A Wirral councillor has said plans to build close to 300 homes on the borough's green belt are "personal", as a consultation on the development gets under way.
Housing developer Taylor Wimpey is proposing to create "a new community" on land north of Lever Causeway and west of Mount Road in Bebington. The plans would see up to 275 homes built on the site, which is classed as "grey belt" land due to its poorer quality.
A two-week consultation period, giving people the chance to have their say on the plans, began and will last until Sunday, November 22.
Councillor's objection
Local ward councillor Ed Lamb, of the Green Party, is objecting to the proposals. He told the ECHO: "This is a personal one for me as I grew up across the road."
He added: "I don't want to be a NIMBY, but when it comes to this, I am 100% a NIMBY." (NIMBY stands for not in my back yard)
Cllr Lamb claimed the grey belt definition is "debatable" and argued the development would lead to "more traffic and more pollution" in the area, with concerns also raised over local schools, doctors, and dentists, according to the councillor.
Petition and local concerns
Despite Wirral needing housing, Cllr Lamb suggested developers should focus on walkable developments and the regeneration of Birkenhead.
A petition against the development has been signed by over 1,200 locals. Among those who have put their name down are Paula Davenport and Janet Devoy.
While on a dog walk on Lever Causeway, the pair explained their grievances with the plans. Paula told the ECHO: "The infrastructure and schools here are already overwhelmed. It's going to change so much, it just won't be the same walking down here."
Janet pointed to the developer's commitment to creating green spaces within the plans. "It's already green now," she argued.
Developer's response
Taylor Wimpey says development on this type of land "helps to protect more sensitive green belt sites from development."
A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: "Our proposals for land off Lever Causeway would deliver a sustainable, well-considered new neighbourhood of high-quality homes, helping to meet a severe local housing need and demand.
"At Taylor Wimpey, we pride ourselves on building energy-efficient homes alongside community assets such as green spaces and children's play areas. The Lever Causeway proposals would deliver both.
"We are committed to reflecting local priorities while delivering much-needed new homes and we invite local people to have their say."
