Send seafront developer packing, says councillor

Feb 13 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

ONE of Wirral’s most senior councillors has insisted the authority would “resist” any attempt by developers to build on one of the borough’s prime open spaces.

Last week the Daily Post revealed that Isle of Man-based developers were poised to launch a bid to develop the 12 acres of land on the north Wirral coastline.

The prime seafront location is designated Green Belt and the revelation has infuriated many who fear the borough cannot afford to lose its open spaces.

Wirral Council’s Pat Hackett, cabinet member for regeneration and planning strategy said: “The land in question is Green Belt land and there are no proposals to review the status of this land to allow for development.

“The council is aware of Land Planning Group’s proposals, but no planning application has been submitted and in the event that an application is received, the council would resist it.”

Local campaigners led by chairman of Wallasey Conservatives, Ian Lewis, highlighted the threat to the land after learning of its acquisition by the Land Planning Group, based in Douglas on the Isle of Man.

They say the company acquired the land, designated as Green Belt, between Leasowe Common and the Leasowe Castle Hotel on the north Wirral coast and has been in discussion with the local authority about building luxury housing there.

On its website the company, which was originally formed in Liverpool, refers to the proposed development of the 12.85 acre parcel of land as “Sea View Meadows”.

It says, if given the planning go-ahead, the land “will be designed and landscaped to take full advantage of its Golf Course frontage and the outdoor lifestyle which is such a draw to this area”.

Last night Cllr Hackett said: “We have a policy not to build on Green Belt land and it’s as simple as that.

“While I cannot prejudge what the planning committee would do if an application were submitted, that policy remains in place.”

Cllr Hackett said he felt sure any attempt to build on that or other Green Belt land would also face considerable opposition from local people.

He said: “You only have to look at the battle to revive New Brighton which was on land which was actually designated for leisure, tourism and commercial use.

“Here we have Green Belt land which people actively use and enjoy.”

Mr Lewis, who first highlighted the company’s interest in developing the land off Leasowe Road, said the developers “should be sent packing”.

liammurphy