Central Co-op's latest proposal to demolish Maghull Methodist Church and build a convenience store is still under consideration, as Sefton Council has extended the consultation period to review additional information. The church, located at 180 Liverpool Road North, has been the subject of several planning applications since 2023, all of which were either withdrawn or refused.
Church history and closure
The current Maghull Methodist Church was constructed in 1965, with the first church on the site dating back to 1896. Extensions were added to the building in later years. In June 2021, a decision was made to close the church following a decline in attendance at regular services.
The first proposal to demolish the building was made in 2023, but it was rejected because the applicant failed to post a site notice, according to Sefton Council. Since then, several subsequent applications have also been unsuccessful.
Revised plans and solar panels
In an update to the current proposals, the applicant has decided to remove plans for a small solar farm at the rear of the site to help relieve local concern. However, Central Co-op maintains that the panels would not result in any adverse impact such as "glint and glare." Planning documents confirm that solar panels will still be installed on the roof of the store to "incorporate energy efficiency and sustainability measures" at the shop.
Previously proposed street furniture will not be installed after concerns that it could attract anti-social behaviour. A bike repair station or Amazon delivery lockers could replace this at a later point, "subject to local demand."
Local concerns and council response
Cllr David Leatherbarrow, of the Maghull East ward, expressed concerns about the council's approach to the application. He said: "There are significant unanswered questions regarding the protection of recognised local heritage assets, the evidence supporting their demolition, highway safety, and whether the required assessments of alternative retail locations have been properly undertaken."
He added: "I am particularly concerned about transparency, consistency in applying planning policies and whether the developer is being held to the same standards expected of everyone else. I have also challenged the council’s reluctance to use its enforcement powers over the deteriorating condition of the site, despite repeated concerns about its impact on the surrounding area."
Leatherbarrow concluded: "Residents deserve confidence that planning decisions are evidence-based, impartial and made in the public interest. At present, I do not believe sufficient reassurance has been provided. These issues must be properly addressed before any decision is taken."
A Sefton Council spokesperson said: "The council, as Local Planning Authority, has received additional information, which requires a further period of consultation with consultees and neighbour notification, before the application is determined. This has resulted in the deadline date extending further."
The spokesperson added: "Consultation on a planning application generally commences once the application has been validated and all of the information required to publicise and assess the proposal has been received. At that stage, the application documents are published on the council’s website and the relevant consultation and publicity processes are undertaken."
"During an application, applicants can submit amended plans or additional supporting information. Where this occurs, the Local Planning Authority will consider whether the changes are material and whether further consultation or publicity is necessary."
The spokesperson noted that "any additional documents received will be uploaded to the application file as soon as reasonably practicable, and this could be after consultation or publicity has expired."
The council's decision on whether re-consultation is required is made on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature and significance of the amendments and any potential impact on interested parties. Any further consultation or publicity will result in a change to the consultation/notification period on the council's website to ensure interested parties are aware of the amended time frames for submitting representations.
