Liverpool to adopt new Tall Buildings policy

LIVERPOOL City Council is set to adopt a new policy on the design and location of new tall buildings in the City. A report to the Council's Cabinet, on:- Tuesday, 17 October 2023, is recommending the adoption of a:- 'Tall Buildings Supplementary Planning Document' (SPD) which will be used to shape development in a proactive and positive manner.

The guidance within the SPD will ensure that all tall building proposals make a positive contribution to Liverpool's skyline, distinctiveness and image, the City's growth and the delivery of high quality and sustainable places.

On adoption of the document, which has been informed by significant public engagement, it will be used in the decision-making process for all future planning applications for proposed tall buildings.

The new guidance, which sets out in detail what the Council considers to be appropriate in terms of:- height, design and location, will supplement Liverpool's Local Plan and will help guide the Council's forthcoming new waterfront strategy.

As well as providing design guidance that complements the National Design Guide, this SPD ensures that future tall buildings will also protect the City's historic character, heritage assets and City's unique and world renowned image.

5 locations in and around the City Centre have been identified where clusters of taller buildings could be appropriate. They are:-

• Liverpool Waters.
  

• Commercial District.
  

• Leeds Street / Pall Mall.
  

• Paddington Village.
  

• Southern fringe of Baltic Triangle.

The Tall Buildings SPD has also mapped current developments and sets out guidelines for appropriate heights for new planning applications in these clusters.

It also provides guidance based on 9 core principles covering issues such as:- quality, sustainability, environment and economic growth.

The policy also states that schemes will need to pass 4 tests by demonstrating:-

• A clear purpose and role for the tall building to directly support regeneration.
  

• The proposed height is appropriate to the role or function of the locality.
  

• It positively contributes to an area and its scale is appropriate to its surroundings.
  

• The impacts on sensitivities have been fully considered.

Councillor Nick Small, Cabinet Member for Economy and Development, said:- "Liverpool's skyline is world famous and its development needs to be sensitively handled. We need to ensure its historic character and charm are maintained, whilst allowing for economic growth and job creation. This a very timely document as it will help guide and shape our new waterfront strategy and set a clear path as to how developments can provide growth for the future, without impacting on climate change and net-zero ambitions. Maintaining that balance between environment and regeneration runs throughout the heart of this policy and it has set out clear principles around design, quality and sustainability and what the City expects from developers to meet those standards. We want to ensure our next generation of tall buildings will have a long term purpose and can instil pride when we look up at them; both for how they look; and what they offer. The Spine in Paddington Village is a prime example and shows we can deliver world class buildings fit for the 21st century and I'm confident the City can curate and foster many more in the years ahead."

Samantha Campbell, Liverpool City Council's Director of Planning and Building Control, said:- "This Tall Buildings SPD sets out a framework, with a clear objective to guide the development of tall buildings in a positive and proactive manner. Tall buildings can play an essential part of Liverpool's growth and regeneration. Indeed, Liverpool has a great tradition of building tall, notably with the Liver Building on the Waterfront and sky scraper construction used at Oriel Chambers, Water Street. The SPD is part of a suite of placemaking documents, including the recently adopted Local Plan, which seek to secure the best possible development in terms of location, quality and design to further enhance the very special and unique character of Liverpool."

Nepalese restaurant in Southport ranked in top 10%

A Nepalese restaurant in Southport has been ranked in the top 10% in the world according to a latest report from Trip Advisor. Great Himalayas has received countless 5 star reviews on:- Trip Advisor, Google, Facebook and other platforms since opening in 2020, collecting awards along the way and becoming popular amongst celebrities.

Located at 665 Lord Street by the Manchester Road roundabout, Great Himalayas offers authentic Nepalese cuisine in a stylish environment. It became Southport's 1st Nepalese restaurant when it opened in early 2020 and quickly developed a fantastic reputation; leading to an abundance of glowing reviews.

The restaurant has since won awards such as a:- Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Award and Finalist in Your Southport Stars Awards, 1st Nations Curry Award and English Curry Award. Such is its reputation, stars such as:- Steven Gerrard, who was spotted dining at the restaurant.

Owner Prakash Shahi said:- "It's a great honour to receive this latest accolade and indeed all of our recognition these past few years, but the best thing about it all is the kind reviews from our customers. We take great pride in top quality cuisine and great service so it means the world to us to see this reflected in customer testimonials."

One customer commented:- "Great Himalayas exceeded all my expectations with their outstanding Nepalese cuisine. From the moment I stepped in, the warm ambiance and friendly staff made me feel at home. The flavours and aromas of the dishes took me on an unforgettable journey to Nepal. Each bite was a burst of authentic spices and perfectly balanced flavours. I highly recommend this place!"

Another said:- "Went here last night for my birthday meal. It was our 1st time here, but it won't be the last. The staff were very friendly and polite. The cost was very reasonable for what we had to eat and drink. The night was made even better when an ex England and Liverpool FC footballing legend and his family sat at the next table."

Nepalese cuisine has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more restaurants popping up in the North West. Menus are typically extensive, with a blend of classic Indian dishes and unique, flavoursome Nepalese specials, and MoMos (dumplings) have proven a big hit amongst British diners.

Prakash summarised:- "Nepalese cuisine brings lots of flavour, colour and spices; it is a great honour to be part of the Nepalese restaurant revolution and introduce British people to the delights of our country. The latest recognition from Trip Advisor has given us even more inspiration to keep providing quality cuisine and great service to our lovely customers old and new."

Great Himalayas has been ranked in the top 10% in the world according to a latest report from Trip Advisor. The Southport restaurant has received countless 5 star reviews on:- Trip Advisor, Google, Facebook and other platforms, since opening in 2020, collecting awards along the way and becoming popular amongst celebrities.

Do you agree with the ratings? Will this make you want to go? Let us know your thoughts about raitings on:- Trip Advisor, Google, Facebook and other platforms by emailing our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:-  Mastodon, Facebook or Twitter..