Maro Developments, the property company owned by Matalan chairman John Hargreaves, has submitted revised plans for a 50-storey tower on the Liverpool waterfront.
The developer had its initial plans for the Brunswick Quay scheme turned down in January, following objections over the loss of an employment site and fears about a clash with regional planning guidance.
As well as submitting revised plans, Maro has made a legal challenge against the council’s decision to turn down the original scheme, and believes it is “very likely” to win.
If the council decides to fight the appeal, it could be faced with a huge legal bill.
Chris Ives, development director at Maro, said: “We want to be reasonable. We are keen to work with the council to reach an agreement on the development.”
The new scheme has been tweaked to include 25,000 sq ft of offices, while hotel accommodation has been increased from 35 to 50 rooms.
The scheme now includes around 400 flats, around 100 fewer than originally proposed.
Ives said: “The changes are a response to comments made by CABE. We believe there is a more complementary mix of uses, and less of a clash with the local housing market renewal programme.”
The tower retains Ian Simpson Architects’ overall design.
Ives said Maro’s hopes of success had been buoyed by the approval given to the Beetham Organisation for its 40-storey residential tower on Old Hall Street.
Plans for Beetham’s scheme were initially turned down at the start of the year but, last month, Liverpool planners controversially reversed their decision and gave the go-ahead.
Beetham had been about to start a process of appeal against the original decision.
A decision on Brunswick Quay is expected in July.
References: EGi News 04/04/05
