Transportation and Highways

A full Transportation Assessment has been provided by the applicants which has been assessed by the Highways Division. A number of changes were made to the original plans as a result of this assessment and it is now considered that the proposals can be accommodated without compromising the safety of the highway system or use of the surrounding roads by buses. Proposed conditions will ensure that the required improvements to the surrounding highway are carried out before the relevant dwellings are occupied, safe traffic calming facilities are provided on existing and new roads within the site and that proposed alterations to bus facilities at Lake Road are agreed and implemented in consultation with Merseytravel.

New and existing highways will therefore not be adversely affected by the development and the proposal accords with UDP Polices T12, T15 and SPG8.

Since the adoption of the UDP transportation polices for development control purposes, a revised version of Planning Policy Guidance Note 13 (Transportation) has been published. The objectives of this guidance are to accommodate housing within urban areas in locations that are highly accessible by public transport, walking and cycling; promote sustainable transport measures and reduce the reliance on the car; ensure the needs of disabled people are taken into account; and ensure that new developments have regard to community safety and road safety.

It is considered that the proposal meets these objectives with the development site being close to local amenities and public transport; the provision of new and improved pedestrian links; and the provision of traffic calming facilities within the site.

Trees

51 individual trees and three groups of smaller trees have been identified on the development site. Of these, it is proposed to remove 25 due to their age or poor condition, and 5 for development purposes. The trees removed due to their age or condition will be replaced and proposed conditions will ensure that an additional 100 trees are planted throughout the site, along with a number of trees to replace those highway trees lost for the construction of the proposed mini-roundabout. The revised plans have addressed concerns about the impact on trees by re-siting the roundabout reducing the potential loss of highway trees from 23 trees to 7 trees, and moving the location of buildings on the site to allow the successful retention of existing trees and make proper provision for the planting and growth of new trees. The proposal is therefore considered to comply with UDP Policies HD22 and HD23, and SPG6.

Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings

There are no listed buildings on the site and it is not considered that the proposals will have an adverse impact on the setting of Wavertree Lock-up, Picton Clock Tower, Mossfield, No.1 and No.2 Thornhill, or 10 Childwall Road as the development site is physically separated from them by a road and a substantial sandstone wall. The setting of Olive Mount Hospital to the north will be improved by the removal of the tower blocks which dominate views from the listed former villa.

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