More than 500 new homes proposed for one part of Wirral would be largely “welcome”, despite concerns over access to local amenities. Plans have been submitted to Wirral Council for 534 new homes in Bromborough.
Plans for former chemical works site
The plans, submitted by housing developers Vistry, include 424 homes ranging from one to four bedrooms, alongside an extra care facility providing 110 one and two bedroom apartments. The homes would be built on the site of the former Lubrizol Chemical Works on Dock Road South. Plans explain the land has remained vacant and derelict since the works closed in 2006.
Councillors' mixed reaction
The site sits within Wirral Council's Bromborough ward, which is represented by three Green Party councillors - Kieran Murphy, Ruth Molyneux, and Jo Bird. Cllr Murphy told the ECHO: “Generally speaking the ward councillors welcome these new homes,” adding they are pleased that over 40% of the units will be affordable homes.
However, Cllr Murphy said they do have reservations and concerns. He said they are “disappointed” with the proposed homes' distance from local amenities such as shops and schools. He said: “The nearest shops are the Croft Retail Park about a 20-minute walk away or Aldi on Port Causeway about a half an hour walk away.
“The public transport through that area leaves quite a bit to be desired, yes there are bus services through that area, but they're not the most reliable in the borough. Add to which, schools in that area are few and far between, the nearest high schools being in Bebington.”
Developer's response
On the proposals, Gareth Roberts, regional managing director of Vistry Merseyside and Cheshire West, said: “The proposals would deliver a diverse mix of homes, including extra care accommodation, alongside new public open space, improved access to the River Mersey frontage and enhanced connectivity through a new bus route and the extension of the Wirral Circular Trail.”
Documents accompanying the application said questions of the appropriate proximity to amenities had already been answered by the scheme obtaining outline approval earlier this year.
Public reaction
After the ECHO reported the plans, countless locals shared their views on Facebook. Numerous commenters praised the fact the plans make use of brownfield land. With Wirral's substantial green belt taking up almost half the borough's surface area, making use of available brownfield sites is seen as being of the upmost importance, especially in the face of high housing targets.
Some raised concerns over how local services will cope with so many additional homes. One commenter wrote: “Can’t get doctors or dental appointments at the moment.”
