Liverpool has unveiled a draft Local Plan that sets out a comprehensive vision for the city's growth over the next 15 years, targeting the construction of more than 30,000 homes and the revitalization of district high streets by 2043. The plan, which must be maintained by every council, provides a framework for future development and investment, guiding decisions on housing, jobs, retail, transport, and community facilities.
Population Growth and Housing Targets
City leaders project that Liverpool's population, currently around 500,000 residents, will grow by 15% by 2043. To accommodate this increase, the plan aims to deliver over 30,000 new homes. The local authority emphasized that these homes must be built in the right locations, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive growth.
According to Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for growth and economy, the plan is "a really significant document" that sets out the long-term vision for the city. He stated: "A key theme that runs through all of this is about providing as much certainty as we can for investors, developers, businesses but most importantly for citizens."
Revitalizing District Centres
The plan recognizes the important role that district centres such as County Road, Great Homer Street, Garston, Old Swan, Walton Vale, and Allerton Road play in supporting communities and businesses. Policies are designed to improve the quality of shopfronts and commercial frontages, creating attractive environments that encourage investment and provide residents with better shopping and leisure opportunities close to home.
The plan also introduces measures to manage the concentration of hot food takeaways in these centres and near schools, aiming to positively contribute to health and well-being. Cllr Small added: "Local Plans are one of the most important tools councils have for shaping the future of their communities. They don't just determine where homes are built – they also help protect and strengthen town centres and local high streets."
Tighter Controls on HMOs
The use of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) is also addressed in the plan. Since June 2021, an Article 4 direction has been in place to restrict the conversion of single dwellings into HMOs in areas where numbers had reached a certain level. The new plan is expected to impose tighter controls on the number of HMOs within residential areas and prevent "sandwiching" homes between them.
Cllr Small emphasized that the plan aims to ensure high streets remain vibrant destinations that meet the day-to-day shopping and service needs of local people while adapting to changing shopping habits. "We're setting out policies that support a better mix of shops, services, leisure and community uses, helping high streets adapt to changing shopping habits while remaining vibrant destinations," he said.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
The draft Local Plan is described as an ambitious document that sets out the city's ambitions for sustainable, inclusive, and transformational growth. It provides a long-term framework for development, ensuring that Liverpool evolves in a way that benefits residents, businesses, and investors alike.
