A developer has explained why it has pulled back controversial plans to build 240 homes near Greasby.
Leverhulme Estates withdrew its eighth planning application after it appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, a government body. This follows plans for nearly 800 homes being rejected last week after an appeal inquiry.
The homes would have been built on Appleby's or Greenhouse Farm by Leverhulme and are part of major plans that could see nearly 8,000 homes built. The developer owns 30% of Wirral’s green belt and the applications were supposed to be the first phase of construction.
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Leverhulme put the application in last year and it was rejected by councillors unanimously in February following protests and thousands signing petitions against the plans.
The developer said the 240 homes would include 72 affordable properties with a mix of flats, homes, and bungalows as well as a new community park and walking and cycling routes. Opponents accused Leverhulme of putting profits over protecting Wirral's countryside.
Protestors pointed to the site's archaeological importance having been described as “6,000 years older than Stonehenge” with Roman pottery, coins, and even a Stone Age blade found there.
Leverhulme said the reason it pulled the appeal was to focus on challenging the council’s draft Local Plan. The policy will define where houses will be built on the Wirral over the next two decades and doesn’t include any developments on green belt land.
Nigel McGurk, head of planning and development for Leverhulme, said: “Further to last week’s Inspector’s decisions, it is clear that addressing the matters relating to Wirral’s absence of a deliverable Local Plan is the immediate priority for Leverhulme in providing much needed new homes.
“The decision to withdraw Leverhulme’s appeal regarding Wirral Council’s refusal of its Greasby application is in line with this position. While we are disappointed not to be able to pursue this appeal at this stage, Leverhulme will continue to work with others to highlight the urgent need for the delivery of housing in Wirral, where there has been little sign of a viable, deliverable Local Plan for decades.
“Leverhulme will also be reviewing the Inspector’s appeal decisions over the coming weeks, considering various options.
“We remain fully committed to playing our part in addressing Wirral’s acute housing shortage – especially family and affordable homes – in a realistic and deliverable manner.”
Green belt campaigner Phil Simpson said: “It is absolutely fantastic news that Leverhulme Estates have withdrawn their appeal. We have been fighting to save the green belt for many years, and I am absolutely over the moon.
“Thanks to everyone in our team who has come out and supported us. It’s not just one person; so many people have come out and supported us on all the occasions that we have needed to defend the green belt.
“We could not have asked for any more from our MP, Margaret Greenwood, who has been there alongside us and who has raised the matter in parliament on many occasions."
Ms Greenwood, Labour MP for Wirral West, said: "People care passionately about the green belt and want to see it protected and preserved for future generations.
“I have been proud to work closely beside local residents in opposing Leverhulme Estates’ proposals.
“The new homes that we so clearly need should be built on brownfield sites. The green belt must be preserved for the benefits it brings to people’s health and wellbeing and for the important part it has to play in restoring wildlife and mitigating the impact of climate change.”
Greasby, Frankby and Irby councillor Gail Jenkinson said: "Regeneration is the order of the day, not destruction of the green fields that are so vital for mental health and clean air.
“If any government is sincere about levelling up, it must support regeneration in the north and protect our greenbelt and farmland, narrowing the health and wealth divide and producing good quality, home-grown food.”
Wirral Council leader Cllr Paul Stuart said: “Defending these decisions in a public inquiry is time consuming, expensive, and diverts council staff from other duties.
“The council has made it clear that safeguarding the green belt is a priority for us and will continue to be so. Leverhulme’s decision is welcome and a sensible decision, especially given the huge public opposition to the plans.
“This decision means we can continue to focus on delivering our Local Plan and will make a massive difference to our ongoing efforts in protecting the green belt, whilst also meeting the housing and regeneration needs and wishes of our borough's residents.”
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