Plans for homes near sick children's unit approved

People opposing the plans gathered to protest outside Liverpool Town Hall

Controversial plans to build dozens of new homes close to a unit where parents stay with their sick children have been approved.

Manchester-based Step Places had submitted the plans for 59 retirement units alongside 31 houses and eight autism assisted living units on the demolished Alder Hey children's hospital site in Liverpool.

Nearly 500 objections had been made against the proposals for land next to Ronald McDonald House - where bosses claimed the privacy of parents at a difficult time will be affected.

But the plans were recommended for approval by council officers who said it offered a high-quality residential scheme which would re-develop a brownfield site.

Bosses at Ronald McDonald House claim the privacy of parents at a difficult time will be affected.

Residents had also raised concerns about the impact on local infrastructure including pressure on GP surgeries, schools and drainage.

Liberal Democrat leader Carl Cashman said the community had been "promised a park” while Labour councillor Harry Doyle said the proposed height of the retirement blocks of five stories “towers over the area and Ronald McDonald House, affecting privacy of families at a time when they need it most”.

Labour's Joanne Kennedy described the development as “overbearing” and “unwanted”.

Stephen McNally, of Friends of Springfield Park, said the development was "too big" and "in the wrong place".

The site was approved after five councillors voted to back the plans, two voted against and two abstained.

Cross party opposition included Labour, Liberal Democrat and independent councillors.

Step Places has been contacted for comment.