Olive Mount Redevelopment:

OBJECTION BY THE
OLIVE MOUNT RESIDENTS'
ASSOCIATION (continued)

10. Access to the southern site: We do not like the roundabout and slip-road layout in Thingwall Road. Our members in Thingwall Road write:

'Apart from losing our green land and open spaces, mature trees and a pleasant outlook for young and old. The hideous idea of a roundabout, slip roads and parking bays outside our property is not an acceptable proposition.'

'Congestion of traffic. Safety for our children. We don't want slip road outside our homes. Want to keep grass verge.'

'We strongly object to the large number of dwellings which are proposed to be built on this not very large area of green, which is decreasing rapidly in this city. This area is very close to a very busy traffic area of Picton Road, High Street, Childwall Road and Thingwall Road, all of which are arteries to the M62 and many other parts of the city.'

11. Loss of garages: The proposal includes the demolition of 42 garages on the Olive Mount Heights. Several of these are let to estate residents and these cars will have to be parked on the existing roadways, adding to the existing parking problem.

Open Space

12. Linear park: DS says:

'The park has a strong geometric layout and structure 'hung' from a diagonal spine footpath. The design seeks to use traditional planting techniques ... but in a more unusual contemporary form: and abstraction of wave motion and ship forms are used as an underlying concept. The consultation process also produced a request for no open areas of grass and no seating or benches ... The strong layout form creates interesting views from above as well as at ground level. This also provides a series of walking/strolling route options and experiences within the garden ... Railings and gates will be a modern, contemporary steelwork design. Street furniture and lighting will be co-ordinated to match.' [DS 6.3]

'The shape and direction of the open space reflect the movement and views from Thingwall Road through the site to the village green and clock tower and further along to the High Street and into Central Liverpool.' [DS 5.4]

This seems to us a pretentious and absurd way to describe a useless facility which is intended to meet minimal open space provision by utilising a sewer line which cannot be built over. The traffic of pedestrians is likely to be low since local people will use the pavements of the new roads which run along each side of the park.

13. PS says:

'The Olive Mount development will create a new neighbourhood public park in an area of park deficiency. The existing school playing fields are not accessible to the public or the local community.' [PS 6.38]

The facts are the reverse! The new park is a useless strip which replaces well-used grass areas already provided with fine trees and amenity. The grass has been completely accessible to 'the public and local community' - albeit by the grace and favour of the Education Department - for decades and is used by children for play and for men's teams at weekends.

continued . . .

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