Wirrals Local Plan Update – Inspectors Report

The government inspectors have provided their response to the Wirral Borough Council Local Plan. 

The inspectors report deemed the plan needed Main Modifications. 

However the council has deemed these as normal changes inspectors look to highlight. 

Overall the inspectors upheld the regeneration plan and therefore NO BUILDING ON GREENBELT OR GREENSPACES. 

There is still work for the council as “Main Modifications” need to be completed and there is to be a review in the future. 

Disappointingly the housing figures are based upon the 2014 ONS (Office of National Statistics) figures that have been proven to be widely excessive. Hopefully the next ONS data will be more accurate. There is also disappointment in not counting an empty homes allowance, or windfalls for the first 3 years. However, if these do materialise, they will still count towards delivery.

Basically, we still need to be vigilant as we have seen how quickly landowners such as Leverhulme Estates and developer consortium’s can jump upon any small error or fault in order to attempt the destruction of Wirral Greenbelt and Green Spaces. 

The council will need to ensure the regeneration plans proceed and achieve the housing numbers reflected within the Local Plan.

The next step is firstly to be very appreciative in public of the politicians of all parties who pushed this through.

However we must ensure the work is completed and the plan is adopted well in advance of any changes in Government. 

Having an adopted local plan and ready-made regeneration plans should prove irresistible if a new Government wants to invest in a local authority area that has got its act together. 

This isn’t meant to be party political – just a practical way to make sure the homes get built in the right area!

Great thanks must be given to all who have fought Leverhulme Estates and the developer consortiums. 

ITPAS has been integral in this fight, but special mentions need to go to the following:

• Wirral residents who took the time to attend the council meetings, distribute leaflets, send letters to Government and Council    and generally stand up for the little person.
• ITPAS Committee and Members
• John Heath – Planning Officer ITPAS & WGSA Convenor
• Phil Simpson – WGSA
• WGSA – Wirral Green Space Alliance
• Margaret Greenwood - MP
• Wirral councillors who supported the protection of Wirral Greenbelt and Green Spaces. 
  • Note not all the councillors supported us, so make sure you check who was supportive when you next vote.