Plans for 160 homes in Allerton, Liverpool, have been approved on appeal. The appellant was seeking outline permission for the homes on a parcel of land next to Allerton Priory; a grade II* listed building described by Historic England as one of the best examples of the work of Victorian architect Alfred Waterhouse.

During the planning inquiry, locals expressed their concern that a "green wedge" would be lost. This site has been used for recreational purposes by many for several years.

The other issue to consider was the effect on Allerton Priory itself. It was built in 1867 in the 'modern gothic' style and was first listed in 1966. The building is not only loved for its historical and architectural value, it is equidistant from the homes that John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney grew up in. It is also close to Strawberry Fields and the gravesite of Eleanor Rigby, both sites being immortalised in the songs of The Beatles.

The housing proposal introduces housing, a road and domestic gardens into an agricultural and historic landscape, which could change its character. It also requires alterations to the original boundary wall of the Priory to create access points.

Planning Inspector Olivia Spencer took all facts of the case into consideration and weighed them up against current government policy. She discovered that Liverpool City Council can only demonstrate a 4.6 year supply of land for housing, whereas the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires a five year supply. As a result, a clause in the NPPF was triggered and the inspector had to report that the need for housing outweighed the desire to protect the heritage assets in the area, in accordance with the NPPF.

Furthermore, Ms Spencer acknowledged that the local people had a relationship with the site, but also concluded that the improved public access that the proposal could being would bring more benefits to the green space loved by those people.