Policy to protect green space

Policy to Protect Green Space

The proposal to sell Sefton Park Meadows for housing appears to contrary to Liverpool Council's own policy.

The Liverpool Council Unitary Development unitary development clearly shows Sefton Park Meadows as Green space. You can download the plan at liverpool.gov.uk/Images/UDPmap.pdf

The map shows Sefton Park Meadows as OE11 - this refers to the section of the policy that covers Green Spaces.

This is what OE11 says:

PROTECTION OF GREEN SPACE
OE11

Planning permission will not be granted for built development on part or all of any green space unless the proposed development can be accommodated without material harm to:

i. the recreational function of the green space, unless:
 

• the development is ancillary to the use of the site for active or passive outdoor recreation and enhances its value for these activities;
• the site does not lie in an area of open space deficiency or its development would not create an area of open space deficiency;
• a replacement facility of at least equal quality and suitable size is provided at an appropriate location to ensure that an area of open space deficiency would not otherwise be created ;
• in the case of green space in educational use, the development is specifically required for educational purposes and that suitable and convenient alternative recreational facilities are available.

ii. the visual amenity value of the green space in terms of:
 

• important vistas into and across the site;
• key frontages which are visible from a main road;
• important trees and landscape features, and the character of the site within the surrounding area; or
• its importance as open land in an otherwise closely developed area;

iii. its relationship to adjoining green spaces, particularly whether the development might destroy a valuable link between areas of green spaces; and

iv. any known nature conservation value as identified in policy OE5.




Clearly planning permission should not be granted on this bit of green space. But we must remain vigilant.


Write to Councillor Malcolm.Kennedy@liverpool.gov.uk and mayor@liverpool.gov.uk and ask them to clarify the policy towards building on Green Spaces