A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build a hotel at a key seafront site in Wirral faces more threats to its future.

The Sail project in West Kirby – which includes a hotel and new sailing school on the edge of the marine lake – has faced opposition from local councillors.

But last month the project’s developers were given approval by Wirral Council’s ruling cabinet to press ahead with the scheme.

However, last night it was revealed that Conservative councillors have called that decision in.

The call-in will mean the decision faces additional scrutiny by the economy and regeneration overview committee – which is due to meet on Tuesday, October 27.

Cllr Gerry Ellis, who led the call-in, said he believed the mass of public opinion in the area was against the plans.

Cllr Ellis said: “The reason is it would mean a loss of the attractive open aspect in that part of West Kirby.

“The plans will also mean loss of essential car parking paces, there is likely to be extra traffic congestion – and it’s an awful design, like a 1960s block of flats or a shoebox.”

The call-in cites these factors and calls for “independently conducted consultation”.