Olive Mount Redevelopment:

OBJECTION BY THE
SAVE OLIVE MOUNT HEIGHTS
CAMPAIGN (continued)

4. "The three tower blocks of Olive Mount Heights are a visually dominant feature in the landscape, out of scale with the surrounding dwellings. They detract from the character of Wavertree and its surrounding conservation areas".

These statements are no more than unsubstantiated opinions, insufficient to justify the proposals. The blocks are well clad in good quality brickwork and typical of the better high-rise blocks which can be found throughout Britain and Europe. The blocks in no way 'detract from the character of Wavertree'. One expert said that one of the attractions of Wavertree was that it included examples of every kind of townscape to be found in Liverpool. I am acquainted in detail with both conservation areas and the blocks can only be glimpsed occasionally, and scarcely impinge on them.

5. "Options for the refurbishment of these blocks were examined but discounted due to the falling demand for high-rise accommodation in the city …"

No evidence has been given to show that demand for high-rise accommodation is falling nor is any contained in the extensive CURS studies published during 2001. There is a continuing decline of population and many vacant houses but these are spread throughout the city, in the private sector and in low-rise council estates. The latest CURS paper argues that 11,000 houses need to be demolished but most of them are pre-1919 terraced houses. OMH was nearly full when LHAT took over and is half empty only because it stopped letting vacancies.

6. I recently visited several high rise blocks in inner Liverpool and Bootie, located in urban priority neighbourhoods and not enjoying the fine location and amenities of OMH. They are all popular and easily lettable.

(a) Mill View, Mill Street, L8: Tenants here voted to remain with the City Council. The block has not been improved. It is full and flats are re-let as soon as they become vacant.
(b) Freedom Court, Jason Street, L4: These former City Council blocks are now owned privately, and are located at near the junction of Kirkdale and Netherfield Roads, with huge traffic flows on either side. The two towers are almost fully occupied and rents are currently £325 per calendar month, inclusive of services. The views are considered to be an attraction and higher rents are charged for the upper floors. Within half-a-mile are three similar blocks owned by LHAT which are awaiting demolition.
(c) Salisbury, Chestnut and Myrtle Houses, Marsh Lane, Bootle: These have been improved by Sefton Council which regards them as successful.

7 "… and the poor structural condition of the blocks".

There is no truth in this assertion and LHAT has never produced any detailed surveys to support it. OMH are robustly constructed of reinforced concrete and the brick cladding was given additional pinning by the City Council a few years before LHAT took them over.

continued . . .

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