Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Joe Anderson: Don't Blame Us Over Liverpool FC Anfield Redevelopment Saga

Liverpool City council leader Joe Anderson today insisted the local authority is not to blame for Liverpool FC’s problems redeveloping Anfield.

He warned the club it would likely take three years to clear all the hurdles required to stay in its present ground.

In an interview with the ECHO, he spelled out the facts he sees standing in Liverpool FC’s way with one of the most significant being national planning restrictions.

Cllr Anderson said that the extra height of extended stands blocking daylight to nearby homes is a key consideration.

His remarks followed a statement from Liverpool FC chief executive Ian Ayre on Sunday, saying that redevelopment of Anfield was looking increasingly unlikely, due to land/property acquisition, environmental and statutory barriers.

Cllr Anderson said: “You can’t build something right next to someone’s house that blocks day light – whether Liverpool FC like it or not. That is something that exists.

“It existed 10 years ago when they were talking about it then, and it exists today.”

He also said issuing a compulsory purchase order (CPO) is not as easy as many people believe, as there have to be clear regeneration grounds.

1 comment:

rouman said...

compulsory orders are ok when the council want them, ive sen loads done all over uk and most in london.the offers should be very fair and in liverpool there are many better houses.and plenty empty after all the housing market is not doing that well.LFC is allabout liverpool anfield has a place in history, its should be kept or is the council looking to make more money with new ground.to millons of people anfield should stay were it is the council need to remove all the red tape, and allow it to remain.