Approval slated for residential regeneration of listed Liverpool estate

The refurbishment of a Grade II-listed mansion in the suburbs of Liverpool is recommended for approval by city council planners.

Next Tuesday’s (February 21) city council planning committee will consider proposals from Liverpool-based Hassett Homes for the scheme in West Derby to develop a range of new-build properties within the three-acre grounds of the former Margaret Beavan special school on Almonds Green.

In total, 32 homes will be provided should the scheme be consented.

The house, named Eddesbury on completion in 1884, was designed by noted Liverpool architect Francis Doyle for a family of wealthy grocers and has remained empty since 2004.

Hassett Homes agreed to purchase the site from a private entity in 2020 and undertook an extensive local consultation about its proposals prior to submitting its planning application.

Jamie Blennerhassett, managing director of Hassett Homes, said: “I’m grateful to the planning officers at Liverpool council, who have been constructive throughout the design and consultation period.

“We’ve arrived at a lovely scheme which will provide a variety of high quality homes whilst retaining much of the estate’s parkland and mature trees.

“We’ll retain the estate’s existing sandstone wall whilst building adaptable and wheelchair accessible dwellings to ensure the development is as inclusive as possible.2

At the time of the planning submission, Stephen Guy, of the West Derby Society, said: “This building needs to be seen and enjoyed and we’re delighted with the plans.

“This was the last ‘big house’ to be built in West Derby in the Victorian era and is an important part of the village’s heritage. I’m certain local people will join us in supporting this.”

The proposals are for 11 detached houses, four semi-detached, three contemporary terraces, three coach houses and 11 apartments within the former mansion.

The architect for the scheme is Drome, with Joanne McGrath of Satplan providing planning advice. Should the scheme be approved, Mr Blennerhassett says he hopes to be on site in early spring.