Sefton Council has invited public comments on the revised plans for former Shorrocks Hill Country Club site

Formby Residents Raise Concerns Over Revised Shorrocks Hill Development Plans

Proposal:

Shorrocks Hill Country Club, Lifeboat Road, Formby Liverpool L37 2EB

Proposal: Hybrid planning application seeking outline consent for the erection for up to twenty-three custom-build dwellings with access to be determined and all other matters reserved; full planning permission is sought for the sitewide layout (all areas excluding housing plots); including associated infrastructure, access and landscaping; and the construction of a 100-space public car park with WC block.

Formby residents continue to voice strong opposition to revised redevelopment plans for the former Shorrocks Hill Country Club site on Lifeboat Road. The updated application now proposes 23 custom-built homes, instead of the originally planned 25, along with a 100-space public car park and toilet facilities for National Trust visitors. Despite the reduction in the number of homes, locals are concerned about potential impacts on traffic, environmental conservation, and the area’s protected wildlife.

Shorrocks Hill, once a celebrated Merseyside nightlife destination initially known as Falcons Crest, closed in 2015 after years of hosting events in its function suites, restaurants, and bars. The site’s proposed redevelopment, however, has stirred concerns that it may bring significant disruptions to the area.

One local resident expressed apprehension, saying, “Formby already suffers from traffic congestion, particularly during peak visitor season, as day-trippers flood the area, often seeking parking as close to the beach as possible. Emergency vehicles struggle to get through during these times, and additional homes and a large public car park will only add to the strain.”

Environmental concerns also loom large, as the development would involve removing a substantial number of mature trees in an area designated as a wildlife habitat, home to the endangered red squirrel among other species. “This is a protected site for wildlife, and we worry that the development could severely impact the ecosystem,” added the resident.

The application includes plans for two new access points on Lifeboat Road, raising further worries about congestion on an already busy route shared by cars, coaches, horse boxes, and pedestrians, as well as nearby caravan park residents.

Sefton Council has invited public comments on the revised application, with a deadline of November 17, 2024. Residents are encouraged to view the full proposal, including supporting documents, on the Council’s website under planning reference DC/2022/02326, and to submit any comments by the deadline.

The community remains engaged, urging Sefton Council to consider the potential impact on local residents, the natural landscape, and Formby’s unique character.