UK: An aparthotel on a prominent site in Liverpool city centre is on the verge of securing planning consent.
The development has been heavily revised in the wake of objections to an earlier proposal that would have involved demolishing part of an Edwardian row of shops and building an 11-storey tower.
A full planning application by YPG Renshaw Street to redevelop the former Rapid DIY and homeware store at 48to 54 Renshaw Street is due to go before Liverpool City Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, 27 June 2017.
The developer initially proposed to build 160 residential properties, which included a mix of private homes and aparthotel accommodation, as well as three commercial units across the basement and ground floor. The scheme would have involved demolishing 48 to 54 Renshaw Street and introducing a replacement façade that attempted to replicate key features of the existing structure with an 11-storey tower behind it.
Following widespread objections, YPG Renshaw Street submitted a revised scheme that would have retained the existing façade while introducing an 11-storey new-build behind it. But it was advised that the scale would overwhelm the character of the street and so it subsequently returned with further amends.
The scheme that is now under consideration involves retaining the existing façade in front of a new five-storey block, which then steps back with an additional two storeys. This proposed new seven-storey development would feature 114 serviced apartments and two ground-floor commercial units.
In advance of the committee meeting, a report prepared by planning officers has recommended that the amended scheme should be approved. It said: “The interim head of planning is satisfied that the proposed aparthotel use of the site is acceptable in this location. Furthermore he considers that with the revisions secured, the proposal has been amended to improve its relationship and visual impact upon the setting of the grade II* St Luke’s Church and the surrounding street scene.”</p
