On 14th February, Liverpool City Council's planning committee voted in favour of an application to build 51 luxury homes on part of the Calderstones/ Harthill Estate. In this development, 12.9 acres of one of Liverpool's most loved parks would be lost. Although according to Councillor Richard Kemp 90% of local residents are opposed to the proposals, despite a well attended protest on the day of the planning committee's visit and over 1000 letters of objection, the Mayor of Liverpool maintains that everybody is happy with this development.

In 1914, Harthill Estate was purchased by Liverpool City Council to join the adjacent Calderstones Estate. Since that time, local people have recognised Harthill/Calderstones Estate as one combined entity for public use and enjoyment. Although the Mayor contends that Harthill Estate is a separate entity, the Council's own website makes reference to the miniauture railway as being an amenity of Calderstones Park. This miniature railway, that has given rides to generations of children since 1943 and Beechley Stables, an oversubscribed facility for disabled riders, will be forced to relocate as a result of this application.

Currently, just 16% of the Liverpool area is considered to be green space. The austerity measures which the Council maintain justify the sale will inevitably be temporary, but once this green space is gone, it is lost as an amenity to this and future generations. Therefore, those who have signed below oppose this proposal, and urge the Council to reconsider the approval of this development.