Disadvantaged east the focus as Wirral’s Local Plan is cleared
Planning inspectors have told the local authority it can formally adopt what it bills as the country’s first brownfield-only Local Plan, replacing a 25-year old development framework.
Wirral Council said: “This is a vital document which sets out how the borough should be developed over the next 18 years – what Wirral will look like for the next generation and beyond.”
Focused on brownfield sites, led by those in the traditionally more industrial eastern part of the peninsula, the Plan allocates land for housing, including supported living for the ageing population.
It also identifies potential sites for creating new jobs and indicates how supporting infrastructure could be delivered, including schools, open space and transport.
The Local Plan will replace Wirral’s current unitary development plan, which dates back to 2000, and provide the council with an up-to-date policy framework to guide planning. It will run to 2040.
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paul Stuart, said: “This is a significant moment for Wirral. The Local Plan is the foundation of our regeneration programme, one of the largest in the country. It supports much-needed new homes, better employment opportunities now and for the next generation, and helps make this borough more prosperous for everyone.”
As with all such plans, Wirral’s proposal was subject to public examination led by Planning Inspectors who subsequently instructed the council on necessary main modifications, which have now been made and signed off – leading Inspectors to declare the plan sound.
Cllr Stuart continued: “Wirral’s Local Plan has the capacity to deliver a real and lasting transformation for this borough. The Inspectors’ recognition and support of the council’s brownfield-only strategy show how effective this approach promises to be.
“The Plan focuses on developing previously used land, mainly in the east of the borough. By doing this, we aim to make real progress in addressing significant inequalities – such as health, life expectancy, and wealth – that exist between the east and west of Wirral, while also protecting our rich natural and built heritage.”
All documentation relating to the Local Plan’s development and the Planning Inspectors’ input can be found here on Wirral’s website.
Wirral’s population is ageing and stagnant, at a time of considerable population growth. If families can’t buy houses where they want to live, then they’ll look elsewhere – which they are clearly doing in Wirral’s case. Not many families with young kids aspire to live on Birkenhead docks…
By Birket Boy
Fantastic news for the Wirral. The council and all that campaigned over the last 10 years to get this over the line should be applauded. It shows what can be done when you get a council that listens to its residents to deliver a truly transformational plan whilst protecting natural habitats and green spaces.
By Peter Smith
Completely overlooks housing need in for half of the Borough (West Wirral). What about housing for our families and children?
Huge huge failure in terms of meeting housing need that will help drive long term sustainable economic growth of the Borough and Region. Housing on Brownfield land in East Wirral should be absolutely commended and supported but that is only half the story. The Local Plan should support planned growth throughout the Borough.
Now the housing developers will decide which greenbelt / greybelt sites come forward when the housing supply numbers aren’t met (it always takes longer than planned).
We need a proper grown up Local Plan not a politically benign one.
By IMBY please
@IMBY please is entirely right: this is a plan driven by all four party leaders, who have viewed it through a shared political prism rather than through the one marked ‘need’. No good will come of such sorcery.
By Anonymous
Well said Peter Smith!! What a balanced and well thought out comment.
By Piermaster
Can’t wait for the moment LCR has to do a spatial plan. I’m sure Wirral are going to be so supportive.
By Rich X
IMBY please obviously has a vested interest on a site in an affluent village on the west of the borough.
By Bob Todd
Bob Todd obviously lives in an affluent village on the west of the borough but doesn’t believe that younger generations should have the same opportunity.
By Anonymous
Anonymous @3:16pm obviously doesn’t think Wirrals natural environment, green spaces and farmland shouldn’t be protected and won’t be satisfied until they are all covered in houses.
By Peter Smith
Anonymous @3.16, who could also be IMBY please – I live in the shadow of Tranmere Rovers FC, but I appreciate the western side of the borough. I don’t want to see beauty spots like Caldy Hill destroyed by anywhere housing estates.
By Bob Todd