Liverpool City Council to protect green spaces from development

Liverpool City Council is set to protect hundreds of acres of green space by sealing them against development. This decision follows an agreement made with the charity Fields in Trust in 2021 to safeguard over 100 parks and green areas across the city. The council has faced criticism for its slow progress. So far, only Falkner Square Gardens has been sealed since the agreement was signed. However, the city aims to complete a new phase of protection by this summer, potentially covering around 630 hectares, including key locations like Croxteth Country Park. Officials have submitted documents to the sustainable committee outlining the protections. The first phase includes 10 major parks, such as Sefton, Stanley, and Newsham. It also addresses smaller green spaces deemed in urgent need of protection. Legal agreements with Fields in Trust will ensure that these areas can only be used for public recreation, such as playing fields and parks. This initiative arose after some green spaces were threatened by development plans during times of financial hardship for the city. Campaigners have urged the council to speed up these protections. The first phase has already sealed several parks, including Walton Clubmoor and Princes Park. More locations are in the process of being finalized. City officials are optimistic about completing the dedication of the remaining parks this summer, which would protect around half of Liverpool's green spaces.