Latest News & Views – June 2008
Some Proposed Developments
- Proposed Polyclinic at The ‘Warrens Demonstration Area’, Thingwall Road East, Thingwall - As the closing date for comments was 8th May, the Society has now submitted its objection to this proposed development, to the Secretary of State. For more details on the Society’s stance, please see ‘Earlier Reports’ section. It is also of interest to note 2 Reports published recently each cast major doubts on the efficacy of these developments
- Lee ‘Farm’ -Thurstaston - The Society continues to be most disappointed at the turn of events in this particularly important part of Wirral, which is covered not only by Green belt legislation, but by an ‘Article 4 Direction’ because of its special landscape designation. The developments that have been taking place here, without Planning Permission, are a flagrant breach of the planning system and seem to have by-passed Wirral Council. We are still trying to establish the reason why this has happened.
- Proposed Gwynt-y-Mor Windfarm - The Society remains concerned at the massive scale of this proposed development. If it goes ahead, as is likely, it would involve the construction of some 250 turbines beyond Hilbre island, and close to the North Wales coast which would be of a similar height to those erected recently at Burbo Bank, off New Brighton. Whilst nothing official has been heard this year, the prospect of the development going ahead is high, given the Government statement in December that some 7,000 offshore turbines would be built around Britain’s coastline by 2020. The Society is not necessarily against the loss of landscape or seascape for such purposes, where cost- benefits can be shown to outweigh the loss of amenity. As it is likely that these highly expensive turbines will be producing electricity for less than a third of their working life it is hard to show this can be demonstrated.
- Proposed Golf Resort Hoylake - We still remain concerned at the proposal to use Wirral’s precious Green Belt, to locate a ‘signature’ golf course, together with all the trappings of such a development – private clubhouse, major ‘5*’ hotel with restaurant,health & leisure facilites, & deluxe spa’. |These, if approved, would go way beyond what is acceptable in respect of a recreationa;l development in the Green Belt. Whilst the land proposed to be used for this development is low-lying and not of high agricultural quality, it is actively farmed, a haven for wildlife – for birds (especially over-wintering migrant waders and nesting Lapwings) and, above all, serves the Green Belt function of maintaining a separation between communities. Whilst again we would not wish to see economic development stifled, we maintain the full cost of such change needs to be properly considered. We are unhappy that this Council proposal has gone out to the Market, without serious consultation.
- Proposed major supermarket at Neston - The Society has been asked to make representatations to the Council, in respect of this Application to build on one of the main car parks in the Town Centre. We have examined the scheme and are very unhappy at the potential loss of so much land, not only for car parking, but as the focus of events and activities that currently take place there. We have therefore written in these terms to the Council.
- Proposed 25m Mast on land at Irby Cricket Club, Mill Hill Road, Irby - The Society has been notified of the proposed conmstruction of this mast. As this loaction is in the Wirral green Belt, we have lodged a strong objection to its construction. However, we have suggested that there looks to be space on the major mast located in the centre of Irby village, nearby and the necessary transmitter be located there.
- Trees - The society has enquired of the two main Councils in the peninsula what, if any arrangements exist for them to respond to reports of trees being threatened with damage or destruction, outside office hours.
Some Initiatives
- Conservation Area Conference - The Society, as part of its 80th Year Celebrations, is organising a Conservation Area Conference on Saturday 1st November at Birkenhead Town Hall. The aim is to bring together those responsible for the management of these especially important places, with those who have a special interest in helping to secure their long-term future. To this end we have contacted representatives from each Conservation Area in the Peninsula, together with key members of our local councils and othe public bodies, seeking their attendance.
- Footpath 'Fingerposts' - Many of these fingerposts are now looking somewhat dilapidated. The society, together with the Wirral Footpaths & Open spaces Preservation Society, have made a joint approach to Wirral Council inviting their support for an initiative to undertake a programme of restoration. Following a meeting some months ago between our two organisations and Wirral Council’s Footpaths Officer to take this proposed scheme forward, we await a report on progress from the Council.
- 'Cheshire Railings' - These black & white wrought iron railings are a feature of this peninsula. Unfortunately, as no public or private landowner is prepared to take responsibility for them, many are falling into decay. The Society has been trying for some months now, to promote a repainting scheme in conjunction with various organisations, but unfortunately – and understandably – health & safety considerations have, to date, made the idea of such renovation scheme untenable. We are liaising with our colleagues in other CPRE Districts in Cheshire to see if they have any ideas for a solution
