Northstone to start construction ‘immediately’ on 249 Bromborough homes
Having completed its acquisition of the nearly 20-acre site from Wirral Council, the Peel Group housebuilder is hoping to have the first residences complete by autumn 2026.
Northstone has been linked to the former Ministry of Defence site in Bromborough since February, but has only now finalised its purchase of the plot. Lambert Smith Hampton represented the local authority on the deal.
Construction of 249 homes is due to begin “immediately”, according to Northstone. The work will see the brownfield site come back into use after being vacant for 20 years.
The future homes will be a mix of two-, three-, and four-bed properties, with 25 set aside for affordable rent and another 25 reserved for shared ownership or right to buy. The residences themselves will be a mix of bungalows, apartments, townhouses, and semi-detached houses.
These homes will be built to the Future Homes Standard and are set to include air source heat pumps, solar panels, increased insulation, and fully electric infrastructure enabling them to be net zero in operation.
Reserved matters planning permission for the development was secured in October, thanks to agent Pegasus. The project team also included E3P, AJP, and Wardell Armstrong. The application reference is DLS/25/00068 on Wirral Council’s planning portal.
Northstone homes such as those pictured will start opening in Bromborough next autumn. Credit: via KRPR
Regarding the completion of the land deal, Wirral Council Leader Cllr Paula Basnett said: “This is a fantastic example of how Wirral Council is working with partners to unlock the potential of long vacant brownfield sites and deliver much needed new sustainable homes for our residents.
“The development by Northstone will breathe new life into land that has stood empty for decades, creating a vibrant new neighbourhood with green spaces and excellent connections to local amenities, all while creating jobs and supporting local businesses during the construction phase. It reflects our commitment to driving inclusive growth, tackling housing need and building a borough where people can enjoy a high quality of life in well-connected communities.”
Northstone senior land manager Katherine Ball added: “Purchasing the site at Bromborough marks a significant milestone in our continued growth and our commitment to bringing high-quality, sustainable new homes to the region.
“It is another strong example of how we are regenerating underutilised brownfield land and creating well-connected, future-ready communities.”
Elsewhere in the North West, Northstone has continued its acquisitive nature, purchasing land in South Heywood for 186 homes. A reserved matters application for that site is currently with Rochdale Council, with the housebuilder optimistic that it will be able to commence construction next year on the project.
Brilliant to see developers taking on brownfield sites rather than green field and greenbelt.
By Chris Oldfield
A perfect example of the folly of Wirral Council’s brownfield-only Local Plan, sacrificing scarce industrial land for housing in a borough with population growth of 0.1% between 2011 and 2021. Meanwhile, it is targeting growth in its dominant engineering, energy and maritime sectors who cluster around that area. This is just daft.
By Birket Boy
@Birket Boy – the sites been vacant for 20 years and the one next to it (Riverside Park) for the best part of a decade. Surely that’s evidence enough that there’s no demand for additional industrial / commercial uses in this location. Two developers seem willing to build residential on the sites so they must feel there is demand for housing here, otherwise they wouldn’t be taking that punt. Perhaps the reason population growth in the Wirral is so low is because they’ve barely built any houses there for a decade.
By Anonymous
@birket boy ; I understood Wirral population has grown circa 3% between 2021 to 2024 approx 9000 people. Brownfield, regeneration ,sector opportunity etc all important too as is housing.
By Mark Twain