Residents opposed to synagogue flats plan
SOUTHPORT businesses and residents have pledged their support to fight proposals to to build flats on the site of the synagogue in Arnside Road.
An outline planning application has been put forward to Sefton Council for the redevelopment of the existing synagogue to a three-storey block of 18 flats after partial demolition of the 90-year-old building.
Residents are worried about the impact the development will have on the area.
Roger Hargreaves who lives in Arnside Road next door to the building for more than 20 years, said he “completely disagrees” with the development and has contacted Cllr David Barton, who represents Dukes ward, to get involved in the campaign.
He said: “Residents are appalled about the size and density of the development in this quiet area as it’s a massive development for the area.”
Cllr Barton, who is a leading campaigner for the restoration and regeneration of Southport, is also concerned about saving the heritage of the building itself.
He said: “Aside from concerns about what the new development will look like and its full long- term impact on the area, residents, businesses and the wider community have now joined forces to try and protect this piece of civic heritage and more than a thousand objection forms opposing the plans are due to be handed in to Sefton Council this week.”
Mr Hargreaves added: “With the help of Cllr Barton, we have acted in earnest to do our part as a local neighbourhood and can only ask for people wishing to support us to contact either myself or Cllr Barton if they wish to oppose the plans.”
Chairman of Southport Hebrew Congregation, Adrian Fletcher said: “The community based at the synagogue in Arnside Road is not closing down.
“As part of our strategic long term governance of the orthodox Jewish community in Southport we have a duty to ensure the continued and future viability of our religious home.
“To that end and to ensure our buildings are fit for purpose we have applied for outline planning permission to explore our options.”