New homes and care facilities scheme submitted for Freshfield site
North West housebuilder, Redrow, aims to build 87 new homes, and several properties to be transferrred to charity and care provider, Nugent, in Freshfield, North Liverpool.
The scheme is on 14 acres of land, currently owned by Nugent.
The western part of the site was formerly occupied by Clarence High School, operated by Nugent. The school closed in 2018 as it became financially unsustainable. Following its closure, the buildings were deemed surplus to requirements.
Located either side of West Lane, the planning application includes a proposal for 80 private sale homes, including 24 executive two-bedroom apartments, 42 three-bedroom houses, five four-bedroom properties and nine five-bedroom houses, alongside seven affordable homes.
The developer will also construct four maisonette apartments and a six-bedroom house on Nugent’s behalf, extending the charity’s offering to provide care to more people.
Subject to planning, Redrow will acquire around nine acres of the land in total, with Nugent retaining approximately five acres to the west, which includes existing sports pitches. The planning application also includes proposals for a new 300 sq m sports pavilion on the western parcel, to be constructed by Nugent.
Robin Buckley, planning director at Redrow (Lancashire), said: “Our proposals are for a vibrant mixed-use community that includes a wide variety of new homes, care accommodation and sports facilities, all in a superb location.
“Staying true to our placemaking principles, the development will feature several pockets of green space, enhancement of the playing fields, significant new tree planting and retention of many mature trees, and high quality landscaping to create an attractive environment for all residents.”
He added: “It’s the perfect location for those who love the outdoor lifestyle this wonderful part of Merseyside offers, with Freshfield Dune Heath Nature Reserve, Formby Pinewoods and dunes and Formby Beach on the doorstep. It’s also just a 35-minute train journey into Liverpool Central from Freshfield station.”
Nugent is a registered charity and has operated in the North West since 1881, providing, care, education and protection to children, young people, families and adults in need.
John Simms, head of estates and environments at Nugent, said: “Although it was initially a sad moment for us to see Clarence High School close, we feel that working alongside Redrow, we can breathe new life into the site.
“As well as the new homes Redrow will be creating, we are excited to be able to offer a fantastic community facility to local residents. The Sports Pavilion will offer a flexible space that can be used in a variety of ways while still maintaining the sports and recreational space that the site has always provided.”
Subject to planning, it is hoped work could start on site next year, with the total development expected to take around four years.
