The first phase of Liverpool Land Development Company’s (LLDC) controversial plans for the regeneration of Edge Lane in Liverpool has received the backing of the council’s planning committee.
The plans, involving public realm, road realignment, new housing and retail, commercial and community facilities at the western end of Edge Lane, form part of the £56m redevelopment of the Edge Lane corridor.
In total, the scheme could provide up to 660,000 sq ft of new commercial space.
The council’s planning committee heard objections from residents groups and local councillors in the city’s Kensington ward who claimed road-widening and the bulldozing of housing is unnecessary.
But the committee ruled that the regeneration benefits would outweigh these objections.
David Waugh, chief executive of LLDC, said: “We are delighted that the planning committee has given the green light to the Edge Lane West project.
“For more than 20 years there have been calls for this major eastern route into the city to be improved and the approval of this project is great news for the many residents and businesses which are enthusiastic about the benefits that this scheme will bring to their communities.”
“This plan will create a new high-quality approach into Liverpool and support the drive to attract investment and jobs to the city.”
The infrastructure element of the scheme’s first phase involves the widening to a dual carriageway and realignment of Edge Lane from Deane Road to its junction with Hall Lane.
This will involve the creation of a new central reservation, new right-turn lanes, pedestrian crossings, improved footpaths, new street furniture and the planting of trees.
LLDC submitted the application with the backing of the Northwest Regional Development Agency, English Partnerships and Liverpool City Council.
The final go-ahead for the scheme is still dependent on the outcome of a public inquiry into the compulsory purchase of residencies in the area.
References: EGi News 20/09/05
