YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Following meetings with the Woolton Society and local Councillors, we have set out answers and key information in response to some of main questions raised.

Q’s What is being proposed for Knolle Park.

After years of neglect we are proposing a sensitive and sympathetic development of the Knolle Park site which will restore the site’s Listed Georgian Villa to its former grandeur as a single family residence, as well as restoring the Listed perimeter wall, railings and gates.. In addition we will build seven sympathetically designed new family homes on the site and two smaller garden cottages.

Q Who is delivering the project?

The development is being delivered by experienced Liverpool-based development company, Downing. We have over four decades of experience delivering major development projects in Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle and London. We have assembled a bespoke team for this project with the specialist skills and track record to deliver a development on a uniquely historic and sensitive site. The core team comprises Cheshire-based NC Architecture and specialist heritage advisers, Levrant.

Q Why this approach?

We considered a number of development options, but decided that a small scale development roughly half the size and density of a previous scheme on the site, was the best and most sympathetic approach. We wanted to conserve Knolle Park’s attractive landscape character, all its mature trees and its rich ecology.

Q Why a single property?

We worked with conservation specialists to bring forward the best possible solution for the restoration of Knolle Park House itself, to be the centrepiece of the project. The historic house is what gives the site its unique character and identity. After careful consideration, we concluded that creating a single property rather than apartments was the best way to respect and restore its original architectural character and internal features and layout.

Q How do the new build properties complement the setting of Knolle House?

It was important that any new building on the site would complement rather than clash or compete with the setting of the Grade ll Listed, Knolle House. Imitating the Georgian design would have been disrespectful and undermined the unique quality of an historic building. Instead we have aimed to integrate the new building through a subtle classical design approach and materials that blend with the appearance and character of Knolle House, The larger family homes have double garages to minimise the visual impact of cars in the parkland setting, and are clustered around a communal greenspace to foster a sense of wellbeing and belonging.

Q How will impact on site's landscape and ecology

Knolle Park's character is defined by the relationship between its buildings and its extensive green spaces, woodland and ecology. Our aim has been to celebrate and enhance this balance rather than threatening it with an overly dense or intrusive development. Blending the buildings into their natural setting, conserving mature trees and creating an overall improvement in biodiversity were guiding principles in formulating our vision for the site.

Q How will the development impact on local traffic?

We are aware that recent developments have contributed to increased traffic movements in this part of Woolton. Our low density development with dispersed bespoke access points will minimise any local traffic impacts. We are retaining the two existing highway access points on Beaconsfield Road and Church road to provide vehicle access to the 7 new family homes and Knolle Park House, and will create an additional access onto Church Road for the two garden cottages. The access via the existing lodge house will be reserved for pedestrians only.

Q How will we manage the construction process to minimise disruption or nuisance?

Knolle park is a self contained site which will help us manage the disruption of construction.Our in house construction consultancy team will have oversight on all aspects of the development to minimise the impact on neighbours, businesses and the local environment. We will ensure that continuous communication takes place at key stages and respond promptly to any major issues or concerns. Furthermore, we can explore the introduction of the CCS on this site which ensure that the contracting body undertaking the work complies with strict quality, health and safety criteria and is audited on a regular basis for compliance.

Q What happens next?

This is a pre-submission consultation that will enable you to comment on the application before it's submitted to Liverpool City Council. Once we have reviewed comments, we hope to submit formal planning application within two months. There will then be a second phase of statutory consultation with a decision likely before the end of the year. Work on site will hopefully commence early next year with the full scheme completed before the end of 2028.