There were 20 planning applications (including listed building and tree works applications) submitted within our area during February - one of the highest monthly totals on record. Most of them were for house extensions but the following, we feel, are of wider interest.

Further details of these and other local applications may be obtained by visiting the ground-floor reception area of Millennium House, Victoria Street, Liverpool L1 6JF (or by phoning 0151-233 4547). Any comments should be sent to the Planning Department, at the same address, as soon as possible; please note that decisions now tend to be made much more rapidly than in the past.

Black Bull, Gateacre Brow (ref. 02L/0366 & 02A/0368): to erect wall-mounted sign, i.e. a PVC banner to the right of the entrance, advertising the pub's food and quiz nights.

185 Grange Lane (ref. 02F/0480): to use as a breakfast and coffee shop, 8 am-7 pm only, "not a Fish & Chips shop or Takeaway".

Plot A, Hunts Cross Ave (ref. 02T/0603): to carry out tree works. It seems that the owner of the new house, currently under construction, would like to fell all four of the large pine trees (not just the one which was mentioned in our January Newsletter). His exact words on the application form are: "The first two pines are very close to my new house build & the ground is clay, so the roots are very small for size of trees, this could be very dangerous in strong winds could fall on my house, & 2nd two block out sun and also encroach on the house".

It is worth noting that the four trees (pictured below) have been the subject of a Tree Preservation Order for many years. The house, on the other hand, has not yet been built.