Residents in Ainsdale have formed a campaign group to oppose a potential housing development on land that has become a habitat for endangered red squirrels. The former Ainsdale Hope High School site has been identified for housing in Sefton Council's Local Plan, adopted in 2017, and is one of three council-owned sites considered under Sefton Home 2030, a partnership aiming to deliver 1,000 affordable homes by 2030.
Rewilded land and wildlife
Polly Gjertsen, 56, a local resident, said the land has become an important nature corridor since the school closed in 2007. She told the ECHO: "Since the school closed in 2007 the whole field has been left to rewild and has become full of nature. It's used as a nature corridor between where I live on one side of the field and Noel Avenue on the other side of the field."
Campaigners say red squirrels are among the species using the area, along with sand lizards, natterjack toads, and great crested newts. They also claim the site supports birds of prey such as buzzards, kestrels, sparrowhawks, and owls. Gjertsen said the red squirrel population has been present for decades, with 16 squirrels counted in her garden in an hour at the weekend.
Ecological and consultation concerns
The group has two main concerns. The first is the potential ecological impact of development, which residents argue could conflict with commitments to protect biodiversity in Sefton. Gjertsen said: "We are campaigning specifically against the serious ecological and wildlife threat, despite Sefton's Ainsdale Vision being promised to us to protect and promote the coastal area."
The second concern relates to a perceived lack of public consultation and transparency around assessing council-owned sites. Sovini has been involved in early feasibility work, including ecological assessments. Sefton Council said such surveys are normal practice and that impacts would be addressed in planning application evidence.
Council response and next steps
Councillor Phil Hart, Sefton Council's Cabinet Member for Housing and Highways, said the site was identified in the 2017 Local Plan. He said: "The disposal and future development are at very early stages, and residents and stakeholders will be able to have their say as part of the consultation process before any planning application is submitted."
Gjertsen stressed the group is not opposed to affordable housing, but believes other sites would be better. Residents are raising money via GoFundMe for independent advice and urging people to submit views to Sefton Council's consultation on its emerging Local Plan for 2029 to 2034, with a deadline of September 18. Hart added: "We note queries and comments raised, and we will keep residents fully informed as things progress."
