Sunnymede lives again as housing scheme is agreed
ASOUTHPORT Grade II-listed former school building will be converted into flats and houses.
Thirteen homes will be built on the site of the former Sunnymede site in Birkdale after planning officials approved proposals.
The listed building, on Westcliffe Road, will undergo refurbishment and conversion into six self-con- tained apartments and a further seven new houses will be built in two terraces following the demolition of headmaster’s house, temporary school buildings and outbuildings.
The local landmark – and once Southport’s only independent school – celebrated its 50th birthday with a family open day in April 2010.
However, the school was forced to close just months later.
The proposals to convert the site, under the name Wybourne Gate, were put forward by Southport firm Schemeglobal Properties.
Five objections were received, including from preservation group The Victorian Society.
However, they were given the green light by Sefton Council’s chief planning officer subject to a number of conditions, including the preservation of several aspects of the original building.
In their original application, it state: “Despite being a Grade II-listed heritage asset, the buildings have become dilapidated in recent years. The later additions / buildings are not in keeping with the main building or respect- ful to the heritage context.
“Indeed, they cause harm to the curtilage and setting of the principal building, which this application seeks to renovate and reuse to create a viable long-term solution, and in turn provide a worthwhile contribution to Sefton’s housing supply.
“The proposal was discussed at some length at pre-application stage with the LPA over the course of the past three years.
“In those discussions, the principle of residential development was deemed to be acceptable.
“However, concerns were raised about the certain heritage impacts of different options, and the extent of new-build development required to render the project viable. All comments raised were duly noted, and adjustments made where matters can be agreed.”
Southport councillor Mike Booth taught at Sunnymede school for 12 ‘‘very happy’’ years. He said: “It was a great school and a wonderful site; it will be good to see the building put to good use rather than sitting there derelict and vandalised.”