Residents are being invited to comment on plans for almost 300 homes on Wirral's green belt. Developer Taylor Wimpey hopes to create "a new community" on land off Lever Causeway in Bebington, with outline plans for up to 275 new homes.
Of the proposed homes, 35% would be affordable. The land, north of Lever Causeway and west of Mount Road, is described as "grey belt" land, which is poorer quality green belt land.
Green space at the heart of the neighbourhood
Taylor Wimpey said building on the poorer green belt land "helps to protect more sensitive green belt sites from development". Green space is said to be at the heart of the neighbourhood, with plans including open areas for exercising and socialising, a children's play area and extensive new planting.
The proposals remain at an early stage. A two-week consultation period has begun and will last until Sunday, November 22.
Developer's commitment to local priorities
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."
Council's brownfield-first stance
Wirral Council's stance on such developments has been reaffirmed. In July, councillors voted for a motion recommitting the council to a "brownfield first" approach, which the motion stated allows the council to "support regeneration while protecting the green belt".
At the time, the leader of the council, Cllr Paula Basnett, said: "We know Wirral needs more homes. Homes that young people can afford. Homes for families to grow in. Homes for older residents who want to downsize. But more importantly, affordable and social housing."
"But we also have a responsibility that the number of homes we're asked to deliver reflects the character and circumstances of our borough." Cllr Basnett added: "This is not about saying no to new homes. It's about saying yes to the right homes, in the right places."
Residents can have their say by visiting the dedicated project website and submitting a feedback form at landofflevercauseway.co.uk, calling the community information line on 0333 358 0502 (open 9am–5.30pm, Monday to Friday), emailing comments to landofflevercauseway@havingyoursay.co.uk, or writing to FREEPOST SHAPE TOMORROW.
