Community campaigner and former Sefton councillor David Barton has urged residents to engage with the Sefton Local Plan 2029-2044 scoping consultation, emphasising the importance of protecting the borough's built heritage and promoting traditional architecture. The consultation, accessible online via the 'Your Sefton Your Say' portal, remains open until Friday, 18 September 2026.
What the Consultation Covers
Barton highlighted that this initial stage is a critical opportunity for residents and stakeholders to submit feedback on core topics including climate change, design codes, housing quotas, and local infrastructure. These inputs will help shape the long-term development framework that will guide communities across Sefton for the next two decades.
According to Barton, the plan will determine how the borough evolves, and public participation is essential to ensure that development aligns with community values and local character.
Focus on Historic Architecture
Barton is particularly focused on protecting Sefton's built historic environment and promoting traditional architecture. He stressed the need for grassroots support to restore and reconstruct older, carbon-rich structures such as Aintree Old Roan and Crosby Park House. These buildings, he argued, can be saved with sufficient support packages for owners, rather than being demolished.
Supporting such buildings also strengthens local traditional craft skills and raw material supply chains, Barton noted, providing economic and environmental benefits alongside heritage preservation.
Traditional Design Codes for New Housing
While acknowledging that new housing will inevitably be required, Barton insisted that it must be built properly. By introducing authentic traditional design codes, new developments can succeed on economic, ecological, and environmental grounds while respecting local character.
Barton stated that well-designed homes that fit the local context can enhance community identity and reduce long-term maintenance costs, making them more sustainable.
How to Participate
Barton has produced a comprehensive submission based on views gathered from local colleagues and residents. He invites others to share their thoughts, incorporate ideas into his submission, or seek help in putting together their own representation. He can be contacted directly for assistance.
The consultation is open to all residents and stakeholders. Barton encourages anyone who cares about local streetscapes and heritage to submit their views before the deadline. The 'Your Sefton Your Say' portal provides all necessary information and submission forms.
Barton concluded by stating that this is a real opportunity to achieve lasting, positive change across Sefton. By standing together and stating clearly that residents want a beautiful yet practical place to live, visit, and work, they can directly influence how the local landscape is managed for decades to come.
