Wirral's independent local news website
Labour campaigners have blasted Leverhulme Estate’s applications to build on essential greenbelt land.
The landowners have made applications across multiple sites to build 800 homes, none of which are covered by the new local plan, which offers brownfield sites for development of housing and more green spaces. and creates green spaces for future generations.
Gail Jenkinson, who leads Labour’s campaigning team in Greasby, Frankby and Irby, has gained more than 4,500 signatures in a petition to oppose the schemes. She is now urging members of the public to join her in formal opposition through the planning process.
It should be taken into account that the council can only refuse the proposals due to certain criteria as listed in the National Planning Policy Framework. Objecting to the proposals by claiming a loss of their personal view over greenfield sites is not a consideration, however devastating this might feel.
The objections that can be raised that will be taken into account are:(a) to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas;(b) to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another;(c) to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment;(d) to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and(e) to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.
Other site-specific factors people could include in their comments include the impact on wildlife, especially if a site is of biological importance or suffer the loss of public rights of way.
Gail Jenkinson says, “The Labour-led local plan has space for 18,000 homes by regenerating areas of Birkenhead, Liscard and Seacombe. This includes enough for the government targets and approximately 6,000 contingency places. We simply do not need to build on greenbelt land.”
“Our local services are already under strain,” explains Gail. “Irby Primary is full and health services are creaking. Irby would run into Thingwall, removing the separation of villages that greenbelt is meant to provide.”
The proposed sites:
Gail also highlights the issues with the sites themselves; “The proposed development adjacent to Arrowe Brook will have a knock-on effect downstream, including areas such as Brookway, Greasby that are already prone to flooding.
“The compound effect of building at Arrowe Brook Park, adjacent to Arrowe Brook, must be considered. It has The homes have a larger footprint than the original hard standing and removed 10s of mature trees that used to soak up water from Arrowe Brook were removed. The effects of this development will not be known for several years
“Also, there are at least two sewage overflow points on Arrowe Brook. It is known that the sewage infrastructure is not fit for purpose. Building at the top of Arrowe Brook makes it more likely that sewage will be discharged, to run through residential areas in Greasby and Upton.”
To view the planning applications, go to https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html and choose ‘search for planning applications’, or follow the links below. Objections can be made through online comments or by emailing planningapplications@wirral.gov.uk
https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=128513
https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=128515
https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=128514
https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=128516
https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=128517
https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=128510
https://online.wirral.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=128518
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