build, with some residents arguing it will be out of character for the area and will lead to a loss of privacy for neighbouring houses.

Complainants have also raised fears over excessive noise during and after construction.

The plans were decided on at a council planning meeting on Wednesday, January 18th, the Sefton Council summary reads: "This application seeks consent for the erection of a seventy five bed care facility and the erection of a block of twenty two apartments (for the over 55's) and ancillary development following the demolition of all existing buildings to the site as well as the demolition of Beamans Bathrooms (Number 65 Liverpool Road) to make vehicle access to the site." "The main issues to consider in respect of this proposal are the principle of development, the impact on the character of the area, the impact on living conditions and the impact on highway safety and amenity.

It is concluded that the proposal satisfies national and local policy in nearly every respect and that it should be approved." It was approved at the meeting so will now go ahead.

The site has been partly demolished already and is an eye-sore with rubbish everywhere.