Peel escapes call-in for Wirral Waters

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has approved Peel Group's application for the £4.5bn Wirral Waters scheme, removing the hurdle of a much anticipated public inquiry.

The 18m sq ft mixed-use proposed development in the East Float are of Wallasey and Birkenhead Docks was approved by the local authority in August. Pickles' decision means it will not be called in for a public inquiry.

Lindsey Ashworth, Peel Development Director, said: The ridiculous "black hole" of a planning system that we have had to suffer in the UK for more years than I can remember is finally starting to show signs of common sense. The planning shackles that have been holding back progress and job creation are being loosened at long last."

There has been a notable change in climate for public inquiries during the recession and especially under the new Coalition government in favour of developers, as MPs seek to accelerate any potential building activity, reward private sector investment and cut the cost of refereeing legal battles.

Cllr Jeff Green, leader of the council, said: "It's not every day that a leader of a council is given the go-ahead to see 26,000 jobs created. I am delighted the Government has demonstrated its trust in allowing local people to make the decision and will not 'call in' the Wirral Waters plan for national review.

"This is a £4.5bn project which will create many thousands of jobs over 10-15 years. It is a landmark day for Wirral and is tremendous news.

"When I was in China, I spoke to people about possible investment opportunities. Now we have full outline planning we can start marketing the plans to other potential investors. There was real interest shown in China in terms of Wirral Waters and Liverpool Waters. We need to now get cracking and start seeing these jobs created."

In October, Peel submitted similar plans to Liverpool City Council for a dockland redevelopment across the Mersey in north Liverpool.

Turley Associates advised Peel Group on Wirral Waters.