A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a GP “super-surgery” on greenbelt land has been given the go-ahead.

Hundreds of campaigners, both for and against, packed a planning meeting at Wallasey Town Hall last night to have their say on the future of medical provision in west Wirral.

Wirral PCT had wanted to build the new centre, relocating surgeries at Heswall, Irby and Thingwall, on land at the former Warrens nursery, next to Arrowe Park.

An earlier scheme had been rejected by councillors, despite being recommended by planning officers, but a revamped, smaller scale plan proved more successful.

The main sticking point appeared to be the “very exceptional circumstances” required by planning law to build on greenbelt land.

Last night, planning officers agreed these had been met and recommended the plan be approved.

But a succession of petitioners pleaded with the planning committee to throw out the plan for a second time.

Val Curtis said the “structures” already at the sight were non-permanent greenhouses and polythene plant tunnels and that constructing permanent buildings would affect greenbelt openness.

She also said: “We’re told this will be more accessible. It won’t be more accessible.

“It will have an adverse effect on patients and residents.”