Controversy Surrounds Vacant Properties Near Anfield Stadium

A dispute has arisen between a community organization and local councillors following the collapse of plans to redevelop a series of dilapidated houses situated near Liverpool FC’s Anfield stadium. These nine vacant terraced properties were initially scheduled for transfer to Homebaked Community Land Trust (CLT) in 2016, rather than being demolished. Nevertheless, Liverpool City Council has declared its intention to sell the houses, located on Oakfield Road, on the open market instead. Homebaked criticized the council, describing its decision as a “knee-jerk u-turn”. Conversely, the council stated that the CLT’s proposal was no longer viable subsequent to a crucial partner withdrawing. The organization, established in 2012 by local residents, aims to enhance areas of north Liverpool through community ownership of property and land. Tom Murphy, Homebaked’s co-ordinator and secretary, indicated that the organization had secured £520,000 in funding, contingent upon the properties being transferred to its ownership. He commented, “It’s really, really disappointing because it feels like there’s substantial investment of money, time and energy that’s been made to date”. Mr. Murphy further stated that the CLT had acquired and utilized grants amounting to approximately £178,000 for feasibility studies, encompassing surveys and architectural designs. He added that the project was “repeatedly held up by delays beyond our control”. He concluded, “There’s a lot at stake here and that doesn’t even touch on the social value that was going to be generated from the properties as well.” Mr. Murphy mentioned that a 2019 proposal to collaborate with Your Housing Group housing association “hadn’t panned out”. However, he asserted that “you don’t need a registered provider to develop this scheme”. In contrast, Liverpool councillor Nick Small, who serves as cabinet member for growth and economy, expressed that he regarded Homebaked’s criticism with “great disappointment and sadness”. He informed BBC Radio Merseyside: “The planning permission has expired, the funding isn’t in place and the housing association partner is no longer in place.” He further stated, “We’re not convinced that this scheme, as it is, can be delivered.” Mr. Small highlighted that Liverpool is confronting a “massive housing crisis” and emphasized the urgency of bringing the properties into use promptly. He remarked, “I’m a councillor in the city centre and every week I will deal with up to 10 people, residents who are living in temporary accommodation, hotels in the city centre, families in desperate situations.” He suggested that the most expeditious method to reactivate the houses was to incorporate them into a broader initiative to sell 54 “void properties” throughout the city. Homebaked announced its intention to protest outside Liverpool Town Hall on Tuesday, coinciding with the council’s cabinet vote on the approval of the sale.