A maverick councillor has set himself against Southport's Jewish congregation in a bid to stop a synagogue re-development.

The Arnside Road, Southport synagogue's congregation have submitted an outline planning application to the Council for the classic frontage of the synagogue to be retained but with 18 self-contained flats put behind it. The proposal, first put in to the council in March 2016, is coming before the planning committee again shortly.

Councillor David Barton has dived into the controversy, saying that a route to salvation for the building might be its "​POTENTIAL to be a good environment for bat species". While existing bat colonies are protected in planning law, the idea that attracting POTENTIAL bat colonies might stop a building from being re-developed is a ​novelty.

Councillor Barton also wants people to come forward to bail out the building. He says: " I would encourage any potential philanthropists and historical groups to get in touch if there is a possibility of supporting the ongoing maintenance of the building, so it may be enjoyed by many local people and visitors from outside Southport.”

Planning law is a minefield with many potential disappointments but who knows, perhaps Southport's new 'Bat man' may be the key to the future? It is not known whether, as part of his campaign, Councillor Barton will be swapping his trademark shiny blue suit for underpants outside the trousers.

Instead of coming up with these hare brained ideas why doesn't he realise that the building is going to close and the effects will be;-
It is going to be boarded up, vandalised and fall into decay and become an eyesore if not sold / redeveloped.
If obstacles are put in the way of developers they may walk away and the above will happen, possibly deliberately to force the Councils hand.

What other uses are there for a former place of worship other than Housing, storage or it's original use, possibly it could be turned into a Mosque.

Keeping the frontage is a good compromise. The councillor is an idiot.

Batshit crazy!

I have lived in Southport for ALL my 67 years and I have never been in the Synagogue in all that time, so how does he envisage me enjoying something that has NEVER stirred my interest so far??

March 2016 ?
Get the feeling that we've not had a fire for few years now.
Just a thought.
Does Mr Barmy have any business acumen?