Villagers in Hartley's Village, a designated conservation area in Liverpool, have vowed they “won’t roll over” after an illegal fence was erected behind their homes. Members of the Hartley’s Village Residents Association expressed fury over a large green fence and plant equipment left on a communal square, which has been used as a recreation space for over a century.
The Liverpool Echo revealed that the fence was put up without planning permission, prompting an enforcement notice from Liverpool Council ordering its removal. Councillor Sam East, Labour member for Walton, has been supporting residents and stated that the community is determined to resolve the matter.
History of Hartley's Village
Hartley's Village was created by William Pickles Hartley for workers at his jam factory across the road. It includes 49 homes and originally featured a tennis court and bowling green, which were replaced with hard standing in the 1970s. Residents have used the square under agreements with various owners that anything placed on the land can be removed.
The entire village was designated as a conservation area due to its significance as an example of Victorian manufacturing philanthropy, meaning stricter planning rules apply.
Land Ownership and Enforcement
In September 2024, the land was purchased by NWMS Property Ltd from Paul Waite and Gerard Waite. The landowners have left plant equipment and turnstile-like barriers on the site. Councillor East said: “Hartley’s Village is a cherished corner of Walton and it’s a travesty to see this landowner think they can just trample our heritage. It’s more than just history – this is a thriving and tightly-knit community and the residents won’t roll over to this ridiculous development. We’re glad the council’s planning enforcement team have acted decisively and we’re determined to see this all the way through if the landowner persists. The residents have our full backing.”
The enforcement notice states the fence contravenes the village's design principles by “currently distinct and legible industrial and residential zones, undermining the significance of the Hartley’s Village Conservation Area.” It also fails to “make a positive contribution to its local character and distinctiveness and adversely impacting on its character and appearance.” The landowners must remove all fence posts, panels, and gates and restore the ground surface by July 28, unless an appeal is made.
Company Links and Confusion
Land registry documents show the land was sold to NWMS Property Ltd for £35,000, signed by Jennifer Farrier and Tracy Riley, directors of Nationwide Management Service. However, when approached, Ms Farrier denied any connection, saying, “I am unsure of what that company is sorry.” NWMS Property Ltd is registered at the same address as Nationwide Management Services on London Road, Liverpool. Ms Farrier is not listed as a director of NWMS Property Ltd, while Ms Riley resigned from Nationwide Management Services in April 2022. Another director, Jason Battle, resigned from Nationwide Management Services in January 2023.
A Liverpool Council spokesperson said: “The contractors and landowners have been advised that the erection of the fence is not acceptable and is undertaken at their own risk. We will take further enforcement action if it is not removed.”
